Research Position (PhD candidate)

at  Universitt Bielefeld

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The Faculty of Biology, Department of Evolutionary Biology, has the following job opening:
Research Position (PhD candidate)

ID: Wiss24530

• starting: as soon as possible
• part-time 65 %
• Salary according to remuneration level 13 TV-L
• fixed-term

The PhD position is embedded in the research project “Of terns and change: eco-evolutionary dynamics in a rapidly changing environment” funded by the DFG. The recent realization that evolutionary change can relatively rapidly affect ecological and demographic processes and thus determine populations’ ability to cope with rapid changes in the environment has led to a swift increase in empirical studies focusing on the feedbacks between ecology and evolution (“eco-evolutionary dynamics”). This project will combine approaches from quantitative genetics and evolutionary demographics to address fundamental questions related to eco-evolutionary dynamics in the wild. The main aim of the PhD project is to address these questions by means of empirical tests using a unique dataset from a long-term study population of common terns (Sterna hirundo). The results of this project will provide unprecedented insights on how eco-evolutionary feedbacks respond to rapidly changing environmental conditions, like the ones posed by current global and climate changes, and will ultimately help refine predictions on the future of biodiversity. The person hired within this project will be working closely with, and be co-supervised by, Prof. Dr. Sandra Bouwhuis from the Institute of Avian Research in Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
Your Tasks

Research tasks (95 %):

• field work as part of an international team in a natural population of common terns
• statistical analysis of individual-based, long-term data, incorporating pedigree information
• collaboration with other researchers, including at Bielefeld University and at the Institute of Avian Research
• preparation of contributions for scientific conferences
• writing scientific publications for international journals

Other tasks (5 %):

• organizational tasks within the research group

Employment is conducive to scientific qualification.

We offer

• Salary according to remuneration level 13 TV-L
• fixed-term (3 Years) (§ 2 (1) sentence 1 of the WissZeitVG; in accordance with the provisions of the WissZeitVG and the Agreement on Satisfactory Conditions of Employment, the length of contract may differ in individual cases)
• part-time 65 %
• internal and external training opportunities
• variety of health, consulting and prevention services
• reconcilability of family and work
• flexible working hours
• good transport connection
• supplementary company pension
• collegial working environment
• open and pleasant working atmosphere
• exciting, varied tasks

Your Profile

We expect

• completed relevant scientific university degree (e. g. Master or equivalent) in evolutionary ecology, behavioural ecology, animal ecology, animal behaviour or any related field
• proven skills in statistical analyses or high motivation to rapidly acquire such skills
• excellent oral and written English language skills
• independent, self-reliant and dedicated style of work
• strong organizational and coordination skills
• ability to cooperate and work in an international team

Preferred experience and skills

• experience in the field of eco-evolutionary dynamics
• experience with mixed effects models and/or demographic analyses (using R)
• experience in empirical work with living animals (ideally seabirds)
• experience in preparing scientific publications

Application Procedure
We are looking forward to receiving your application. To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below.
application deadline: 25.10.2024

Research tasks (95 %):

• field work as part of an international team in a natural population of common terns
• statistical analysis of individual-based, long-term data, incorporating pedigree information
• collaboration with other researchers, including at Bielefeld University and at the Institute of Avian Research
• preparation of contributions for scientific conferences
• writing scientific publications for international journal