The Faculty of Sciences is seeking to fill the following full-time vacancy in the Department of Biology

Doctoral student in the area of Plant / Vegetation Ecology

Job description

·         You prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of plant ecology, in particular with regard to the effects of climate extremes (extreme drought, heat, ….) on vegetations and ecosystems;

·         You contribute to teaching and research in the Department of Biology / Faculty of Sciences / research group of Plant and Vegetation Ecology.

Profile and requirements

·         You hold a master degree in Biology or in Bio-engineering, with a  special interest in ecology and or environmental studies;

·         You can submit outstanding academic results;

·         Also students in the final year of their degree can apply;

·         The focus in your teaching correspond to the UA educational vision;

·         Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy(http://www.ua.ac.be/research) and you will actively participate in the practical courses of Plant Ecology and Physical Ecology;

·         You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative, customer-oriented and cooperative;

·         Experience with ecological field studies is preferred.

We offer

·         A doctoral scholarship for a period of two years, with the possibility of renewal for a further two-year period after positive evaluation;

·         The start date of scholarship will be October 1st, 2013;

·         A dynamic and stimulating work environment.

Interested ?

·         Applications may only be submitted online, until the closing date July 10th 2013;

·         A pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications. The remainder of the selection procedure is specific to the position and will be determined by the selection panel;

·         More information about the application form can be obtained from Ellen Huijer (TEL 00323 265 31 45) or Robin Wynants (TEL 00323 265 31 41);

·         For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please contact Prof. Dr. Reinhart Ceulemans, +32 (0)3 265 22 56; reinhart.ceulemans@ua.ac.be

Year after year, the University of Antwerp has the privilege of welcoming ever more students. This is no coincidence. Innovative instruction, ground-breaking research and excellent guidance: students and researchers consciously choose the University of Antwerp for these reasons. Each day, our 4 000 employees go to great lengths to achieve them. We are constantly looking for  colleagues who are ready to join us in our university and help us contribute to our mission.

In the department of biology of the Faculty of Sciences two full-time PhD-fellowships are available m/f):

1. Silicate fertilization, crop production and carbon storage: a new and integrated concept for sustainable management of agricultural ecosystems
2. The influence of cultivation on pedogenic and biogenic sinks for Si   

Job description

The Ecosystem Management Research Group (ECOBE) is active in basic scientific research towards ecological and biogeochemical processes in rivers, wetlands and ecosystems in general, and in applied environmental research aimed at optimizing ecosystem management. The group has in the last 8 years established itself as one of the leading research groups investigating the emerging hypothesis that there is biological control on Si biogeochemistry, emphasizing the importance of landscape cultivation for Si biogeochemistry. Silicon is a globally important element and cycling directly impacts on some of the most important carbon sinks.

Fellowship 1 focuses on the active management of silicon-carbon interactions in temperate cropland soils, through the addition of olivine silicate fertilizers. This new concept investigates the possibility to increase cropland production through Si fertilization, at the same time providing a new sink for atmospheric carbon due to CO2-uptake during olivine weathering. The novel concept will be studied through a combination of in situ and ex situ experiments and advanced modeling using state-of-the-art packages for Si-C interactions in soils. The project is a direct cooperation with the Research Group of Plant and Vegetation Ecology (PLECO), University of Hamburg and Géoscience Environnement Toulouse.

Fellowship 2 focuses on the fractionation of different pedogenic and biogenic silica sinks using a novel extraction technique recently developed at University of Antwerp. While it is now clear that land use influences the sink and source function of soils for Si, major questions still remain regarding potential sources and sinks for Si in the soils. It is a direct cooperation with University of Louvain-la-Neuve, where Si isotopes in the same soils will be studied (potential sampling sites include cultivation gradients in Spain and Brazil).

