Postdoctoral position in soybean pollination
As part of the project "Pollination of soybean: a multiscale
approach" the Plant
Reproductive Biology Group at the Faculty of Agronomy of the
University of Buenos Aires
(Argentina) is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral fellow to examine
the pollination of
soybean and its relationship to crop yield in Pampean agroecosystems.
The project will
study the pollination of soybean in field conditions with a focus on
the different scales of
the phenomenon (plant, plot and landscape). Main tasks will include
field and laboratory
activities, combined with data analysis and manuscript writing.
Research will be aimed at (1) assessing the effect of insect
pollination on crop yield, (2)
identifying the crop's main pollinators, (3) identifying the role of
weeds on field margins in
sustaining soybean pollinators, and (4) analyzing the effect of
landscape structure on
soybean pollinator diversity. The ultimate objective is to provide
empirically-grounded
science that will guide public policies, financial incentives and
technology packages to
promote the sustainable use and conservation of pollinators in agroecosystems.
The Plant Reproductive Biology Group is a research team that examines
both theoretical
and applied questions in plant-animal interactions using a
combination of empirical and
modeling techniques. The overarching aim of the group is to further
our understanding of
the structure and function of ecological communities with a
particular focus on pollination
in agroecosystems, grasslands, and forest plantations.
Required qualifications include a PhD in Agroecology,
Ecology/Biology, Environmental
Sciences, or related fields. Candidates should have good knowledge of
ecological statistics
(preferably using R) and plant-insect community ecology as well as
field research
experience. A good publication record would be an asset.
Salary: full-time salary (equivalent to 80% Senior Lectureship salary)
Start date: Nov 2014 (some flexibility).
Duration of appointment: the position is for 2 years. Potential to
continue will depend on
ability to obtain funding through competitive grants written
collaboratively with research
group.
Application: To apply for this position (in English or Spanish),
submit a letter explaining
your interests, your CV, and the names and addresses (including
e-mail) of two reference
persons electronically to the address below.
Contact address: For more information please contact the project
leader, Dr. Mariano
Devoto (e-mail: mdevoto[at]agro.uba.ar).
Screening of applications will start on 15 October 2014, and
applications are accepted until
the position is filled.
