Marine harmful algae and environmental change in the Anthropocene

What we offer

We are offering an internship at NIOO-KNAW for a master's student to investigate the responses of marine microalgae exhibiting harmful traits (so-called HABs) to various global environmental change factors. During this internship, you will gain hands-on experience with algae culturing techniques and closely examine the dynamics at the foundation of the marine food web through lab-scale single-strain batch experiments. This approach enables us to learn about the potential effects reflected in more dynamic natural environments and the affected ecosystem services.

Research Background

Single-cell algae are diverse eukaryotic taxa that apply different strategies to survive in dynamic marine environments. Being at the bottom of aquatic food webs, their blooms (growth rates and abundance) and biomass quality affect higher trophic levels, as far as human and ecosystem health. For instance, various diatoms can produce different chemicals to overcome periods of varying stress exposure. Some can produce toxins (e.g., Pseudo-nitzschia sp.), hypothesized to be a defense against grazing. Others excrete polysaccharides (e.g., Cylindrotheca sp.), forming floating mucus to protect against predation. 

Similarly, the dense foam formation of other haptophyte species (e.g., Phaeocystis globosa) likely improves population competitiveness and environmental adaptation. However, toxins accumulated in shellfish can be life-threatening, and mucus can be a nuisance, hampering industry and mariculture, followed by an unpleasant sight and smell, driving off visitors. These harmful algae bloom in specific environmental conditions, including those linked to anthropogenically driven changes (e.g., climate change and eutrophication). 

To address these issues in future seas, we seek a highly motivated individual interested in learning about algae and gaining laboratory experience by performing single-strain experiments on different marine harmful algae exposed to a range of temperature and nutrient conditions that emulate anthropogenic effects. The research team will supervise and support the intern in defining their research question and designing and conducting experiments.

The intern will track culture growth through morphological and physiological parameters, with options to use techniques such as cell counting with Coulter Counter, PhytoPAM, CN elemental analysis, colorimetry, perform data analysis, interpret and summarize data, and provide a clear understanding of the findings.

Requirements

• Basic laboratory experience.
• Basic knowledge of data analysis and graphical display.
• Experience in culturing (micro)organisms or batch experiments is a bonus.

Duration

Minimum of 5 months, starting in September 2025 or later.

Contact & supervision

Andrea Budiša, PhD (a.budisa@nioo.knaw.nl),

Van de Waal Group- Phytoplankton Ecology

Department of Aquatic Ecology (AqE)

If you are interested, please send an email including your CV and your contact details.

If you think this offer could be a good fit for someone you know, please forward them the information.