Profile and requirements

• You have a master’s or engineers degree in Chemistry, Biology, Geology or Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences or in a relevant research field, or will acquire one before October 2013
• You are an ambitious young researcher, prepared to dig for the full 100% into an innovative new research topic
• You are looking for a multidisciplinary research project, linking biological, geological and ecological research aspects.

We offer

• A challenging and rewarding research fellowship in a dynamical research environment, within the framework of two new large research projects funded by Research Foundation Flanders and Belgian Science Policy.
• The contract can take effect from October 2013; a PhD fellowship in Flanders covers 4 years of full-time research. Intermediate evaluation occurs after year 1 and 2.
• A wide range of possibilities to attend scientific courses
• Regular dissemination of you research at international conferences
• A flexible research environment, where you receive a significant freedom in developing your own research project. This occurs in continuous interaction with the team leaders, and should enhance and stimulate the scientific achievements within the research group.

Interested?

• Please apply before May 20, 2013.
• Applications may only be submitted online.

More information about the fellowship can be obtained by contacting Dr. Eric Struyf ( eric.struyf@ua.ac.be , tel: +3232652304)

The University of Antwerp strives to contribute to an open, democratic and multi-cultural society. We are a family friendly environment and follow an equal-opportunities policy.

The Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry group (BMS) is a multidisciplinary team in the Department of Chemistry/Center for Proteomics (Faculty of Sciences) at the University of Antwerp/Belgium. We are looking for a highly motivated

PhD student

Description:

The BMS group (Prof. Frank Sobott) recently received funding for a collaborative center which will investigate dynamic protein structures and interactions by different spectroscopic techniques.
The collaboration involves groups from different departments which use mass spectrometry, laser spectroscopy and biochemical/biophysical characterization to investigate “Protein structures in 4D” of biomedical interest.

You will be developing the experimental methods further, in particular based on mass spectrometry, and collaborate with the other groups and work on a variety of aspects of protein characterization. You will also prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of Protein Mass Spectrometry/Structural Biology, and contribute to teaching in the Sciences.

Profile and requirements

·         You hold a master’s degree in Chemistry or Physics, or perhaps Biochemistry; students in the final year of their degree can also apply;

·         You ideally have some prior experience in either mass spectrometry, (bio)physical chemistry, spectro­scopy or structural biology;

·         You have a strong interest in applying these techniques to molecules of biological interest;

·         You can manage your own research and submit outstanding academic results;

·         You can communicate well in English (written and spoken);

·         Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy ( http://www.ua.ac.be/research );

·         You are prepared to apply for external funding of your project via Belgian funding bodies;

·         You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative, and cooperative.

We offer

·         A doctoral scholarship for an initial period of 1 year, which can be extended to 4 years after a positive evaluation;

·         An exciting project at the interface of Physical and Life Sciences, in an international and multi-disciplinary context;

·         The start date of the scholarship will be October 1^st 2013, or at an earlier date as agreed;

·         A very competitive monthly salary;

·         A dynamic and stimulating work environment;

·         Life in an attractive, international city at the heart of Europe.

Interested?

·         Applications to be submitted online;

·         Include your curriculum vitae, a motivation letter and the names and contact information for at least two references;

·         For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please feel free to contact Prof. Frank Sobott (frank.sobott@ua.ac.be).

The Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry group (BMS) is a multidisciplinary team in the Department of Chemistry/Center for Proteomics (Faculty of Sciences) at the University of Antwerp/Belgium. We are looking for a highly motivated

Postdoctoral Researcher

Description:

The BMS group (Prof. Frank Sobott) develops and uses methods based on native mass spectrometry and ion mobility to investigate large noncovalent assemblies of (bio-)molecules. Current topics in-clude protein conformational studies and the assembly, architecture and dynamics of DNA-regulating enzymes. We also develop and modify instrumentation in collaboration with manufacturers. The lab has a Synapt G2 (with ETD) and a high-mass Q-Tof2 and will acquire a customized Synapt G1 for the purpose of this project.

