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PostDoc and PhD Positions in Population Genetics and Niche Modelling (Trier)

Under the auspices of the ‘Zukunftsinitiative Rheinland-Pfalz [Rheinland-Pfalz Future Initiative]‘, subject to final approval, a number of posts are available at Fachbereich VI [Department VI] of the University of Trier (Geography and the Geosciences) in a research association in natural sciences and jurisprudence. The posts are open to scientific assistants of either sex (E13 and E13/2) as from 01.01.2009, and appointments will be made for a period of 3 years.

A number of sub-projects are to be set up in the natural sciences with a view to studying the effects of expected climatic changes on the distribution of plant and animal species. Here the main emphasis will be on the question to what extent these changes have implications for the planning of conservation areas on the national or European level. This will involve the use and further development of existing predictive tools for modelling species distribution and population processes. Taking regional climate simulations into account, both modelling approaches are to be linked to selected regions.
In addition, forecasts are to be made of the effects of the expected change in land use resulting from the extended cultivation of energy plants on the propagation of variously mobile animal species. For estimating the exchange of individuals between populations, both direct (marking experiments) and indirect methods (genetic marker systems, especially microsatellites) will be used. With the help of GIS, species specific dispersal parameters are to be used to predict the changes in the connectivity of the landscape for the species in question under different scenarios of agricultural development.

We are therefore looking for committed employees in connection with the following sub-projects:

Sub-project 1: Modelling distribution area changes for selected plant and animal species on different spatial scales (postdoctoral post, E13 100%)
This position involves the execution of the modelling of distribution areas and population dynamics described above, supervising the scientific theses of students associated to the project at diploma, bachelor and/or master level, as well as coordinating the project association itself.
Requirements: a completed doctorate in the field of the modelling of population developments, preferably with a main focus on biology. Involvement in the preparation of reports and busy publication activities are also expected.

Subproject 2: Regional climate modelling (doctorate position, E13 50%)
The position involves the execution of regional climate simulations for Rheinland-Pfalz using the COSMO-CLM model for climate scenarios, the processing and evaluation of the model data, provision of data for other subprojects and the coupling of population models with the regional climate model.
Requirements: A good to excellent degree (diploma or MA) in meteorology or the environmental sciences, good presentation skills, modelling experience using meteorological models, knowledge of programming (FORTRAN, some experience with LINUX), good understanding of processes, a command of statistics, a capacity for working independently and for working together as part of a team, a talent for interdisciplinary cooperation. Also desirable or advantageous would be a knowledge of boundary layer meteorology and SVAT modelling.

Sub-projects 3: Dispersal abilities of butterflies and grasshoppers, in dependence on land use (doctoral posts, E13 50%)
and
Sub-project 4: Propagation possibilities of earthworms, in dependence on land use (doctoral posts, E13 50%)
Both positions will involve the selection and sampling of suitable geographical areas of study, the execution of molecular-genetic laboratory analysis and ecological work in the field on the dispersal ecology of selected species. Assistance in connection with ecological field work is possible through supervising the theses of diploma, BA and/or MA students; there will be the possibility of receiving intensive support in connection with the publication of the results at international level.
Requirements: a completed college or university degree in the natural sciences, preferably with a main focus on biology and/or the geosciences. Applicants are expected to have knowledge and practical experience of the use of molecular-biological laboratory (PCR, microsatellite analysis) and analytical procedures (e.g. AMOVA, STRUCTURE), as well as experience of GIS. Knowledge of species would be an advantage, but is not absolutely essential.

The place of work will be Trier. Seriously handicapped persons showing the right qualifications will be given preferential treatment.

Please send your application, with the usual supporting documents, by 15 October 2008 to:
Universit?t Trier
Fachbereich VI - Geographie/Geowissenschaften
Prof. Dr. Michael Veith
Biogeographie
Am Wissenschaftspark 25-27,
D-54286 Trier, GERMANY

For more detailed information please contact:
Sub-projects 1 and 3:
Prof. Dr. Michael Veith (e-mail: veith@uni-trier.de; tel.: +49(0)651-2013704; http://www.uni-trier.de/index.php?id=15675)
Sub-project 2:
Prof. Dr. G?nther Heinemann (e-mail: heinemann@uni-trier.de; tel.: +49(0)651-2014623; http://klima.uni-trier.de/)
Sub-project 4:
Prof. Dr. Christoph Emmerling (e-mail: emmerling@uni-trier.de; tTel.: +49(0)651-2012238; http://bodenkunde.uni-trier.de/)
Information about the university and the city of Trier may be found at http://www.uni-trier.de/ and http://www.trier.de/.

Tags: Genetics, Modelling, Niche, PhD, Population, positions, Postdoc, Trier

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