
PhD fellowship in Oceanography / Marine Biology
@University of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
We seek a candidate to develop a PhD under the framework of the recently awarded project Biological navigation in the global ocean [PID2023-147159NB-C31], led by José Luis Acuña and by Fernando Taboada. The PhD will be developed at the University of Oviedo and at the Oceanographic Research Center in Gijón [Spanish Institute of Oceanography-CSIC].
FPI fellowships consist in a four-year contract to pursue a PhD under the umbrella of a larger research project funded by the Spanish State Research Agency. Funding covers stays in research centers and PhD expenses and, optionally, up to a one year postdoctoral contract if the PhD is completed before the four year term. The contract includes full health insurance coverage and benefits, and 30 days of vacation per year.
Duties – The fellow will join a multidisciplinary research team of scientists from various institutions [UO and IEO-CSIC in Asturias, ICMAN-CSIC in Cádiz, and ULPGC in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria] to study the distribution of neuston in the ocean surface and the factors that cause their stranding. Among other objectives, the fellow will receive training to lead field experiments to characterize and analyze neuston navigation in situ; to assemble and analyze large databases to study the factors behind neuston distribution at biogeographical scales; and to develop mathematical models to help interpret and understand observed patterns. The fellow will develop a research line related to the project, although they will be encouraged to work independently and to pursue and develop their own ideas.
The thesis will be developed within the PhD Program on Biogeosciences of the University of Oviedo, which is a program associated with the Energy, Environment and Climate Change Cluster of the project “Ad Futurum”, awarded as a Campus of International Excellence. It receives funding from more than 50 companies and spin-offs and endorsed by more than 80 renowned research teams.
Education and skills – degree or master’s in science; previous experience in topics related to oceanography or the marine environment will be positively valued, as well as programming experience and fluency in English. Both the academic record and prior scientific training received will be considered.
Additional knowledge and professional experience – being in possession of a driving license and/or being a boat captain or having a diving certification will be positively valued.
Starting date – early 2025.
Contact – if you are interested, please send an email to fgtaboada[at]gmail.com with a short cover letter, your CV and your academic transcript.