Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is a Swiss-based and internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). It is committed to the ecologically, economically and socially responsible management of water resources and aquatic ecosystems.
We invite applications for a 2-year postdoctoral position to conduct research on Effects of climate change mediated environmental stress on natural populations Global climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather conditions, such as summer heat waves. The effects of such extreme weather events on natural populations may, however, depend on their interactions with other stressors, such as natural enemies and chemical pollution. However, current understanding of the effects of multiple stress interactions in the face of climate change is limited. Moreover, understanding the ecological impacts of these stressors at both the population and ecosystem levels requires knowledge on their long-term consequences for individual performance and life-time fitness, as well as on contribution to ecosystem functioning. We aim to understand such consequences of climate change using a freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis as a model. The specific aims of this postdoc project are to experimentally test (1) the interacting effects of high temperature, chemical stress and parasitism on organismal performance, (2) their long-term consequences on survival and lifetime fitness, and (3) the role of the above effects on ecosystem processes that snails mediate through consumer-resource interactions. The main selection criterion for this position is scientific excellence. The ideal candidate has a solid understanding of ecological theory, experience from environmental chemistry, as well as conducting laboratory experiments. A PhD degree in biology or related area is mandatory. The successful candidate will be working in a multidisciplinary research group having members at the Department of Aquatic Ecology (Eawag) (http://www.eawag.ch/forschung/eco/index_EN), the Department of Environmental Chemistry (Eawag) (http://www.eawag.ch/forschung/uchem/index_EN), and the Institute of Integrative Biology (ETH Zurich) (http://www.ibz.ethz.ch/). The project is linked to the cross disciplinary project EcoImpact (http://www.eawag.ch/forschung/fsp/osf/ecoimpact/index_EN), which investigates ecological effects of micropollutants on freshwater ecosystems. Eawag offers a highly stimulating international working environment, ample opportunities for collaboration, and excellent research facilities. The salary is competitive. The position is situated in Dubendorf (near Zurich). Applications have to be submitted online using the link below. https://apply.refline.ch/673277/0336/pub/1/index.html The applications need to include a cover letter (explaining research interests and relevant experience), a curriculum vitae, publication list, and the names and contact details of three academic references as a single PDF file. Deadline for applications is March 26, 2015. For enquiries about the position please contact Otto Seppälä ([email protected]). Starting date: May 1, 2015 (or soon after) We are looking forward to your application. Dr. Otto Seppälä (Dept. of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag/Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich; research team leader) Dr. Katja Räsänen (Dept. of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag) Dr. Christian Stamm (Dept. of Environmental chemistry, Eawag) Dr. Francis Burdon (Dept. of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag)
