Fully-funded PhD position on Antarctic Diatoms at the Department of Ecology, Charles University in Prague, Czechia, starting October 2024
We are seeking a motivated student to work on a project entitled, “Diatom diversity and community assembly in the polar oases of Antarctica.” The project will be based in the DiCE laboratory at Department of Ecology, Charles University, in Prague, Czechia.
Project description: Antarctica is Earth’s most pristine and geographically isolated continent. While 99% of its terrestrial area is ice-covered, freshwater habitats scatter the ice-free oases near the coast, representing important habitat for Antarctic biodiversity. Currently, rapid climate changes are fundamentally transforming these limno-terrestrial habitats, and at the same time, Antarctic diversity remains critically under-documented due to the majority of it being microbial. Of the microbial eukaryotes, diatoms (single-celled siliceous algae) are likely the most diverse. Diatoms have been widely studied from Antarctica using morphological methods, yet they have been rarely studied using molecular methods (e.g. DNA metabarcoding) despite widespread cryptic diversity within this group. As a result, we are only beginning to get a sense of Antarctic diatom diversity, community assembly, and biogeography. This contrasts strongly with the application of diatoms in biomonitoring and as ecological proxies, and combined with the imminent impacts of climate change makes their study particularly urgent.
The focus of this PhD topic will be to:
1) Compare morphological/molecular diatom diversity from different habitats and regions
2) Characterize and quantify diatom community assembly processes with DNA metabarcoding
3) Synthesize results to project how communities will shift with climate change
The position is available for up to four years, starting October 2024. The student’s net monthly income will start at CZK 25 000 (EUR ~1 000) in the first year, and may progressively increase with experience and achievements during the study. (Note that living expenses in the Czech Republic are lower than in Western European countries. This income is sufficient to cover all necessary living costs in Prague. Health insurance will also be covered). The Department of Ecology hosts faculty members with a wide range of different interests, spanning ornithology to microbial ecology. The student may also spend some time abroad at a collaborating institution in the framework of the ERASMUS+ program.
The successful candidate should be highly motivated and independent, and must have obtained a degree equivalent to a M.Sc. in biology, ecology, or related field by September 2024. All applicants should have good written and oral English skills, possess a willingness to conduct field and laboratory work, and ideally have a background in ecology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, multivariate statistics, and/or bioinformatics. Prior experience with diatoms and/or metabarcoding is a plus.
How to apply:
Application deadline: Please apply before 13 March 2024.
Please submit a single pdf file with a letter of interest (Two pages maximum describing previous experiences, current research interests, and other relevant information for the position, including previous work with diatoms, environmental microbiology, bioinformatics, statistics, culturing, fieldwork, etc), a CV including any publications, and contact information for 3 references.
For more detailed information about the project, please contact the project supervisor Dr. Tyler Kohler (kohlert@natur.cuni.cz). To find out more about the details regarding the application procedure, please use the following link: http://www.stars-natur.cz/open-calls or contact Dr. Kateřina Kopalová (kopalov1@natur.cuni.cz)
This PhD project will develop new conservation planning methods that are specifically adapted to Antarctica.
Application dates Applications close31 October 2022 What you'll receive
You'll receive a scholarship, tax exempt and indexed annually of $28,854 per annum for a period of 4 years. Eligibility
To apply for this scholarship, you must:meet the entry requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at QUT have background in environmental science, conservation biology or related quantitative disciplines an interest in studying complex environmental systems and identifying opportunities to improve protection be able to commence the PhD course in 2022.
We are particularly interested in applicants from groups that are under-represented in academia, mathematics, and STEM, based on gender, sexuality, race, culture, disability status. There will be a strong focus on supporting your research development as part of the PhD research program. How to apply
Please email your application to ilva.sporne@qut.edu.au and include:a letter outlining your background, interest in, and fit with the PhD topic (1 page maximum) your curriculum vitae. What happens next?
