PhD-student and Postdoctoral positions in the Section of Ecology, University of Turku, Finland
Positions for one PhD-student and one Postdoc are open in the project focusing on regulation of the rocky littoral communities of the Baltic Sea, funded by the Academy of Finland. Objectives are two-fold reflecting the nature of community regulation arising on one hand from the characteristics of the foundation species and through interactions with the higher trophic levels on the other. First, community genetics will be applied to ask how genetic characteristics of the foundation species, the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus may extend to community assembly and to the strength of ecological interactions. This includes characterization of community phenotypes of periphyton, macroalgae and invertebrates as well as experiments on consequences of genetic variation of the foundation species on the associated communities. Second, the strong link between herbivores and producers in marine benthic communities opens up a possibility for trophic cascades. Top-down regulation will be studied by taking advantage of the rapid increase of the fish-feeding sea-bird Great Cormorant in the northern Baltic Sea. Bird predation may form a cascade, which by depressing fish predation allows crustacean and gastropod mesograzers to control the structure and function of the littoral producer assemblage. The PhD student position will be available from 1st Sep 2011 (starting time negotiable) to 31st Aug 2015. A successful applicant is expected to have (or obtain promptly) an MSc degree in ecology, evolutionary biology or marine sciences. The doctoral study may focus either on community genetics or trophic cascades, or combine both aspects. Ideal candidate shows high motivation and enthusiasm for research, creativity and ability to independent (though supervised) work. Experience in statistical analysis, underwater field work and maritime boating are assets. The Postdoc position will be available from 1st Jan 2012 (starting time negotiable) to 31st Aug 2015. Require-ments include a PhD degree with relevant experience, a promising publication record, abilities for both self-initiative and team-oriented scientific work (including strenuous field/lab work), and willingness for student supervision. Applications for the PhD position will be reviewed starting at 22th August 2011 and those for the Postdoc position starting at 30th Nov 2011; however candidates will be considered until the positions are filled. The salary will be in accordance with the Finnish university norms, about 1900-2700 /mo for the PhD student and about 3000-3700 /mo for the Postdoc, the exact level depending on competence. The application documents should include: 1.Motivation letter explaining why you are interested in and why you are suitable for the position. 2. CV including education and prior research experience. 3.List of relevant publications (for PhD and Postdoc positions) or one-page summary of the MSc thesis (for PhD position) 4.Name and contact information for two academic referees Send the above by email to me, preferably as a single pdf file. Feel free to contact me for further enquiries: Dr. Veijo Jormalainen Section of Ecology Department of Biology FI-20014 University of Turku Finland [email protected] For further information about the environment, see http://users.utu.fi/veijor/index.html http://www.sci.utu.fi/biologia/en/ http://www.turku.fi/Public/default.aspx?culture=en-US&contentlan=2&nodeid=23
