Two PhD Positions (Universität Bayreuth): “Combined effects of climate change, extreme events and habitat fragmentation on insect diversity and biotic interactions in an alpine region”

Rationale: Climate change and habitat loss are two major drivers of species extinctions and are in the current focus of political discussions. Two PhD positions are available in a forthcoming multidisciplinary Bavarian research project on effects of climate change on ecosystems (FORKAST). In this project we will study the combined risks of climate change and habitat fragmentation for species diversity of butterflies and bees, plant-herbivor-antagonist and plant-pollinator interactions in grasslands along an altitudinal gradient in the German Alps. Small-scale field experiments, analyses of temporal species turnover and population genetics of alpine butterflies will complement the research program.

The PhD-students will be located at the University of Bayreuth (Germany), http://www.uni-bayreuth.de/, with field work in the beautiful national park Berchtesgaden http://www.nationalpark-berchtesgaden.bayern.de/.

Requirements: Applicants should hold a MSc or Diploma degree in Biology, Agriculture or related disciplines with preferably a strong background in insect ecology. Knowledge in the fields of plant-insect interactions, population genetics, GIS and statistics, preferably in R+ is desirable. Also experiences in ecological field work as well as insect identification skills will be beneficial. Physical fitness is necessary to reach some remote study sites in the mountains. Furthermore conducting the field work will require a drivers license and an own car will be advantageous. Social skills, the ability to work in a team and interest in independent research are of relevance.

Salary and conditions: Salary and benefits are according to a public service position in Germany (TVL 13/2).

Start date: 1st of February 2009. The positions are for three years each. The doctoral thesis will be done as a series of English manuscripts.

The University of Bayreuth is one of the leading international centres of Global Change research. We also offer a very nice research atmosphere in a growing and ambitious young research team (http://www.bayceer.uni-bayreuth.de/toek1_pop/de/).

Applications: Please send your applications per email before 12th Decembre 2008, including a CV, certificates, a short summary of research interests, and the names (with email address) of two referees to the email addresses given below.

Interviews of successful candidates will be held on 19th Decembre 2008.

For further information, please contact: Prof. Dr. Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter (Ingolf.Steffan@uni-bayreuth.de), and Dr. Jochen Krauss (Jochen.Krauss@uni-bayreuth.de), Population Ecology Group, Animal Ecology I, University of Bayreuth.