Applications will be reviewed and those applicants who are deemed to be potentially suited to the position will be interviewed. About the scholarship
This PhD project will be part of the Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF) - an Australian Research Council funded Special Research Initiative that aims to strengthen Antarctic science, policy, and governance at a time of rapid environmental and geopolitical change. QUT is a key partner in SAEF, contributing expertise in environmental decision making, data science, robotics, sensor technology, amongst others.
Anthropocene effects on the Antarctic continent have highlighted the need for a modern network of protected areas to be established to secure its unique biodiversity. Working with the newest datasets on biodiversity, ecological proxies and future environmental change, this project seeks to assist the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties create a coordinated, continent-wide network of protected areas that will be robust to future environmental changes.
This PhD project will develop new conservation planning theory and prioritisation methods that are specifically adapted to Antarctica’s unique biodiversity, threats, and governance. The project will identify priority areas for expansion of the protected areas network and deployment of other conservation actions/mechanisms across the Antarctic and in specific regional case study areas. Existing approaches to conservation and environmental planning will be adapted to account for the risks, dynamics, and uncertainty inherent in Antarctic systems and the diversity of values that are unique to the continent and sub-Antarctic islands.
PROGRAM: Ecoinformatics and Climate Solutions/Antarctica Program
REPORTS TO: Annie Schmidt, Antarctica Program Director
STATUS: Full-Time, 12 month position with full benefits
LOCATION: Petaluma CA and Antarctica
START DATE: On or after July 15, 2022
APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 8, 2022.
ABOUT POINT BLUE
Our mission is to conserve birds, other wildlife and ecosystems through science, partnerships, and outreach. We have been assessing changes in our environment and advancing conservation through bird and ecosystem studies since our founding as Point Reyes Bird Observatory in 1965. Point Blue’s 140+ staff work to maximize nature’s benefits for wildlife and people in our rapidly changing world.
Individuals from underrepresented communities in science and conservation are strongly encouraged to apply. Increasing diversity, equity and inclusion at Point Blue and in our partnerships, is essential for the success of our mission, vision, and strategy. The work of diversity, equity and inclusion is not separate from our programmatic work or how we work at Point Blue; it is an integral part of our work every day.
This position will be based at Point Blue in the Antarctica Program and will be part of a multi-institution team that has been studying penguins and the Antarctic ecosystem for many decades. This productive collaboration between Point Blue, H.T Harvey, Oregon State University, and Arizona State University has led to the publication of more than 100 scientific journal articles; several of these articles were instrumental in justifying the need for the Ross Sea Marine Protected area, established in 2017 as one of the largest marine protected areas in the world. We continue to investigate questions such as: why are some colonies bigger than others, why do they occur where they do, what sort of environmental changes impact populations the most, and what is “normal” variability, with the goal of developing better understanding and sustainable management of the Antarctic ecosystem.
The Program Biologist will be part of a team that studies Adélie penguin breeding and wintering ecology with the objective of increasing our understanding of population structuring of this and other species through time. Emphasis during the Biologist’s term will be on the long-term effects of early life conditions on individuals as they mature and use of devices deployed on penguins to monitor environmental change. Please see the research page on www.penguinscience.com for more specifics about the current project. Field work will involve a deployment of ~4 months (October-February) in Antarctica (pending approval of NSF and medical clearance). While in Antarctica, the Biologist will be stationed at a small field camp (2-5 people) at one of the penguin colonies on Ross Island. The field crew works out of a small hut, sleeping in tents, accessible in good weather conditions only by helicopter from McMurdo station, which in turn is only accessible by military aircraft from New Zealand. Living conditions in the field are rustic, communal space is cramped, there is no running water (no showers). Temperatures range from -20 to +10 C, with intermittent severe wind and snowstorms. The Biologist will participate in several unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys and will be required to obtain FAA certification as a remote pilot prior to deployment to Antarctica. The remainder of the position will be based out of Point Blue headquarters in Petaluma, California. Working remotely outside the field season is supported.
