PhD position
The Department of Landscape Ecology at Kiel University (https://www.landscape-
ecology.uni-kiel.de/de/forschung) is seeking an
outstanding student to study the effects of
wildflower strips on arthropod communities in
Northern Germany. The research will consist of
three major foci: Evaluation of (1) how the
establishment of wild flower strips in agricultural
landscapes affect abundance and species
composition of arthropod communities (2) how
these arthropod communities will help to sustain
populations of an endangered partridge
species (Perdix perdix) (3) how wildflower strips
affect ecosystem services and disservices in
the adjacent agricultural fields. All research
questions will be investigated in the light of
configuration and composition of the landscape
surrounding the wildflower strips. Specific
topics include, but will not be limited to:
diversity measurements, trophic interactions (i.e.,
plant-animal, and animal-animal interactions),
ecosystem services, and landscape analyses.
The position will consist of establishing
research sites in Northern Germany, conducting
arthropod sampling and identification, measuring
ecosystem services, digitizing and
analyzing landscapes, supervising undergraduate
students, analyzing data and writing
papers.
As such, we are looking for candidates with very
good field skills, strong quantitative skills
and a demonstrated ability to write and ideally
publish in English. Because fieldwork takes
place in Germany, a good knowledge of the German language is essential.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
- Candidates must have obtained their MSc in
ecology, biology, environmental science,
agricultural science or a related field by the appointment start date
- Fluency in German is preferred
- Statistical and programming skills in R are essential
- Familiarity with GIS, especially landscape analyses
- Demonstrated writing skills in English
- Very good identification skills for at least one relevant arthropod group
- Candidates must demonstrate the ability to work
well independently and part of a team
Additional Qualifications
- Familiarity with plant, and/or bird identification and taxonomy
- Publication in peer-reviewed journal
The appointment is for 3 years, to begin as soon
as possible. Compensation according to
public tariff (50% E 13 TV-L).
Kiel University is an equal opportunity employer
and aims to increase the number of women
in research and teaching. Applications by women
are particularly welcome, and, in cases of
equal aptitude, ability and professional
performance, preference in hiring will be given to
women.
The University supports the employment of
disabled persons. Persons with disabilities will,
with appropriate qualifications and aptitudes, be employed preferentially.
Applications by students with migration background are particularly welcomed.
To Apply: Applications should be addressed to
Prof. Tim Diekötter and Dr. John Herrmann
and send by email to
[email protected] with subject âPhD position #p001â.
Applications should include a letter of interest,
a curriculum vitae, a list of publications (if
available), copies of certificates, and the names
and addresses of two individuals able to
evaluate the applicantâs qualifications for the
position. All documents (except certificates)
should be written in English and merged into a
single pdf file. Please refrain from submitting
application photos.
The application deadline is May 15th, 2016.
Starting date is as soon as possible.
Review of applications will begin immediately,
and continue until the position is filled.
Inquiries may be addressed to Dr. John Herrmann: [email protected]
___________________________
Dr. John Herrmann
Associate Editor, Tropical Ecology
University of Kiel
Institute for Natural Resource Conservation
Department Landscape Ecology
Olshausenstrasse 75
24118 Kiel
Germany
