We are looking for a highly motivated Predoctoral Researcher to work in the context of the
project “Novel biogeography approaches to support conservation decision-making under global change (2022-T1/AMB-23790)”, funded by Comunidad de Madrid and led by Sara Villén-Pérez at Universidad de Alcalá (Spain).
Job description
The project aims to develop a link between the principles of ecological limitation and the field of biogeography, looking to answer long-standing questions in theoretical ecology and to provide novel tools to confront climate change. The PhD candidate will use novel modelling approaches in biogeography and abundance data at continental and global scales to investigate environmental limitation across geographical, temporal and functional spaces. The results will be applied to quantify opportunities for carbon sequestration improvement in Europe and EE.UU. Moreover, the PhD candidate will participate in the development of algorithms for the simulation of virtual species that will be used to build on the Niche Theory.
Key responsibilities
· Data gathering and curation (plants, trees, birds)
· Development, implementation, and dissemination of analytical protocols
· Manuscript writing and publication
· Dissemination at scientific conferences and outreach to the society
· Assisting the organization of scientific meetings and workshops
· Supporting activities for the transfer of knowledge to stakeholders
· Visiting collaborators through short stays at international research institutions
· Taking specialized training courses and attending the PhD Program requirements
Requirements
· Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences or equivalent
· Master’s degree in Ecology or equivalent
· European citizenship or work permit in Spain
Valuable skills
· R programming skills and experience in data science
· Good statistical skills
· Experience in biogeography-related research
· Excellent written and oral command of English (please specify your CEFRL level)
· Good interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work both with a high degree of independence and collaboratively
· High motivation to develop a PhD dissertation on the topic
Conditions
· Workplace: Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares (Spain)
· Annual gross salary: 22.574,54 €
· Starting date: spring 2024 (exceptional reasons for a delay may be considered)
· Duration: a maximum of 4 years
· Full-time dedication
· The candidate will join the team of Dr. Sara Villén-Pérez at the Department of Life Sciences at Universidad de Alcalá
Application
· Deadline: April 28th 2024
· Applications will be formalized through Portal de Empleo I+D+I – Madrid, Ciencia y Tecnología (https://mcyt.educa.madrid.org/empleo/inscripcionDemandaProfesional/mostrar_oferta.asp?codigo=52482)
· Applications should enclose the following information in a single pdf document:
· Letter of application / motivation (max 200 words)
· CV (links to previous works that show how the applicant meets the requirements are valuable)
· Contact details (name, position, phone and email) of two academic referees, if possible.
Contact
Sara Villén-Pérez (Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Alcalá), sara.villen@uah.es