POSTDOC IN CANOPY ARTHROPOD ECOLOGY (21 MONTHS) AVAILABLE AT UNIVERSITY OF RENNES 1, FRANCE
Arthropods in the canopy represent one of the most diverse, widespread, and least studied communities in temperate regions. In the present project we study the role of atmospheric stress (desiccation, NH3 imissions) and island biogeographic processes (colonization, extinction) on arthropod biodiversity. We study diversity at species level, but also at a historical, i.e. phylogenetic level. We also study consequences of the diversity of arthropods for their functional role, particularly as grazers and possible dispersers of cryptogams. Approaches include detailed observational studies, as well as habitat use and exclusion experiments with arthropod communities on bark. Data collection on the island biogeographic and climatic part is largely completed and many data are ready to be published collaboratively. The practical work will largely focus on the functional role of arthropods. 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. It was ranked A in the national evaluation of research institutions. 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. Like in any French city, child care is excellent (almost for free, no waiting list, nearby). Several bilingual French-English schools are available at all levels of education, as well as one French-German grammar school. The project is for 21 months, pending final approval by the funding agency. Starting date is flexible, between July 1st and October 1st. Salary is approximately 1450 Euros / month net (including social insurance etc., excluding very low taxes, 1 Euro = 1.36 Dollars, many 2 bedroom apartments are available at 500 Euros / month or less, all inclusive). For an entire family this salary is certainly very much at the limit. However, families of foreign scientists receive full family aids by the state (around 200 Euros per month). Moreover spouses of scientists receive a special visa and a work permit (if the scientist is member of the European Union, a non-European spouse can even work without further visa, permit etc.). Shorter durations for higher salary might be negotiable. The candidate should - ideally - contribute (1) Interest in canopy ecology and in the role of biodiversity for ecosystem processes. (2) Experience in crown access by climbing or at least willingness to learn so. (3) Methodological experience in designing both complex observational studies, as well as field experiments. (4) Taxonomic expert knowledge on a major group of mesofauna (Collembola, oribatid 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. (5) Experience in the appropriate statistics to analyze the results (spatially explicit, multivariate ..). (6) Experience in communicating research to the scientific public, documented by a strong publication list. (7) A driving license. (8) A PhD or equivalent (or at least the final stages towards a PhD). (9) Some knowledge in French. Please send applications, including CV, publication list, and major publications (if available also addresses of referees and statement of research interests) by email to Andreas Prinzing ([EMAIL PROTECTED] rennes1.fr). Review of applications starts immediately, deadline for application, or at least statement of interest, is May 20. Please contact me, by email, if you have any questions. ----------------------------------------------------------- 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
