PhD position (m/f/d) Biotic interactions and environmental niches understanding species persistence in a polluted world

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) is a member of the Leibniz Association and is based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. SGN conducts natural history research with more than 800 employees and research institutions in seven federal states. Within SGN, the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F) explores the interactions between biodiversity, climate, and society.

The Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F) invite applications for a

PhD position (m/f/d) Biotic interactions and environmental niches understanding species persistence in a polluted world
(part time, 65 %)

The last few decades have been characterized by strong community turnover in freshwater ecosystems, with invasive species often displacing native species. At the same time, anthropogenic pressures (especially chemical pollution) are increasing. Invasive species seem to be able to withstand these conditions better than many native species. So far, the role of species interactions on the resilience of individual species is poorly understood. For example, the absence of adapted predators or parasites may be a competitive advantage of invasive species over native species.

In this PhD project, we would like to investigate the sensitivity of native and invasive amphipod species to chemical pollutants with particular reference to co-evolved parasites and their relevance in polluted waters. We will genetically characterize host and parasite species and examine the host-parasite relationship for seasonal effects like temperature regimes. The information obtained can then be used to make projections for the future by means of niche modelling.

The PhD position (m/f/d) includes a diverse combination of field work, experimental work and laboratory work, combining ecological questions with aspects of parasitology, ecotoxicology and niche modelling. We offer a creative, appreciative working environment with a high degree of personal responsibility in a motivated interdisciplinary team.

Your profile:

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic PhD student (m/f/d) interested in biodiversity conservation, stream ecology, ecological interactions, molecular biodiversity and/or data analysis.

Applicants should hold a M.Sc. (or equivalent) in ecology, biology, environmental sciences or related disciplines. Priority will be given to applicants with profound knowledge in at least one of the following disciplines: ecological statistics (using R), ecotoxicology, molecular species identification (e.g., COI barcoding) and/or geographic information systems (GIS), ideally with experiences in field- and labwork and/or modelling. Applicants are expected to be able to work independently, be highly self-motivated, and eager to learn and apply new methods. Very good English skills, oral as well as written are required. German language skills are helpful but not mandatory.

Place of employment: Frankfurt am Main
Working hours: Part time (65%) Type of contract: 3 years, starting as soon as possible
Salary: according to the German collective agreement TV-H
(pay grade E 13)

What is awaiting you?

The Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre supports equal opportunity of men and women and therefore strongly invites women to apply. Equally qualified handicapped applicants will be given preference. The place of employment will be Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The employer is the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung.

Salary and benefits are according to a part-time public service position in Germany (TV-H E 13, 65%). The position is a 36-months fixed-term post, starting as soon as possible.

How to apply

Please send your application (in english or in german), mentioning the reference of this job offer (ref. #11-22017) until November 30, 2022 (deadline), including a brief cover letter detailing your research interests and experience (1 page), CV and copies of your certificates, transcripts and grades (attachment in a single pdf document) by e-mail to recruiting@senckenberg.de or apply directly on our homepage via the online application form:
https://www.senckenberg.de/en/career/apply-online/

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt a.M.
E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

For any questions please contact Dr. Sarah Cunze (cunze@bio.uni-frankfurt.de) , Dr. Jonas Jourdan (jourdan@bio.uni-frankfurt.de) or Prof. Dr. Sven Klimpel
(sven.klimpel@senckenberg.de).