Deutsche Zoologische Gesellschaft e.V.

Application deadline: 15. 1. 2012
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Ph.D. positions in functional biodiversity research: climate change effects on insect–plant interactions

Within the research program Exploratories for large-scale and long-term functional biodiversity, funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), we seek candidates to conduct a research project on “Land-use effects on response diversity in animal-plant interactions”. The projects will focus on three Exploratories, located in Schorfheide/Chorin, Hainich/Dün and Schwäbische Alb/Münsingen. The general goal is to understand feedback loops between land-use intensity, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (see http://www.biodiversity-exploratories.de).

Two positions will be available:

2 Ph.D. positions in Entomological Ecology (TV-TL13 65%)

One Ph.D. candidate will focus on flower-visiting insect communities in grasslands, the other one on herbivorous insect communities in forests of variable land use. For this project, both candidates will need to perform extensive fieldwork. He/she will be responsible for the identification of insects in collaboration with taxonomic experts. In addition, both candidates will perform mesocosm experiments in climate chambers to study the thermal performance of selected species.

The positions will start in March 2012 for the duration of three years. Successful candidates should have a strong background in plant identification in the field, insect taxonomy, ecology of plant-insect interactions and advanced statistical analyses. A Diplom/M.Sc. degree in Biology or a related subject will be required. While the position will be based at the TU Darmstadt, we expect that he/she will spend large parts of the season at the Exploratories and travel between sites. Driving licence is required and having available an own car is useful. We expect the candidate to have good communication skills, some German language proficiency and the ability to work in a team.

Applications should include a cover letter, C.V., list of publications, a short statement of research interests, and names and email-addresses of three references. Please indicate your preference for “flower-visitors” or “herbivores” in your cover letter.

The closing date for applications will be 15 January 2012. Applications in German or English may be sent electronically by e-mail (preferably combined to a single pdf) or by ordinary mail. We especially encourage women to apply. Physically handicapped persons will be given preference in case of equal qualifications.

Further information can be found here:
http://www.biodiversity-exploratories.de/1/projects/weitere-projekte/aboveground-invertebrates-related-studies/response/

http://www.bio.tu-darmstadt.de/econetworks

Please send your application to:
Prof. Dr. Nico Blüthgen
Ecological Networks, Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt
Schnittspahnstr. 3, 64287 Darmstadt
bluethgen@bio.tu-darmstadt.de


	© 28.12.2011 Deutsche Zoologische Gesellschaft e.V., DZG