The Center for Proteomics has recently been established as a collaborative platform at the University of Antwerp. It comprises several groups which work in the areas of LC-MS analysis and proteomics. The Center has a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment, including an Orbitrap Velos (with ETD and FAIMS), 4800 MALDI TOF/TOF, triple quad and ion trap instruments, as well as Nanomate inlet devices, 1D and 2D LC/nano-LC, and extensive bioinformatics support.

The candidate will be employed to lead efforts in a large, EU-funded collaboration on the structure and assembly of histone-regulating enzyme complexes, using non-denaturing mass spectrometry and ion mobility approaches.

Profile and requirements

·         You hold a PhD in Chemistry or Physics, or perhaps Biochemistry;

·         You have prior experience in biological mass spectrometry;

·         Knowledge of (bio)physical chemistry, spectroscopy or structural biology would be a bonus;

·         You can manage your own research and submit outstanding academic results;

·         You can communicate well in English (written and spoken);

·         Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy (http://www.ua.ac.be/research);

·         You are willing to apply for an independent postdoctoral fellowship;

·         You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative, and cooperative.

We offer

·         An appointment as a postdoctoral researcher for a period of one year, with a possibility for extension of 2 years;

·         An exciting project at the interface of Physical and Life Sciences, in an international and multi-disciplinary context;

·         The date of appointment will be as soon as possible;

·         A very competitive monthly salary;

·         A dynamic and stimulating work environment;

·         Life in an attractive, international city at the heart of Europe.

Interested?

·         Applications to be submitted online;

·         Include your curriculum vitae, publication list, a motivation letter and the names and contact information for at least two references;

·         For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please feel free to contact Prof. Frank Sobott (frank.sobott@ua.ac.be).

The VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center) supports the HPC activities in all Flemish university associations (vscentrum.be). The HPC core facility of the University of Antwerp (calcua.ua.ac.be) is looking for

                                                                                                    a full-time HPC analyst

Job description

·        You take part in the first-line support, you advise and assist researchers in using specialized software, modifying existing code and writing new code (using MPI, OpenMP etc. and optimizing for specific hardware);

·        You inform potential users within the university associations, research centers and industry, make them aware of the infrastructure and motivate them;

·        You develop courses, together with your VSC colleagues and other specialists, such that researchers use the infrastructure in an optimal way. You also teach some of the courses;

·        You identify the needs and you advise on software installation and upgrades.

Profile

·        You obtained a PhD or master degree in sciences or applied sciences with an extensive ICT program;

·        You are familiar with scientific computing;

·        you are an experienced user of scientific software, both as an end-user as well as a developer;

·        You have a strong interest in computational problems, also outside the (applied) sciences (e.g., economics, medicine, sociology, linguistics) and you have extensive programming experience;

·        Since you will be working in an academic environment, we assume some affinity for scientific research;

·        You are interested in a customer-related service, you have excellent communication skills in English, working knowledge of Dutch is an asset;

·        You are flexible, responsible and a team player.

We offer

A full-time employment starting at July 1, 2013 or at a later date as agreed for a period of 1 year, which can be extended.

Procedure

A preselection is based on your letter of application, your letters of recommendation and CV. Selected candidates are invited for tests and/or an interview.

Your application letter, 2 letters of recommendation and CV should arrive not later than April 30, 2013 at the Universiteit Antwerpen, attn. Prof. Annie Cuyt, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Middelheimlaan 1, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium.

More information: Prof. Annie Cuyt, tel. +32 3 265 3898 / +32 3 265 3860 or Annie.Cuyt@ua.ac.be.

