PhD studying ecosystem services (Germany)

Job announcement (Kiel University)
PhD position
Deadline: 31.01.2017

The Department of Landscape Ecology at Kiel University is one of six partners in the pan-European BiodivERsA Project IMAGINE “Integrative management of green infrastructures multifunctionality, ecosystem integrity and ecosystem services: From assessment to regulation in socio-ecological systems”. For this project we are seeking an outstanding and highly motivated student to work on the three main topics of this project: (i) Capacity matrix assessment of ecosystem services in structured landscapes; (ii) quantification of ecosystem services on green infrastructure habitat attributes; (iii) modelling and mapping of ecosystem service and disservice supply. IMAGINE aims at quantifying the multiple functions, ecosystem services and benefits provided by Green Infrastructures (GI) in different contexts from rural to urban and at providing guidelines and ready-to-use methods for an integrative management of GI multifunctionality. The project will be carried out in close collaborat
tion with Prof. Dr. Benjamin Burkhard at Hannover University.

The position will include the further development of land-cover-based ES capacity matrices, conducting field work on arthropod sampling and identification as well as ES/EDS quantification in Germany, Belgium and France, digitizing and analysing landscapes, ES/EDS modelling supervising undergraduate students, analysing data and writing papers.
As such, we are looking for candidates with a sound knowledge of the ecosystem service concept, very good field skills, strong quantitative skills and modelling experience. Because the project is part of an international research consortium the ability to communicate in English as well as the willingness to travel and work abroad is essential.

Minimum qualifications required:
• Candidates must have obtained their M.Sc. in ecology, biology, environmental science, agricultural science or a related field by the appointment start date
• Fluency in German and English is essential
• Statistical and programming skills - preferably 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 as part of a team
• driving licence class B

Additional Qualifications
• Familiarity with habitat mapping, plant and insect identification and taxonomy

The appointment is until January 31st 2020, to begin as soon as possible. Compensation according to public tariff (65 % 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 people with a migration background are particularly welcomed.

To Apply: Applications should be send by email to tdiekoetter@ecology.uni-kiel.de with subject “PhD position IMAGINE”. 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 applicant’s 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 January 31st, 2017. Starting date is March 1st, 2017.

Inquiries may be addressed to Prof. Dr. Tim Diekötter (tdiekoetter@ecology.uni-kiel.de).