Phytoplankton competition along a salinity gradient

The student will perform a laboratory experiment with marine phytoplankton and participate in an extensive field survey at the southern coast of Finland. She/he will have an opportunity to get to know all standard laboratory techniques used in phytoplankton research, including microscopy, flow cytometry, pigment and nutrient analytics. She/he will also learn how to design an experiment with marine plankton and perform statistical analysis of experimental data. In this work, the student will use a phytoplankton culture collection at the Tvarminne Zoological Station that consist of > 200 strains of marine microalgae, getting to know cultivation techniques.

During the field survey, the student will get to know diverse sampling techniques used in pelagic research, including an on-board flow trough system that continuously measures pigment concentrations, physical and chemical properties of seawater. The sampling campaign will be performed every other week using research vessels and equipment available at the Tvarminne Zoological Station. This work will be a collaborative effort of a Pelagic Biodiversity Lab (https://pelagicbiodiversity.wordpress.com), Dr. Matias Scheinin, Dr. Anna-Karin Almen and others, providing a unique opportunity to participate in an interdisciplinary project.

Importantly, the student will join the rapidly developing Pelagic Biodiversity Team and her/his work will be fully integrated into a project on "Resource competitive ability of marine phytoplankton along a salinity gradient and the consequences for stoichiometric variation in the sea”. The sudent will closely collaborate with a PhD candidate working on this project and participate in the lab's meetings.

All work will be performed at the Tvarminne Zoological Station, which is a marine field station of the University of Helsinki located at the entrance of the Gulf of Finland. The archipelago around the station is a nature protected area, which includes the sea and the seafloor, and where only activities related to research and education are allowed.

Language requirements: 
English
Specific competences required : 
European driving license (cat. B) and previous experience in operating small motor boats will be an advantage
Safety issues: 
The student will get in contact with formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde and nucleic acid stains
Accommodation possibilities : 
Accommodation in a dormitory at the Tvarminne Zoological Station, price list: https://www.helsinki.fi/sites/default/files/atoms/files/tzs_pricelist_2018_01_01_accommodation.pdf (the accommodation price 9.20 EUR/night applies)
Additional costs to be covered by the student: 
No