The Faculty of Sciences is seeking to fill the following full-time vacancy in the Evolutionary Ecology Group of the Department of Biology:

Doctoral student in Ecology

Evolutionary Ecology of nest-parasite communities in cavity-nesting birds

Despite the multitude of studies on nestbox-breeding birds, surprisingly little attention has been paid to host-parasite interactions, and to nest parasites in particular. Moreover, most studies have focused on single parasite species without considering interactions among different parasite species or factors governing parasite diversity. Aside from their relevance to their bird hosts, nest parasites can also be studied as ecological communities in their own right. Thanks  to their highly standardized conditions and amenability to field experiments with a high degree of spatial replication, nestboxes can be regarded as semi-natural mesocosms that can be used for investigating topics such as interspecific interactions, dispersal and environmental gradients such as urbanization. The present project originated as part of an inter-university, multi-taxon research project on eco-evolutionary dynamics along a single urbanization gradient in Belgium (“SPEEDY”), including communities ranging from birds to plants to aquatic zooplankton .  The project is also embedded in a long-term research programme on population dynamics and evolutionary ecology of cavity-nesting birds.

The specific objectives of this PhD project are (1) to describe variation in species richness, community structure and functional diversity of parasites and commensal species  inhabiting nests of great tits (Parus major)alongan urbanization gradient in Belgium; (2) to study the impact of parasite communities on host fitness, using demographic data collected in an ongoing population study; (3) to study how prevalence and abundance of parasite species are affected by ecological interactions within the nest (competition, mutualism, predation) and how these interactions vary along the urbanization gradient; and (4) to analyze the potential for evolutionary change along this gradient by studying variation at genotypic (using neutral markers) and phenotypic level (life history traits, virulence- and dispersal-related traits) for one or more parasite species.

Profile and requirements

·         You hold a Master degree in Biology or comparable with a strong background in ecology and evolutionary biology;

·         You can submit outstanding academic results;

·         You have a solid training in both uni- and multivariate statistical analysis;

·         Experience with parasite research, entomology and/or community ecology is an advantage;

We offer

·         A doctoral scholarship for a period of two years, with the possibility of renewal for a further two-year period after positive evaluation;

·         The starting date of the scholarship will be April 1^st 2013;

·         You will enrol in the Antwerp Doctoral School training program ( www.ua.ac.be/ads ) allowing you to take part in various courses, training programs and conferences within and outside the university;

·         You will work in a team of several PhD students, postdocs and technical staff involved in eco-evolutionary research on birds and bird parasites;

·         You will be member of the Evolutionary Ecology group, a dynamic and internationally-oriented research group that combines field, lab and modelling approaches to study various questions in ecological and evolutionary research, mainly focusing on birds and mammals ( www.ua.ac.be/eveco ).

Interested?

·         Applicants should send their complete CV, a one-page statement of research interests and motivation for this project, and contact information of two referees who can supply letters of recommendation upon our request;

·         Applications should be submitted by email to Prof. Erik Matthysen at erik.matthysen@ua.ac.be until the closing date: 20 January 2013;

·         For more information, contact Erik Matthysen at the same email adress or at (+32) 3265 3464

The University of Antwerp strives to contribute to an open, democratic and multi-cultural society. We follow an equal-opportunity policy.

The Faculty of Sciences of the University of Antwerp, in collaboration with the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), is seeking to fill the following full-time vacancy in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

Post-doctoral researcher in the field of data mining for proteomics

The research will be conducted within the Advanced Database Research and Modelling (ADReM) lab of the UA department of Mathematics and Computer Science, and within the UA/Vito Center for Proteomics. ADReM is a leading group in European data mining research. The Center for Proteomics (CFP) is a joint research center funded and operated by VITO and the University of Antwerp. CFP incorporates academic research based on mass spectrometry and related techniques, as well as applications in a wide range of biomedical areas. This position is situated in the context of the IWT-SBO project “inspector: an integrated informatics platform for mass spectrometry-based protein assays”. The candidate will conduct research to develop new data mining and machine learning algorithms supporting “mass-spectrometry based proteomics (MS proteomics)”. MS proteomics is a powerful and promising domain for biotechnology and hospital, but the enormous complexity of its data requires novel, robust data processing techniques.