The Biologist will benefit from exposure to key concepts and skills in the following areas: Field methods in ecology and conservation biology Broader context of polar biology and climate change Safety and logistical challenges of working in Antarctica The scientific process and the role of natural history observation in guiding meaningful research and conservation Critical thinking and evaluation of research and conservation Climate-smart conservation Science communication Data management and analysis
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES This position will participate in all aspects of the project from field work and field-logistics, data management and analysis, literature review, and preparing manuscripts for publication Responsibilities while in the field (up to 4 months of the year) Collect data on many aspects of the species’ breeding and wintering ecology
Including: Searching for banded (known-age) penguins and recording their nesting status Deploying and maintaining automated scale and PIT-tag reader Deploying biologging devices on individual penguins to track movement and behavior Measuring chicks and recording observations of chick diet Surveying for whales and pinnipeds Conducting UAV surveys to photograph and census nesting adults and chicks Data entry and proofing Non-field responsibilities Data management (50%) Data quality assurance Annual summaries and reports Maintain existing long-term databases Develop and maintain data collection and entry protocols Additional projects and activities as developed with supervisor (40%)
Examples include: Independent research projects Literature review Attend and present at scientific conferences Create outreach materials Contribute to ongoing analysis, publications, and grant proposal preparation in partnership with the leadership team Project administration (10%) Safety and permitting Sample curation Ordering supplies Shipping project cargo Additional work on other Point Blue projects as needed
SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE A college degree by the time of employment An interest in the field of conservation At least one season of field biology experience, seabird experience preferred Effective written and verbal communication skills An eagerness to learn Attention to detail and patience Teamwork skills- ability to communicate well, actively listen, and be responsible. Interest in learning to conduct UAV surveys and ability to obtain FAA Remote Pilot certification (written exam) Enjoy living and working in challenging outdoor environments. ability to carry a 40+ lb backpack daily on steep terrain with uneven footing tolerance of cold, wind, and dirty working conditions ability to go for several months without running water or internet ability to sleep on the ground in a tent with 24 hour daylight Skills or interest in: developing code for data analysis and visualization image analysis scientific writing manuscript preparation Have the ability to work in the United States Successful applicants will need to complete a medical examination as required by the US Antarctic Program prior to deployment to Antarctica and be fully vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19. More information about the physical qualification policy is available here and here.
TERM / LENGTH OF ASSIGNMENT
This is a one-year, full-time term position starting on or after July 15, 2022.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Starting salary is $41,603 commensurate with experience. Point Blue Conservation Science offers a competitive benefits package as well as training and professional development opportunities.
Benefits include 100% medical, dental and life insurance premium coverage for employees, and partial coverage (80%) for dependents including domestic partners. Other optional benefits include long term care insurance, vision, supplemental life insurance, short term and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and a 401k plan with an employer discretionary match. Full time employees accrue up to 3 weeks paid vacation, 3 personal days, 12 sick days and 8 holidays each year. All time off benefits are prorated based on the employee’s date of hire.
All expenses related to training and travel to Antarctica will be covered (including FAA remote pilot certification and Wilderness First Aid certification). Extreme cold weather clothing provided by the US Antarctic Program.
HOW TO APPLY/APPLICATION
To apply for the Biologist position:
Complete the online application questionnaire and submit a CV or resume.
Point Blue Conservation Science is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.
Job reference: BAS 37/17 Salary: In the range of £28,200 to £30,600 per annum Location: Cambridge Closing date: 9 April, 2017 9:01 am
Description
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), part of the Natural Environment Research Council, aims to undertake a world-class programme of scientific research, and to sustain for the UK an active and influential regional presence and a leadership role in Antarctic affairs.
We are seeking an ecological biogeochemist to lead and develop of key areas of research into the contribution of pelagic communities to carbon and nutrient flux in Polar Regions. BAS has a world class reputation in considering the role of polar organisms within biogeochemical cycles and will be making a major contribution to two grant funded projects considering different aspects of this research area in the Arctic and Southern Ocean (DIAPOD and COMICS). The candidate will participate in the field campaigns of both programmes, coordinating the sampling and experimental plan and leading subsequent sample analyses. The programmes will collect samples of water and pelagic organisms through deployment of numerous devices, from which live material and egested products will be extracted for incubation and preservation. These efforts will be combined with analyses of net and acoustic data to determine behavioural patterns and of satellite ocean colour data to determine food fields, particularly in terms of fatty acid composition. The candidate will apply appropriate techniques to determine the chemical and elemental composition of sampled material. They will also be expected to build quantitative models to predict levels of carbon and nutrient flux as functions of major oceanographic variables such as temperature and chlorophyll-a concentration. They will present findings at consortium meetings and international conferences and publish in leading peer-reviewed scientific journals.
