The ‘Biodiversity, Macroecology and Conservation Biogeography’ group
(Prof. Dr. Holger Kreft) at the Georg-August-University Göttingen
invites applications for
*Two Ph.D. positions.*
Positions are initially available for two years, but can be extended to
three years after positive evaluation. The salary is defined according
to the German E13 TV-L scale (50%).
Research in the group focuses on documenting and understanding
broad-scale ecological and biogeographic patterns as well as
implications of human activities on global biodiversity. Model groups
are mainly plants and terrestrial vertebrates. Another emergent focus is
the ecology of megadiverse tropical systems.
*Position 1: Global-scale macroecology of plants*
Research opportunities for a PhD project include basic and
conservation-related topics on the macroecology of the global mainland
floras. Depending on the individual research interests, the project may
involve the testing of species richness hypotheses, biotic
homogenization and geographic patterns of plant invasions. A number of
methods will be applied, such as predictive geostatistical modelling,
integration and comparisons of phylogenetic, functional, and species
diversity. Working knowledge in at least two of the following areas is
required: management and analysis of large relational databases, GIS
(ArcGIS/ArcInfo), statistical methods (package R), scripting and
programming languages (C++, Python). A strong interest in modern
macroecological and biogeographical research questions is required.
*Position 2: Modelling spatial dynamics and demographic aspects of
vascular epiphytes*
This DFG-funded project aims at developing demographic models for
vascular epiphytes and at ultimately integrating this group of plants
into process-based forest models. The PhD work involves field work in
Panama and Brazil. The successful candidate will be responsible for
developing demographic simulation models at both local and
metapopulation scales as well as simulating scenarios of
spatial-temporal distributions of epiphytes within forest fragments.
Strong quantitative and computational skills and some experience with
modeling techniques (C++ and/or R) are required. Experience with field
work in the tropics, possibly with vascular epiphytes, is a plus. The
project is in close cooperation with Prof. Gerhard Zotz (Functional
Ecology Lab - University of Oldenburg, Germany).
Applicants for both positions should have a master or diploma degree in
biology, geography, environmental sciences or a related field. The
doctoral thesis will be published as a series of English manuscripts in
international peer-reviewed journals.
We explicitly welcome applications from abroad. The University of
Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular
emphasis on fostering career opportunities for female scientists and
scholars. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply.
Disabled persons with equivalent aptitude for the position will be favoured.
Applications including a CV and a statement of research interests should
be sent as a single PDF document by email to Prof. Dr. Holger Kreft
([email protected]). For informal enquiries about the posts
please contact Prof. Dr. Holger Kreft ([email protected],
position #1), Dr. Juliano Cabral ([email protected], position
#2) or visit www.uni-goettingen.de/biodiversity for further information.
Review of applications will start on October 7 and continue until the
positions are filled.
The ‘Biodiversity, Macroecology and Conservation Biogeography’ group is
a Free-Floater Research Group recently established at the
Georg-August-University Göttingen in the scope of the German Excellence
Initiative (www.uni-goettingen.de/free-floater). The university ranks
among the top research institutions in the country, offering great
career opportunities for young researchers and a vibrant academic
environment in biodiversity research.
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Prof. Dr. Holger Kreft
Free Floater Research Group
Biodiversity, Macroecology& Conservation Biogeography
Georg-August University of Göttingen
Büsgenweg 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
phone: ++49-(0)551-39-10727
fax: ++49-(0)551-39-3618
email: [email protected]
website: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/biodiversity
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