A long-term position for a ‘Computational Biodiversity Scientist’ is available in the group of Dr. Jon Chase, Professor of Biodiversity Synthesis at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv Halle-Jena- Leipzig) (http://www.idiv-biodiversity.de/en/idiv-global) and Martin-Luther- University (MLU) Halle-Wittenberg. The primary aim of this position is to develop and apply computational tools to aid in the analysis and interpretation of biodiversity patterns and processes, as well as to bridge the biodiversity sciences at iDiv with the strong computational sciences group at MLU and other regional institutions. The successful applicant will be a core member of the ‘Biodiversity Synthesis’ team, including: design, analysis and authorship of research leading to peer-reviewed publications; supervision of postdocs and PhD students on topics related to biodiversity sciences; co-teaching one or more courses in Computer Sciences at MLU with a focus on computational approaches in biodiversity sciences; providing analytical and computational support working with other members of iDiv and visitors to sDiv workshops with of biodiversity-related problems; being an active and engaged member of the scientific community at iDiv, MLU and affiliated institutions.
Qualifications: A PhD degree in computer science, or a related field, with a strong preference for those with experience in biodiversity studies; Ability to lead and provide supervision for computational projects aimed at uncovering patterns and processes of biodiversity from local to global scales; Fluency in powerful computational languages (e.g., Python, Perl, C++, Java), as well as proficiency in R (the active language for most biodiversity scientists; Experience in at least some of the following: ecoinformatics, algorithm engineering, software engineering, parallel and distributed computing, agent-based modeling, machine learning, Bayesian analysis, remote sensing, GIS, design of computational experiments, network analysis; Strong publication record (or evidence that this will be forthcoming); Evidence of willingness to be open-minded, creative and to apply multiple tools to address complex problems; Teaching experience with evidence of interest in helping to bridge computer sciences and biodiversity sciences;. This is a long-term position ideal for someone looking for a career opportunity (Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L), although funding is contingent on successful renewal of the Centre. Applications should consist of a single .pdf file including (i) a 2-3 page overview of background and skills in both computational and biodiversity sciences relevant to this position, (ii) a 1- 2 page proposal of the kinds of biodiversity-related research you might like to engage in should you be offered this position, including concepts and approaches, (iii) curriculum vitae, and (iv) the names and email addresses of three individuals who could provide an evaluation of the candidate upon request. Applications should be sent to [email protected] as a single .pdf, addressed to Professor Jon Chase, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig; Deutscher Platz 5e; 04103 Leipzig and are accepted until April 1st, 2015. For any questions or to indicate your interest in applying, feel free to contact Professor Chase by email. Severely disabled persons are encouraged to apply and will be given preference in the case of equal suitability. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. *The German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena- Leipzig is one of the six National Research Centres funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). It is located in the city of Leipzig and jointly hosted by the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), the Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU), the University of Leipzig (UL), and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ). It is supported by the Max Planck Society, the Leibniz Association, the Klaus Tschira Foundation and the Free State of Saxony. Its central mission is to promote theory- driven synthesis and data-driven theory in this emerging field. The concept of iDiv encompasses the detection of biodiversity, understanding its emergence, exploring its consequences for ecosystem functions and services, and developing strategies to safeguard biodiversity under global change.