The postholder will undertake and lead the development of research in the biogeochemical role of pelagic organisms: they will measure key physiological variables, analyse patterns of behaviour, determine the fate of respired, excreted and egested products and build quantitative predictive models of the flux of matter to the ocean interior.
Key areas of research will include: Design sampling and experimental plans for research campaigns and implement the sampling strategy as part of a scientific team Carry out field based incubations to measure respiration, excretion and egestion of key polar pelagic organisms as a function of major variables such as temperature and food quality and quantity Examine egested products in terms of carbon mass and chemical composition using EDX scanning electron microscopy, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry Analyse net and acoustic data to determine vertical migration behaviour of key taxa Calibrate satellite images of ocean colour against field measurements of the fatty acid classes of major phytoplankton species. Build models quantifying the carbon flux on the pelagic community, including functional responses to temperature and food availability and potentially also considering levels of ice-cover and acidification
This is an exciting opportunity to be a key member of a world class scientific team delivering science for two major research efforts in the polar oceans (DIAPOD and COMICS). The postholder will work as part of the BAS Ecosystems Team, which includes scientists involved in studies of zooplankton and fish life-cycles, pelagic community ecology, higher predator the feeding and population ecology of predator species (especially fish, seabirds and seals) and fishery management. They will also be key members of the DIAPOD and COMICS consortia, in which they will be one of the main representatives of BAS in field campaigns and scientific meetings.
Purpose
To lead the delivery of the main scientific contributions of BAS to the grant funded field programmes COMICS and DIAPOD to consider the role of surface and midwater pelagic organisms to the flux of nutrients and carbon to the ocean interior. The postholder will participate on a number of scientific cruises in the Arctic and Southern Ocean and be responsible for the collection of field samples using a range of water sampling and netsampling devices.
They will carry out on-board incubations of live organisms and their detrital matter. Measurements of gut flux, respiration and excretion will be made in controlled conditions whilst on board. Use of acoustic devices and net sampling will be made to determine vertical migration behaviour of key taxa. Further analyses in the home aboratory will measure carbon mass and stable isotope composition of the organisms and their egested products, as well as the physical structure and elemental makeup these products using EDX scanning electron microscopy. The postholder will also analyse the relationship between species distributions and metrics of food availability, using parameters derived from satellite ocean-colour data. Calibrations to the chemical composition of these food-fields will be made to determine its potential lipid-class composition. The postholder will develop quantitative models of the contribution of polar pelagic organisms to carbon and nutrient flux that are responsive to variation and change in major polar ocean parameters, such as temperature, ice cover, primary productivity and levels of acidification.
Qualification
PhD in Marine Biology, Biological Oceanography or related subject area (e.g. zoology, fisheries science)(or equivalent)
Duties
The postholder will take the lead in delivering major aspects of the BAS contribution to the grant funded polar research programmes COMICS and DIAPOD
Key areas of research will include: Coordinate the BAS contribution to the fieldwork programmes running in the Southern Ocean and the Arctic in terms of logistical arrangements and equipment. Design sampling and experimental plans for each of the research campaigns Implement the sampling strategy as part of a scientific team Carry out field based incubations to measure respiration, excretion and egestion of key polar pelagic organisms as a function of major variables such as temperature and food quality and quantity Examine the egested products in terms of carbon mass and sinking potential Carry out fatty acid and stable isotope measurements of key taxa and their major food items Analyse net and acoustic data to determine vertical migration behaviour of key taxa Examine chemical composition and structure of egested products using EDX scanning electron microscopy Calibrate satellite images of ocean colour against field measurements of the fatty acid classes of major phytoplankton species Build models quantifying the carbon flux on the pelagic community, including functional responses to temperature and food availability and potentially also considering levels of ice-cover and acidification
On-line application forms and further information are available on our website at www.bas.ac.uk/jobs
These are also available from the Human Resources Section, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: (01223) 221508.
