PhD Modelling aquaculture - horticulture systems

The Project

We are looking for a PhD student who is a motivated team player with affinity to biological systems and with a background in mathematics, physics, systems & control or related sciences, or with an MSc in chemical engineering / environmental or bio-technology and having a strong background in modelling dynamic systems. The PhD project is embedded in the EU-FP7 project INAPRO with project title: Innovative model & demonstration based water management for resource efficiency in integrated multitrophic aquaculture and horticulture systems. The collaborative project INAPRO challenges the concept of recent water, energy and nutrient management solutions in rural areas (with aquacultural and horticultural production) and urban areas (urban farming) to cope with global demands and to exploit all available opportunities of resource efficiency. The objective of this project is to mobilise industry, member states and stakeholders into promoting a new and innovative technical and technological approach for an aquaponic system. Coupling the production of aquatic animals (e.g. fish) and plants (e.g. vegetables) in greenhouses forms the basis for all aquaponic systems where the wastewater from the aquaculture section is used for the nutrition of the plants and this way saves water compared to single greenhouse or single fish production systems This is a challenging topic and needs a candidate with a very broad field of interest, good technical and modelling understanding and the ambition to improve integrated fish-plant system. You should be able to combine your skills in mathematical modelling  and our sustainability ambitions to improve resource cycles.

Function Requirements

For this position we request a PhD candidate, who can work independently and is highly result-driven. You have the skills to work in a multidisciplinary team and to coordinate your own research. Furthermore you have: MSc with a background in mathematics, physics, systems & control or related sciences, or with a background in chemical engineering / environmental or bio-technology and having a strong background in modelling dynamic systems. Proven experience with modelling biological systems. Excellent communication and writing skills in English. Affinity for participation in education and supervising MSc students of the chair group Biomass Refinery & Process Dynamics.

Working conditions

We offer you a temporary position for a period of 1.5 years with extension of 2.5 years after successful evaluation. Gross salary per month € 2.083  in the first year rising up to €2.664  per month in the fourth year. We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension of the ABP Pension Fund.

Contactinformation

For more information about this position, please contact Karel Keesman, Associate professor, telephone number +31 317483780. For more information about the contractual aspects, please contact Annette Straver, HR Advisor, telephone number +31 317486148. Interested? You can apply online at http://www.wageningenur.nl/en/Jobs.htm until April 8th 2014.