PRR Project

Summary

Coastal environments, characterized by their unique ecological features, are critical biodiversity hotspots and serve as indispensable contributors of essential ecosystem services to nearby communities. These services include but are not limited to, providing habitats for diverse marine and terrestrial species, supporting fisheries, and offering protection against natural hazards. Despite their significance, coastal regions face growing challenges due to the escalating frequency and intensity of pollution events, such as sea outfall plumes, oil spills, shipping emissions or illegal wastewater discharges, that threaten water quality of these regions and impact the local ecosystems health, and consequently have a negative impact on the economic activities carried out here (e.g. fishing, aquaculture, shellfish harvesting, recreational and sports boating, etc), with serious damage to the local socio-economy. The future impacts of these events will be dependent on climate-related storms, sea-level rise, and extreme weather conditions. To effectively address these challenges, a targeted and interdisciplinary approach is imperative. The appointment of a skilled specialist in coastal and estuarine hydrodynamic and water quality modeling is a strategic initiative, enhancing the CESAM research capabilities to fortify its position at the forefront of scientific inquiry, fostering innovative approaches to understand and respond to the complex challenges posed by pollution events and climate change. Job Description: The Assistant Professorship in Coastal and Estuarine Water Quality at CESAM, University of Aveiro, is a pivotal position addressing critical challenges in hydrodynamic and water quality modeling. This role is significant in comprehensively assessing and mitigating pollution events such as sea outfall plumes and oil spills in coastal and estuarine ecosystems. Strategic Alignment with CESAM and DFIS: CESAM’s Alignment: The position contributes significantly to CESAM´s "Ocean and Atmospheric Modelling" Research Cluster (RC3), focusing on advanced water quality assessment and modelling strategies. This feed on the Research Line "Environmental Management, Pollution, and Modelling" (RL2), emphasizing the study and management of environmental pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. DFIS’s Alignment: The research activity of this professorship position fits within the Group of Estuarine and Costal Marine Modelling, also one of the several working groups of CESAM. It also fits well within the Degrees offered by DFIS, such as: BSc in Marine Sciences; BSC in Meteorology, Oceanography and Climate; MSc in  Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, participation in the PhD in Marine Science, Technology and Management. Scientific Profile:The ideal candidate should have extensive expertise in hydrodynamic and water quality modeling of coastal and estuarine systems, including proficiency in advanced modeling tools such as Delft3D and MOHID. The candidate is expected to have a strong publication record in environmental sciences and experience in leading interdisciplinary research projects. Teaching experience and mentoring ability are crucial for fostering the next generation of scientists in this field. A track record of research in the fields of environmental sciences demonstrated by a solid record of relevant publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, aligned with the candidate´s career stage, together with a valued background in previous teaching roles will be advantageous. State-of-the-Art Relevance and Global Policies:The position addresses EU, OECD, UN, ECHA, and EFSA priorities on environmental sustainability and pollution control. The EU´s Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the OECD´s sustainable environmental management strategies resonate with this role´s focus on reducing pollution and enhancing water quality.The candidate´s research will be pivotal in contributing to global efforts in combating environmental pollution, particularly in coastal and estuarine regions, aligning with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Teaching and Academic Contributions:The role involves developing and delivering lessons in coastal and estuarine water quality issues, supervising MSc and PhD students, and contributing to the academic and administrative responsibilities of the University. Hiring Rationale:The candidate´s expertise in coastal and estuarine water quality modeling directly aligns with CESAM´s strategic focus, enhancing research capabilities in pollution mitigation and climate change adaptation. This role will lead to significant advances in understanding and managing water quality in coastal and estuarine ecosystems. Conclusion: This Assistant Professorship will play a crucial role in advancing CESAM´s research and educational objectives, contributing to local and global efforts in environmental sustainability and water quality management.