[Coral-List] PhD position announcement: Ecological implications of shifts from hard corals to turf algae in modern turbid reefs

[Dr. Sebastian Ferse]

Dear Coral Listers,

An Early-Stage Researcher (w/m/d) (ESR) position is available at ZMT as part
of the EU-funded MSCA ETN ‘4D-REEF’ to start in October/ November 2019.

The Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (www.leibniz-zmt.de) in
Bremen is a member of the Leibniz Association, which is supported by the
German Federal and State Governments. Through its research, ZMT contributes
to developing science-based strategies for sustainable use of tropical
coastal systems. 

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF TURBID REEFS IN THE CORAL TRIANGLE
 (Reference number: 138)

For further ESR positions in the ETN, check the project website: 
https://www.naturalis.nl/en/4d-reef.
Using a variety of paleo-ecological and present-day data, 4D REEF
investigates the hypothesis that turbid coastal environments provide a
refuge for coral reefs in periods of warm climate. The key questions to be
addressed are: (1) What was the biodiversity of turbid reefs in the past and
in what habitats did the reefs grow in past warmer periods of the Earth’s
history, and how does this compare to the present? (WP1); (2) What are the
environmental constraints on ecosystem functions of turbid reefs? (WP2); (3)
How can we use information from past reefs to better understand the future
trajectories of modern coral reefs, and apply this towards reef restoration
actions? (WP3); By answering these questions, we aim to understand the role
of turbid reefs for the future of marine ecosystems in the Coral Triangle as
they respond to anthropogenic environmental change.
Eligibility criteria: EU eligibility criteria for candidates: Candidates can
be of any nationality, but in order to be eligible for the positions the
following criteria apply to all applicants: 1) The applicant shall at the
time of recruitment be in the first four years of his/her research career
and have not been awarded a doctoral degree. 2) The applicant must not have
resided or carried out his/her main activity in the country of the host
institutes (Germany) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately
prior to the recruitment. Candidates must be eligible to be accepted as
doctoral candidates at University of Bremen. Applications should include
copies of Bachelor and Master Certificates including grades and number of
credit points.

Position 138: Ecological implications of shifts from hard corals to turf
algae in modern turbid reefs
Supervisors: Dr. Sebastian Ferse (ZMT), Dr. Sonia Bejarano (ZMT), Prof.
Christian Wild (University of Bremen)
Details of the position: 36 months, 66.6 %

In many modern reefs, hard corals as classical reef ecosystem engineers are
replaced in a process that is called phase shift by other organisms
including other invertebrates and algae. In this context, turf algae
potentially play a major role, because they are opportunistic, fast-growing,
and often highly competitive against corals. An increase in benthic cover by
turf algae is reported from a growing number of locations particularly in
the Indo-Pacific, and likely poses major consequences for reef functions and
services, particularly calcification. However, related knowledge on the
controls and consequences of turf algal increase on reefs is scarce.  

Objectives of the individual project: (1) Assessment of spatiotemporal
benthic community patterns in Spermonde Archipelago with a focus on hard
corals, turf algae, and their interactions over time; (2) Identifying
bottom-up and top-down controls on turf algae occurrence, identity, and
competitiveness against corals using field observations and manipulation
experiments; (3) Assessing the effects of coral-turf algae phase shifts on
reef calcification rates.

Expected results: Comparison of the relative importance of bottom-up versus
top-down factors for turf algae occurrence and competitiveness with hard
corals along environmental gradients in the Spermonde Archipelago,
Indonesia, and information regarding effects on reef calcification and
potential consequences of phase-shifts to turf algae. 

Secondments: Naturalis (Netherlands), Natural History Museum (London, UK);
Field training: Sulawesi (Indonesia)

Requirements: Candidates most hold a master degree in Earth and/or Life
sciences. We are looking for highly motivated students with good
communication, project management, and scientific writing skills. Experience
in environmental monitoring and conducting ecological field and laboratory
experiments are an asset. Willingness for extensive work stays in Indonesia
is required. Please include a letter of motivation summarising your
background and expertise, explaining your interest in the topic of the
project, briefly stating your research experience and interests and career
goals (max 1000 words).
European diving license required; related training provided in case
qualification is lacking (see
www.leibniz-zmt.de/en/marine-tropics-research/organisation/infrastructure/sc
ientific-diving-centre.html).
For additional information please contact: Sebastian Ferse
(sebastian.ferse at leibniz-zmt.de). 

_________________________
Dr. Sebastian Ferse
Executive Director, Future Earth Coasts International Project Office
Phone: +49-421-238 00 114
Fax: +49-421-238 00 30
e-mail: sebastian.ferse at leibniz-zmt.de
Future Earth Coasts Website: https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/
Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung (ZMT) GmbH 
Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research 
Fahrenheitstrasse 6
D-28359 Bremen
Germany
 
Phone: +49-421-238 00 0
Fax: +49-421-238 00 30
www.leibniz-zmt.de
 
Sitz der Gesellschaft: Bremen 
Registergericht: Amtsgericht Bremen
Handelsregister Nr. HRB 25746 HB
Steuer-Nr. 460/145/09737
USt.-IdNr. DE 266278207
 
Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrates:
Dr. Heide Ahrens
 
Geschäftsführung:
Prof. Dr. Hildegard Westphal, Dr. Nicolas Dittert