Job description

You will perform research on the development of novel data mining and machine learning techniques, with a focus on translating the challenges of MS proteomics data processing into novel algorithms and data processing workflows. You will work closely with domain experts to understand the data and its particular problems, and you will supervise their applicability in a real laboratory setting. In collaboration with bioinformaticians these newly developed methods will be embedded in a user-friendly software environment and application-programming interface. You co-supervise PhD students working in this and related projects. You collaborate with researchers in different disciplines (from computational sciences to life sciences) within the consortium (UA, VIB-UGent, Vito and KULeuven) and with (mainly biotech) companies of the project user committee.

Profile and requirements

·         You have a doctoral degree in (applied) data mining, bioinformatics or chemoinformatics with an excellent publication track record;

·         You are strong in interdisciplinary English communication, quality-oriented and creative, and eager to emerge in new scientific disciplines. Proven people and project management skills and ability to attract research funds are a plus;

·         Previous experience in p rotein bioinformatics, mass spectrometry or other ‘omics techniques is an advantage.

We offer

·         A postdoctoral research position for a period of two years, with the possibility of renewal after positive evaluation. The default start date of the position is March 1^st 2013;

·         A salary commensurate with your experience and academic qualifications;

·         A dynamic, stimulating and multinational work environment.

Interested?

Candidates are invited to send a motivation letter, a detailed CV (including courses, grades, previous work, publications) and contact info of at least two references (including email addresses and phone numbers) to Prof. Kris Laukens ( kris.laukens@ua.ac.be ) and Prof. Dirk Valkenborg ( dirk.valkenborg@vito.be ). Don’t hesitate to contact us in advance for more information.

2 predoc positions in the field of quantitative X-ray computed tomography for food processing

Description:

The Vision Lab ( http://www.visielab.ua.ac.be/ ) is a dynamic research group of the physics department at the University of Antwerp. The Vision Lab has unique expertise in the development of tomographic image reconstruction, processing and analysis methods.  Application domains are Computed tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Electron Tomography.

The current position involves the development of 1) discrete tomography and 2) neural networks for X-ray computed tomography in food processing.

Your profile:

·        You have a master degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Applied sciences;

·        You have a strong background in mathematics and interest in scientific research;

·        You have profound programming skills in C++ and/or Matlab;

·        You have excellent communication skills (English);

·        You want to work in a team of researchers on the topic of model based image reconstruction.

Our offer:

·        An exciting research trajectory towards a PhD;

·        Multidisciplinary research: cooperation with academic research groups (Univ. Antwerp, KU Leuven, Amsterdam)  and industrial partners;

·        Top-computer infrastructure;

·        Competitive salary

Applications:

Interested candidates are invited to send

·        A motivation letter

·        A detailed CV (including followed courses, grades, previous work, publications,  …

·        Contact info of at least two references

to Karen Dierckxsens  ( karen.dierckxsens@ua.ac.be ) with Prof Sijbers ( jan.sijbers@ua.ac.be ) in copy.

Prof. Dr. Jan Sijbers

University of Antwerp

Universiteitsplein 1

Campus Drie Eiken, N.1.13

B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium

Email: jan. sijbers@ua.ac.be

http://visielab.ua.ac.be/staff/sijbers/

Postdoc position in the domain of theory of quantum systems

Project

The research group ‘theory of quantum and complex systems’ (TQC) has an open postdoc position on quantum liquids of exciton-polaritons. Exciton-polaritons are quasi particles in semiconductor heterostructures that combine good coherence properties with strong interactions. Because of these favorable properties, they are an ideal laboratory system for the study of bosonic quantum gases. Thanks to our collaborations with experimental laboratories, our predictions can be tested in practice.

Group

TQC is a research group in the department of physics at the University of Antwerp with large expertise in the domain of solid state physics, quantum gases and quantum liquids. The research activities range from superconductivity over atomic gases to quantum liquids of electrons in Helium bubbles and exciton-polaritons.