Please quote reference: BAS 37/17 Closing date for receipt of application forms is: 9th April 2017 Interviews are scheduled to be held on: 28th April 2017 Start Date: 1st August 2017
We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from ethnic minorities are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome.
You will need to be physically capable and medically fit to work in Arctic/Antarctic conditions.
An exciting postdoctoral position to investigate Antarctic terrestrial plant phylogenomics is available at Stellenbosch University (http://academic.sun.ac.za/cib/team/academic/jleroux.asp) and the University of Johannesburg (http://www.molzoolab.co.za/), South Africa; collaborative project. The successful applicant will be based at Stellenbosch University, but will be expected to spend some time at the University of Johannesburg. The envisaged research will address a major question in modern biology: how has plant life evolved and spread around the Antarctic region, both in the past and currently? This research forms part of an international collaboration: "A Functional Biogeography of the Antarctic (AFBA, see http://antarcticbiogeography.org)" as part of the Antarctic Circumnavigation Expedition (ACE). ACE involves 22 projects, 55 researchers and 19 countries and is the first project of the newly created Swiss Polar Institute.
The successful candidate will be responsible for plant phylogenomic research on selected taxa from the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Islands.
Using the latest phylogenomic and analytical approaches, the research aims to shed light on the history of plant life in the region, how it will respond to environmental change, and what can be done to secure its future.
Only candidates with demonstrable (i.e. published) skills in next generation sequencing data analyses with an emphasis on phylogenomics will be considered. Preference will be given to candidates with previous postdoctoral research experience and an excellent academic track record (i.e. publications in international journals). Successful candidates will be fully funded for 1 y ear, to be extended for an additional 1 to 2 years depending on satisfactory performance. An attractive annual bursary will be offered along with additional expenses for research, international travel and subsistence, and conference attendance.
Individuals from all nationalities are eligible.
To apply, please send a CV, contact details for at least two academic references, and a brief outline of research interests to Prof. Jaco Le Roux (jleroux@sun.ac.za) and Prof. Bettine van Vuuren (bettinevv@uj.ac.za) by 28 February 2017. Informal inquiries are welcome. Review of applications will begin immediately after the closing date, and short-listed candidates will be contacted to set up phone/Skype interviews. The envisaged start date for the project would be March/April 2017.
Zoological Field Assistants will be recruited to carry out fieldwork on seabirds and seals. Bird Island is small (7 km in length) and forms part of the South Georgia archipelago where it is buffeted by both prevailing westerlies and cold winds from Antarctica. It has a high annual rainfall and variable snow cover during winter. In summer tens of thousands of seals and hundreds of thousands of seabirds breed there. Up to 10 staff live in a modern research station with a satellite link to the outside world and comfortable accommodation.
The successful applicants will work and live on Bird Island continuously, living with other residents and 3 summer only visitors. Whilst everyone is assigned duties to keep the research station running (including cooking and cleaning), the residents have extra responsibilities (after pre-deployment training), such as providing IT, communications and medical cover. They will each be responsible for one element of a long term science programme. The learning curve is very steep and so all candidates must have previous experience of handling appropriate wild animals, but BAS will provide a finishing school (at Bird Island) to hone these skills. A recent magazine article gives an insight into what it is like to do one of these jobs.
Work in the wildlife breeding season at Bird Island is very intensive, with long hours of fieldwork and data preparation, so it is important to be well organised. Data are collated using databases and by submitting reports, observing deadlines at frequent intervals. The results underpin key research into regional and global change processes based on seabird and seal life histories, reproductive success, behaviour and diet.
The position of Zoological Field Assistant offers a unique opportunity for highly motivated and disciplined individuals with relevant fieldwork skills and a keen interest in wildlife, who will adapt well to small island living in a challenging sub-Antarctic environment.
