Title: The impacts of fishing on deep-water sponge grounds off the North-Atlantic

We are looking for expressions of interest for a potential candidate interested in pursuing a PhD in marine science at the University of the Azores within the funded EU Project H2020-BG-2015-2- 679849-2” “Deep-sea Sponge Grounds Ecosystems of the North Atlantic: an integrated approach towards their preservation and sustainable exploitation”. Together with the research team, the selected candidate will prepare an application for a PhD fellowship to the call by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT).

The research project will be conducted within the work package of SponGES dedicated to assessing anthropogenic impacts (particularly fishing activities) on deep-water sponge grounds of the NE Atlantic, involving collaboration with other members of the consortium. Specifically, the work will involve using a wide range of techniques to evaluate the impacts of fishing on sponge grounds and their potential recovery. These include analysis of video footage of impacted and pristine sponge grounds of the North-Atlantic, assessing reproductive strategies of sponges inhabiting highly impacted and pristine sites and finally developing models of recovery trajectories.

The candidates should hold a BSc (with final grade superior or equal to 14) and a Masters degree in Marine Science or equivalent (with final grade superior or equal to 14). Indexed peer reviewed publications will be a preferential factor.

The application should be sent by the 15 of March 2017 to Christopher Pham and Ana Colaço by e-mail and should include: (i) curriculum vitae and (ii) letter of motivation.