Research and data synthesis in different topics in ecology and evolution, including meta-science & methodolgical development

The PI will build an international hub or Centre for Open Science and Research Synthesis in Ecology and Evolution to revolutionize and improve scientific practises in ecology, evolution, and related fields, such as conservation and environmental sciences, by forming a large international collaborative network. The core interdisciplinary team will include biologists and computer and social scientists from UoA. This new lab (Centre) will conduct meta-analyses and other quantitative syntheses using all data types (e.g., citizen science data, climate data) and develop new methodologies. Therefore, we intend to lead and direct future research across many topics in ecology and evolution.

Over the next few years, the PI aims to build up a lab of ~20-25 people: postdocs, graduate students, research assistants, and a lab manager. This lab will be a place where people work together towards the ambitious vision and to reach their highest academic and personal potential. All lab members will have opportunities to participate in and help run collaborative workshops where participants learn synthesis methods and generate the latest evidence for various topics in ecology and evolution.

For more information about the PI and his past work, visit his Australian lab webpage [link] and also read his interview at Current Biology [link].

Position, salary, and location:

●     The appointment will be for 5 years

●     The salary starts at $ $25,917/year for 5 years (guaranteed with teaching assistantships)

●     Lab members will be expected to work at a newly refurbished lab space at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, one of Canada’s most affordable places to live [link].

Work descriptions and duties:

●     Leading research synthesis, methodological, or meta-science projects in consultation with the PI and other collaborators (on research topics that align with the applicant’s interest and skills within PI’s CERC program remit).

●     Completing research projects, publishing them, and collaborating with other researchers at the Centre.

Eligibility, necessary qualifications, and qualities:

●     Bachelor’s degree in biology (ecology, evolution, and environmental sciences), psychology, statistics, mathematics, computer sciences, philosophy or related fields.

●     Self-motivated and eager to learn new skills. While quantitative methods can be intimidating, if you are self-driven and open-minded, we assure you that you can learn these skills and become a world-class researcher.

●     Excellent organizational and communication skills

●     We are open to applications from any country

Preferred experiences and skills:

●     Coding experience is preferred but not required (e.g., in R Python, Julia, MATLAB)

●     Willingness to think critically about hot topics in conservation biology and ecology.

●     Prior research experience is recommended.

How to apply:

Please send the PI (Shinichi Nakagawa: shinichi.nakagawa@ualberta.ca) an email with the following attachments (or a link from which the documents can be downloaded)

1. A cover letter describing experiences and research interests
2. Transcripts
3. Contact details of three referees (two are fine, too)
4. A two-page (max) statement of research interests (please read the CERC application and discuss the link between your research interest and the CERC program).
5. A one-page (max) diversity and social impact statement (describing strengths and experiences in equity, diversity, and inclusion, and/or social activities such as volunteering at learned societies and outreach activities, and/or other extra-curricular activities, and/or supervisory/teaching experiences)
6. Please send the application by 15 December 2024 (first deadline, but later applications are considered)