Qualifications: Degree in biology or zoology; experience of remote unsupervised fieldwork and animal handling skills. Applicants must be competent and efficient in managing, analysing and reporting on large data sets. Smart time management, attention to detail and effective communication are important attributes. Candidates should also be comfortable working in a small and vibrant science community.
Duration: Winter Over (Up to 18 Months)
Salary: £23,937 per annum initially. Additionally, upon completion of a successful tour, you will receive a 10% bonus.
On-line application forms and further information are available on our website at www.bas.ac.uk/jobs
These are also available from the Human Resources Section, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: (01223) 221508.
Please quote reference: BAS 11/17 Closing date for receipt of application forms is: 2nd April 2017 Interviews are scheduled to be held on: w/c 15th May 2017
We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from ethnic minorities are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome.
You will need to be physically capable and medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions.
Dice la leyenda que más de 5000 solicitantes respondieron al anuncio que abre este artículo. Miles de personas que querían unirse a la famosa Expedición Imperial Trans-Antártica del explorador Ernest Shackleton.
Yo creo también me hubiera apuntado, ¿tú no?
¡Pues claro! ¡Nos encanta la aventura!
El problema es que, si eres una mujer, probablemente tu solicitud habría terminado en la papelera. En 1914, lo más seguro es que ¡ni te hubieras atrevido a responder al anuncio!
¡Imagínate! ¿Qué hubiera dicho tu padre? ¿Y tus amigas del Club de Damas Costureras?
Eso era hace 100 años, claro. Hoy en día... Bueno, si te parece ridículo pensar que tus amigas no te iban a apoyar, ahí tienes una de las muchas señales de que los tiempos están cambiando, y que los prejucios que solían ser la norma hace no mucho, ahora parecen tremendamente anacronísticos.
La oficina central de la Asociación Nacional Contra el Voto Femenino
¿A que parecen situaciones increíbles?
Sí, los tiempos han cambiado... pero aún, hoy en día, la representación de la mujer en puestos de responsabilidad está bajo mínimos.
Esto se nota, sobre todo, en carreras de ciencias. A pesar de que chicos y chicas muestran el mismo interés por las ciencias a edades tempranas, a medida que avanza la carrera profesional se crea una brecha entre géneros.
Hay cambio, sí, pero aún es muy lento. Necesitamos acelerar el sistema. Las chicas han de saber que pueden llegar a ser lo que quieran, y el mejor método para conseguir eso es proporcionarles buenos ejemplos:
¡Necesitamos más mujeres líderes!
Cómo crear nuevas superheroínas
Fabian Dattner (Experta en liderazgo y socia de Dattner-Grant) y Jess Melbourne Thomas (Científica Antártica) tuvieron una gran idea: Diseñar un programa que reunirá, en 10 años, una red de un millar de mujeres extremadamente preparadas para el liderazgo.
El programa ya ha comenzado, y las primeras 76 féminas están disfrutando de una formación de un año de duración que "desarrollará su liderazgo, sus habilidades estratégicas y científicas, incidiendo en la investigación biológica, terrestre y climática."
Y la última etapa del programa consiste en ¡un espectacular curso/expedición a la Antártida!
La primera expedición comienza en unos días y, por cierto, no es sólo un crucero de placer...
20 días de viaje por mar abierto, guiados por Greg Mortimer OAM, zarpando desde Ushuaia en Argentina el 2 de diciembre de 2016
12 días del más avanzado entrenamiento en liderazgo y planificación estratégica, impartido por Dr Susan David, Kit Jackson y Fabian Dattner, todos expertos en sus campos
6 días de la mejor educación científica posible, incluyendo la más actual y relevante investigacion sobre el estado y funcionamiento de nuestro planeta, impartida por las mejores científicas de Australia.
Un documental de 60 minutos se filmará para seguir el viaje y mostrar el rol de la mujer en nuestro planeta.
¿No te gustaría participar en algo así? ¡Imagina tu trasformación después de esa experiencia! Pero... ¿cómo se consigue una plaza en ese barco?
Estamos de suerte... ¡Resulta que una de las 76 participantes es amiga mía! Así que ¿por qué no le preguntamos directamente a ella?
