The Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Computational Landscape Ecology (www.ufz.de/cle), invites applications for a PhD student in the field of Landscape Ecology.
The position will be available as soon as possible and is limited to 3 years. The project seeks to analyze the effects of landscape complexity on the biocontrol-production functions in rice dominated agro-ecosystems. The position is part of the LEGATO project (www.legato-project.net) that investigates ecosystem functions and services in agricultural systems in South East Asia, with focus on regional land use intensity, biodiversity and potential impacts of future climate and land use change. The candidate is expected to develop statistical and simulation models to analyze interactions between habitat characteristics, agricultural pests and pest-controlling species using a range of field, GIS and remote sensing data. The candidate will closely cooperate with other researchers from the LEGATO project. Research tasks include: - Investigate the relationship between habitat complexity and diversity of species representative for the predator-prey system in rice field landscapes - Examine the effects of different land use change scenarios on predator-prey interactions in rice dominated ecosystems using a simulation model - Analyze the effects of landscape complexity on other ecosystem services and functions Requirements: - Master or diploma degree in ecology, geography, environmental systems, geoinformatics or a related field - Experience with statistical analysis (preferably in R), GIS and geocomputation - Very good written and oral communication skills in English We offer: - Excellent research opportunities within a highly interdisciplinary and an international team located in Leipzig, Germany - Funding through the Project LEGATO - Participation in the established Helmholtz Graduate School HIGRADE (www.higrade.ufz.de) - Salary according to the appropriate civil service level 13 (50%) TVöD. Further information can be provided by: Dr. Tomá Václavík, email: [email protected], phone: +49 341-235-1952 Women are encouraged to apply to increase their share in science and research. Physically handicapped persons will be favoured if they are equally qualified. Please send your complete application documents including a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, degree certificates and three references (in English) under the appropriate code digit 29/2012 to: Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Personnel Department, PF 50 01 36, 04301, Leipzig, Germany, or by email as a single PDF document to: [email protected] Closing date: until the position is filled
