Applications are currently ongoing for a Postdoc position in Ecology & Conservation of Salt Marshes at the University of Groningen.
Facing the triple crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution, Wadden Sea salt marshes are under increasing pressure. Sustainable management scenarios are urgently needed to strengthen their role for safeguarding the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the Wadden Sea. In this project TRICMA², we combine a well-designed field approach representing ‘biodiversity scenarios’ with field experiments and mesocosms, where climate, biodiversity, and pollution are manipulated. Ecological connectivity is investigated by studying movement patterns and habitat use of birds. TRICMA² includes a strong societal component by including stakeholders from several socio-economic sectors, including nature conservation, coastal protection, agriculture, and tourism.
This project is a collaboration between Dutch, German and Danish research institutes, among which: University of Hamburg, University of Munster, Kiel University, Alfred Wegner Institute, University of Groningen and Deltares/Delft University of Technology, and of four well connected Workpackages (WP’s): a) Social-Ecological Learning & Science-Society Interactions (WP1), b) Ecological Networks (WP2), c) Ecological Connectivity (WP3), and d) Ecosystem Functioning. This position belongs to WP2.
Tasks
WP2 tasks include:
- determination of community composition of microbes, benthos/soil fauna, plants, birds,
- assessment of species interactions (spatial species associations microbes-plants), feeding behaviour (benthos/soil fauna-birds; bird faecal sampling (eDNA),
- assessment of environmental conditions (hydrodynamics, micro-topography, micro-climate, soils,
- manipulation of single and combined pressures, e.g. flooding frequency (mimicking SLR), pollution (nutrient loads), and increased temperatures to study impacts on networks (benthos/soil fauna, microbes, plants),
- assessing impact of different warming scenarios (1.5°C and 3°C), hydrodynamics and density of non-native Spartina anglica on benthos/soil fauna, microbes, plants,
- multifactor lab experiments, studying impacts of single and combined pressures on plant / benthic communities, interactions and performance,
- long-term manipulation management regimes (small & large herbivore grazing/mowing/abandonment) assessing feedback between grazing, soil fauna, microbial, and plant communities under different environmental conditions (elevational gradient, affecting flooding frequency).
Duration: 3.5 years
Salary
Following the collective labor agreement for Dutch Universities, they offer:
- a salary of € 3,877 gross per month to a maximum of € 4,185 depending on relevant work experience after attaining PhD.
- a gross holiday allowance of 8%
- a gross 8.3% year-end bonus
Job Requirements
Applicants for this position must meet the following criteria:
For the Postdoc position in Ecology & Conservation of Salt Marshes
- They are looking for a motivated candidate with a PhD degree in the field(s) of ecology or equivalent and with a strong background and interest in conservation.
- The ideal candidate can work independently and has proven experience with managing running field experiments, statistical data analyses, and scientific writing.
- Knowledge of the study system (salt marshes) is beneficial.
- Good proficiency of the English language is required.
- Also, good organizational and communication skills are required for this position.
Application Process
Applications for the postdoc position should include:
- curriculum vitae (name, address, degree(s) with transcript(s) of grades, research experience, educational and employment history, etc.)
- list of publications
- motivation letter
- name and (email) address of three professional references
- vacancy number of this position.
To apply for the Postdoc in Ecology & Conservation of Salt Marshes, click here.
Deadline: June 24, 2024.
For more information on Postdoc in Ecology & Conservation of Salt Marshes, visit the official site.
