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<TITLE>Two Ph D positions at the University of Girona, Spain. </TITLE>
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<FONT FACE="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:12.0px'>1. Effects of pollution on algal and bacterial biodiversity<BR>
Contracting institution: Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Spain (UdG)<BR>
The main objective of this PhD is to identify causal relationships between pollution and the species composition and metabolic diversity of fluvial biofilms. This PhD will follow a field approach, focused on fluvial biofilms growing in gradients of pollution using structural and functional endpoints. The first part of the project will be focused on the study of spatial and temporal dynamics of diatom assemblages in different case-studies in order to identify environmental factors structuring diatom assemblages. A second step will allow to developing laboratory experiments (e.g. mesocosms) validating hypotheses concerning the specific effects of key-toxicants on fluvial communities. This will include the application of the PAM technique and the comparisons between field data and the effects observed after exposure of biofilms under controlled conditions. <BR>
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Formation requirements: <BR>
Degree in Biology or Environmental Sciences with basic knowledge in freshwater ecology, plant physiology, environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, botany and biostatistics. A good English level is required. <BR>
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Nationality requirements: <BR>
Non-Spanish nationality filling the conditions for appointment on RTN funding (Handbook of Marie Curie Research Training Networks (RTN)<a href="http://ec.europa.eu/research/fp6/mariecurie-actions/action/training_en.html">http://ec.europa.eu/research/fp6/mariecurie-actions/action/training_en.html</a> <BR>
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Duration of appointment: April 1st 2007 - March 31st 2010<BR>
Please send applications to Prof. Sergi Sabater; e-mail: sergi.sabater@udg.es <BR>
Telephone: 0034 972 41 83 75<BR>
Further details in www.udg.cat/keybioeffects<BR>
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2. Development of biosensors in fluvial biofilms<BR>
Contracting institution: Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Spain (UdG)<BR>
The main objective of this project is to develop and adapt the available methods used to assess detoxification activities of algae in order to provide specific tools to assess sub-lethal effects of toxic substances on fluvial biofilms using physiological biomarkers. The project will include “In vitro” assays, mesocosm experiments and field investigations. The applicability of the developed techniques will finally be tested in the field in fluvial biofilms growing in a known gradient of pollution.<BR>
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Formation requirements:<BR>
Degree in Biology, Biochemistry or Environmental Sciences with basic knowledge in freshwater ecology, plant physiology, biochemistry, environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology. A good English level is required. <BR>
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Nationality requirements:<BR>
Non-Spanish nationality filling the conditions for appointment on RTN funding (Handbook of Marie Curie Research Training Networks (RTN)<a href="http://ec.europa.eu/research/fp6/mariecurie-actions/action/training_en.html">http://ec.europa.eu/research/fp6/mariecurie-actions/action/training_en.html</a> <BR>
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Duration of appointment: April 1st 2007 - March 31st 2010<BR>
Please send applications to Dr Helena Guasch; e-mail: helena.guasch@udg.es Telephone: 0034 972 41 83 75 <BR>
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