Postdoc in Canopy Arthropod Ecology for 3 years at University of Rennes 1, France.
Arthropods in the canopy represent one of the highly diverse, most widespread, and least studied communities in temperate regions. In the present project we will study the role of atmospheric stress (desiccation, NH3 imissions) and island biogeographic processes (colonization,, extinction) on arthropod biodiversity. We thus envision the canopy as an archipelago of tree crown islands in a sea or air. We will study diversity at species level, but also at a historical, i.e. phylogenetic level. We will also explore consequences of the diversity of arthropods for their functional role, particularly as grazers and dispersers of cryptogams. Approaches include detailed observational studies, as well as transplant and exclusion experiments with arthropod communities in cryptogams. Canopy access will be ensured flexibly by cherry pickers and climbers. Up to date spatial statistical procedures will be applied. The external and internal collaboration may permit possible additional sideline studies on geno- or phenotypic differentiation of populations, tritrophic interactions, arthropod / cryptogam interactions, or habitat-use behavior. The host institution is the Research Unit Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Evolution, co-funded by University of Rennes 1 and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, harboring 58 researchers and docents. Several further research institutions in ecology and evolutionary biology exist at Rennes. Rennes has approximately 200 000 inhabitants and is the capitol of the Bretagne region with exceptional coastal and mainland landscapes, and a french-celtic heritage (http://www.region- bretagne.fr/CRB/Public/rubriques_thematique/visiter_la_bretagne/la_bretagne_ une_reg/la_bretagne_en_image/). English is spoken everywhere in Academia, but not necessarily outside. The project is for 3 years, pending approval of the intermediate reports after the first and second year. Salary is approximately 1500 Euros / month net (1 Euro = 1.23 Dollars, many 2 bedroom apartments are available at 400 500 Euros / month, all inclusive) The candidate should ideally contribute (1) Taxonomic expert knowledge on a major group of mesofauna (Collembola, oribat mites, Psocoptera) or of phytophages (aphids, Heteroptera, Curculionids, Lepidoptera etc.). Lack in determination knowledge is however not prohibitive, as parts of the determination work will be delegated and others can be learned. (2) A certain robustness for fieldwork, and a driving license. Climbing capabilities would be an important plus. (3) Methodological experience in designing both complex observational studies, as well as field experiments. (4) Experience in the appropriate statistics to analyze the results (spatially explicit, multivariate ..). (5) Experience in communicating research to the scientific public, focusing on conceptual advance rather than accumulation of details. Documented by a strong publication list. (6) A PhD or equivalent. Please send applications, including CV, publication list, statement of research interest, and major publications to Andreas Prinzing Université de Rennes 1 Unité Mixte de Recherche CNRS 6553 « Ecobio » : Ecosystèmes - Biodiversité - Evolution Campus de Beaulieu, Bâtiment 14A 35042 Rennes Cedex, France [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of problems due to special characters : Andreas Prinzing University of Rennes 1 UMR 6553 « Ecobio » : Ecosystems - Biodiversity - Evolution Campus de Beaulieu, Batiment 14A 35042 Rennes Cedex, France [EMAIL PROTECTED] Email applications are accepted. Application material can probably not be returned, so the least costly material will do. Review of applications will start on 15 February and continue until the position is filled. Starting date of the position is foreseen for 1st of May 2006. Questions, by email, can be addressed to Andreas Prinzing. ____________________________________________ Andreas Prinzing, Prof. Université de Rennes 1 Unité Mixte de Recherche CNRS 6553 « Ecobio » : Ecosystèmes - Biodiversité - Evolution Campus de Beaulieu, Bâtiment 14A 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Tel : +33 2 23 23 67 12; fax: +33 2 23 23 50 26 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://ecobio.univ-rennes1.fr/Fiches_perso/Fiche.asp?pseudo=APrinzing http://ecobio.univ-rennes1.fr/Fiches_perso/Banque/publi1_APrinzing.doc