Requirements

The candidate for the positions must have a phD in physics, a background in theoretical physics, in the field of quantum optics, quantum gases or solid state physics. The researcher is expected to be open to discussions and collaborate with the other members of the group.

Contract

One year with the possibility for prolongation up to three years.

Additional information

Additional information on the job opening can be obtained from Prof. Dr. M. Wouters, tel: +32 3 265 24 80, michiel.wouters@ua.ac.be , CDE.N018.

You can apply by email ( michiel.wouters@ua.ac.be ), with the application you will provide a curriculum vitae.

T he University of Antwerp is seeking to fill the following vacancies (m/f) at the DepartmentBiology-Ethology of the Faculty of Sciences:

2 PhD students in Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology

Job description:

Although birdsong is a classic example of a sexually selected trait, individual song traits have often been studied in isolation and/or during a limited period during life. In our project we will adopt an integrative approach to study the causes and consequences of song behaviour in a great tit population in which males are being studied throughout life. Observational data and field experiments will be used to examine the fitness consequences of individual variation in all aspects of song (while simultaneously also considering other sexual traits). Particular attention can/will be paid on:

·         the links between song traits, personality and cognitive skills;

·         the role of song in intersexual communication, including movement behaviour during the dawn chorus (telemetry…)

·         the effects of pollution (for instance light pollution..) on song expression

·         the physiological basis of variation in song expression

A partly similar research program will be developed for blue tits (wild) and European Starlings (captivity).

Profile and requirements:

We are looking for enthusiastic persons interested in behavioural and evolutionary ecology, with good organizational skills, able to work independently as well as in a team, who would like to take this opportunity to combine field with experimental work in a well-equipped research group. Candidates should have a MSc in Biology or a related field.

Desirable: Fieldwork experience, and experience with birds or animals; bird ringing experience; full driving license; good knowledge of theory and research methods in behavioural, evolutionary ecology.

We offer :

• The possibility to join a dynamic and expanding group of researchers working on all 4 major aspects of animal behaviour (causation, development, function and evolution) and to learn many new techniques

• Freedom in developing your own research interests

• An initial 1-year contract, extendable for up to 4 years following a positive evaluation

• The positions should yield a Ph.D. degree of the University of Antwerp

• The positions will be filled as soon as possible

Interested?

Please send all application material including 1) your curriculum vitae 2) a brief (250 words) summary of your reasons for applying and 3) a letter of reference as single PDF-file as soon as possible to marcel.eens@ua.ac.be .

Further information can be obtained from: Marcel Eens, marcel.eens@ua.ac.be,phone +32 32652284, see also http://www.ua.ac.be/marcel.eens

Post-doctoral position in particle physics phenomenology

The particle physics group of the University of Antwerp is looking for a post-doctoral researcher in the field of QCD phenomenology.

The main topic of research of the group is the experimental study of fundamental interactions at large accelerators such as the LHC at CERN.  The group is however seeking to enlarge its activities to more theoretical/phenomenological studies, complementary to its experimental programme.  The candidate will have to conduct high quality and independent research and should contribute to the coaching of students doing a master or doctoral study in particle physics.

The position is available for an initial period of 1 year, with a possible extension of up to 3 years.  Ample computing facilities and a supporting research environment are available to the candidate.

Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and arrange to have two letters of recommendation sent to Pierre Van Mechelen.  More information about the position can be obtained at the same address.  The preferred method to apply is via e-mail, but applications are also accepted by regular mail at the following address:

Prof. Pierre Van Mechelen
Departement Fysica
Universiteit Antwerpen (CGB)
Groenenborgerlaan 171
2020 Antwerpen
Belgium

E-mail: Pierre.VanMechelen@ua.ac.be
Tel.: +32-3-265-3573
Fax.: +32-3-265-3318