Te presento a Deborah Pardo
Deborah es una bióloga francesa que realizó su doctorado en biología de las poblaciones trabajando con aves interesantísimas: Los albatros (Thalassarche sp),
Actualmente, Deborah trabaja como modelizadora de poblaciones en Cambridge, UK, para la British Antarctic Survey.
Allí, ella analiza enormes bases de datos, para entender mejor los complejos mecanismos que llevan a las especies en peligro hacia la extinción. Su trabajo ayuda a las agencias de conservación de la naturaleza a tomar mejores decisiones.
Además de todo esto, Deborah es madre de un chavalín majísimo y, a pesar de lo dura que es la maternidad, encuentra tiempo para salir a la calle a divulgar, como científica, los beneficios de una vida más sostenible.
Como ves, Deborah ya es una profesional tremenda, así que ¡a saber dónde termina después de este increíble viaje formativo!
Hola Deborah! ¿Cómo ocurrió todo esto? ¿Podrías contarnos cómo te enteraste del programa y cómo conseguiste que te seleccionaran?
Pues ocurrió durante mi baja maternal, Una amiga me avisó y primero pensé: Guau, eso suena interesante... ¡Ójala pudiera participar! Y un momento más tarde pensé... Bueno, ¿Y por qué no?
Me encontraba en una etapa crítica de mi carrera científica, tratando de encontrar una plaza permanente, como tantos otros postdocs. Estaba sintiendo muchas de las dificultades que las mujeres sufren en esta situación, así que, cuando leí acerca de Homeward Bound, me di cuenta de que podría ser una oportunidad fantástica, no sólo para mejorar mi propio futuro, sino también para ayudar a otras mujeres en situaciones similares.
Para participar, tuve que enviar una carta de presentación, un CV de tres páginas, y, lo más importante, un video de dos minutos donde debía hablar de los siguientes temas:
Por qué yo - Mi historia hasta ahora
Por qué el liderazgo es importante para mí
Por qué son importantes las mujeres en roles de liderazgo
Qué he hecho hasta ahora con mi bagaje científico
Ejemplos de mis contribuciones al mundo y sus resultados
Qué habilidades adicionales aportaría yo al equipo
¡La verdad es que fue un desafío bastante grande! Pero lo hice lo mejor que pude... ¡Y me eligieron!
¡Genial tu video! Yo también te hubiera seleccionado ;-) ¿Te dijeron qué les gustó de tu video? ¿Qué crees que te hizo resaltar sobre el resto de las candidatas?
No me dijeron qué fue lo que les convenció, pero sospecho que hay algunas cosas que me ayudaron a resaltar:
En primero lugar, traté de ser natural. Mi interés y entusiasmo por la Ciencia son genuinos, y siento una profunda preocupacion por el futuro de la Tierra, así que dejé que todo eso se reflejara de forma natural en el video. Intenté contarlo de la misma manera que lo explicaría a un amigo, o a una person que quisiera conocerme mejor.
Creo que ser una joven madre también pudo tener alguna influencia. Tener un bebé multiplica las dificultades profesionales que una mujer debe encarar, y eso es, probablemente, una de las razones más comunes a la hora de explicar la brecha de género en Ciencia, y en muchas otras profesiones.
Por último, el proyecto Homeward Bound comenzó en Australia, pero muy pronto decidieron que debía ser un proyecto global. Por eso, creo que estaban interesados en diversificar las participantes lo más posible, así que creo que ser francesa pudo favorecer mi candidatura. Si eres de un país en vías de desarrollo, o quizá alguno donde el inglés no sea el único idioma oficial, ¡te recomiendo mandar una solicitud!
¿Se necesita experiencia previa en la Antártida para participar en el programa?
Por supuesto que no. Yo tuve la suerte de haber estado allí ya, y mi trabajo hasta ahora sí está relacionado con la conservación en la Antártida, pero se han seleccionado mujeres con todo tipo de experiencia laboral: Astrónomas, psicólogas, médicos, veterinarias, guardas forestales, matemáticas, maestras... ¡e incluso estudiantes!
