Postdoctoral position in predation-induced stress and ecosystem functioning at the Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences
Location:
Białowieża, Poland (Białowieża Primeval Forest, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site)
Organization:
Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences (MRIPAS)
Contract Type:
Full-time postdoctoral position, minimum 1 year (February 2026 - February 2027), with possible extension for additional 2 years
Main Description:
This position is within the project "The multilevel impact of predation-induced stress in ungulates on the functioning of the temperate forest ecosystem" funded by the National Science Center, Poland (MAESTRO, grant no 2021/42/A/NZ8/00126).
The project investigates the impact of risk associated with the presence of large carnivores (wolves and lynx) and the potential stress it causes in their ungulate prey (red deer and roe deer) on the functioning of a temperate forest ecosystem. The research is based on the General Stress Paradigm (GSP) and focuses on how predation-induced stress affects stoichiometric composition (carbon and nitrogen ratios) at different trophic levels.
The project launched in mid-2022, and most material has been collected. The team is currently seeking researchers to support ongoing analyses and prepare publications.
Specific tasks include:
- Analyzing carbon and nitrogen content in animal droppings (European bison) with spatial analysis
- Spatiotemporal analyses of vegetation composition in experimental plots
- Spatial analyses of video-recordings of ungulate distribution and behavior from camera-traps
- Statistical analysis of data
- Collaboration in preparation of reports and scientific publications
Requirements:
Mandatory qualifications:
- PhD degree in biology, ecology (preferably of mammals), obtained within maximum 7 years
- Several relevant scientific publications in recognized scientific journals
- Knowledge of non-consumptive predation-herbivory-environmental interactions
- Basic understanding of biogeochemical processes and elemental cycling
- Experience in analyzing camera-trap data
- Advanced proficiency in statistics and R language
- Ability to work both in team and independently
- Fluent English
Benefits/Conditions:
- Fully developed ambitious research project on cutting-edge topics in ecosystem ecology
- Work in Białowieża Primeval Forest, one of the most natural forest ecosystems in European lowlands and biodiversity hotspot
- Full-time salary ensuring good life standard in Poland
- Full coverage of all research costs and possible travel costs to and from Poland
- Help with accommodation (relatively inexpensive flats in Białowieża, either at MRIPAS or rented from local residents)
- Collaboration with international team (18 collaborators from Poland, Denmark, and Austria)
- Presence required at MRI PAS in Białowieża most of the employment period; periodic remote work possible
How to Apply:
Send the following documents to project leader Krzysztof Schmidt at kschmidt@ibs.bialowieza.pl:
- Certified copy of PhD diploma
- Full-text version of PhD thesis
- CV with detailed information on education, scientific career, skills, list of publications
- Certificates or documents confirming knowledge of English (if available)
- Motivation letter
- At least two reference persons (e.g., prior research supervisors) with e-mail addresses
- Signed declaration of consent for processing of personal data (template provided in original announcement)
Application deadline: January 3, 2026
Additional information:
Project website: https://ibs.bialowieza.pl/en/projects/the-multilevel-impact-of-predation-induced-stress-in-ungulates-on-the-functioning-of-the-temperate-forest-ecosystem/
Contact: Krzysztof Schmidt (kschmidt@ibs.bialowieza.pl)
