We are looking for a highly motivated doctoral researcher in the field of Ecological Modeling for investigating the role of plant-root herbivore interactions for the resilience of grassland plant communities. The position is embedded into the DFG priority program of the Biodiversity Exploratories (http://www.biodiversity-exploratories.de). The successful candidate will (i) develop a new dynamic population-level simulation model describing the dynamics of Agriotes spp., that are key root herbivores and agriculturally and economically important species in mid-European grassland systems. (ii) In a second step the candidate will link this population model to an existing simulation model of grassland plant communities to explore the community resilience after different types of disturbances and in dependence on dynamic root herbivory. Coupled models will be validated against data obtained from greenhouse and field studies and from literature.
Applicants for the PhD positions must hold an MSc or equivalent degree in biology or other natural sciences , informatics or mathematics. The applicant should have proven skills in modelling complex systems, preferably but not necessarily in ecology.
The position is scheduled for 3 years with an anticipated starting date of July 2014 or later. Payment is according to the German public tariff (65% TV-L E13). Applications are to be submitted via email and as a single pdf file to Prof. Dr. Florian Jeltsch, University of Potsdam, Plant Ecology & Conservation Biology: jeltsch@uni-potsdam.de. Applications should include a letter of motivation, a CV, transcripts or degree certificates including grades and proof of special qualifications. The applicant should arrange for two letters of reference to be sent independently to the above Email address.
University of Potsdam is an equal opportunity employer and specifically encourages female candidates to apply. Disabled persons will be preferred in case of equal qualification.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Von:
Florian Jeltsch
jeltsch@uni-potsdam.de
Universität Potsdam
Potsdam
Ansprechpartner: Prof. Dr. Florian Jeltsch