¡Qué bien! ¿Nos podrías contar un poco más acerca de tus compañeras? ¿Ya os habéis conocido?
¡Son todas asombrosas! Estamos en contacto diario en varias plataformas online (Facebook, Slack), y tenemos una reunión internacional cada mes, ¡con 40 al mismo tiempo a través de la webcam (Zoom)!
Ya estamos trabajando en equipo en temas científicos relacionados con el impacto de las acciones humanas sobre el medio ambiente, y en soluciones a ese impacto de una forma u otra (ciencias sociales, medicina, empresas verdes, reciclaje, plantas alpinas, agricultura, meteorología para el ejército, educación ambiental...). La participante más joven acaba de comenzar su doctorado y la mayor tiene más de 50, así que tenemos un amplio rango de experiencia y carreras.
Somos de 15 países distintos. La mayor parte de la tripulación es de Australia, ya que el proyecto comenzó allí, pero también hay participantes de Finlandia a Costa Rica, pasando por Nueva Zelanda, Estados Unidos, Canadá, Reino Unido, Sudáfrica, China... Somos dos francesas (aunque una de nosotras es medio Australiana y vive allí).
Hemos recibido formación para trabajar en equipos, y hemos diseñado proyectos para pequeños grupos, con el objeto de avanzar poco a poco, comenzar a aprender habilidades de liderazgo y crear una base para las mujeres que serán parte de Homeward Bound en los próximos años. Estos pequeños proyectos agrupan varias disciplinas para atraer al máximo número de personas a la causa del liderazgo femenino y la defensa del medio ambiente: Educativa, Corporativa, Política, Académica y Mediática.
Por ejemplo, yo soy parte del equipo que trabaja estudiando el rol de la mujer en política ambiental, y ya hemos descubierto, por ejemplo, que hay una relación positiva entre lo bien que los países conservan su medio ambiente y la igualdad de género, independientemente del producto interior bruto del país.
También estoy implicada en muchos otros proyectos educativos en Canadá, Reino Unido y Francia, y estoy diseñando, junto a uno de mis patrocinadores en Provence, un logo de un albatros para mostrar a los niños qué pueden hacer ellos mismos para mejorar el medio ambiente.
He leido que los profesores a cargo de vuestra formación a bordo también van a ser unos fuera de serie... ¿Cuáles son algunas de sus habilidades y qué os van a enseñar durante el viaje?
Aunque ya llevamos varios meses aprendiendo y trabajando, ¡ciertamente estoy deseando descubrir la "formación a bordo"!
Va a tener tres fases princiales:
Primero, clases avanzadas de liderazgo y planificación estratégica, impartida por expertos de fama mundial en liderazgo y mentorización : Julia May, Marshall Cowley, Kit Jackson and Fabian Dattner.
El objetivo de esta primera fase es transformar nuestra mentalidad de liderazgo y ayudarnos a visualizar nuestro poder para influir y mejorar el mundo (¡ahí es nada!).
La segunda fase estará centrada en la Ciencia, usando la Antártida de fondo (¡literalmente!). Nos esforzaremos en entender mejor el Cambio Climático y sus amenazas hacia nuestro planeta. Los organizadores han reunido un grupo diverso con las mejores expertas, en varias fases de su carrera, en conservación e investigación polar y del cambio climático.
La última fase reforzará nuestra habilidad para articular, innovar y ejecutar estrategias: Trabajaremos en los proyectos que ya hemos comenzado y nos ayudaremos unas a otras para hacer esos proyectos realidad.
En este video (en francés, con subtítulos en inglés) te describo la que va a ser nuestra formación con más detalle:
¡Toda esta formación debe ser muy cara! ¿Cómo se financia el programa?
Muchas fuentes independientes están de acuerdo en que se necesitan más mujeres en posiciones de liderazgo para contrarrestar este problema, gracias a su rol en el medio ambiente y la población y a su forma diferente de liderar. Más específicamente, necesitamos más mujeres con formación científica, con poderosas habilidades tales como la habilidad para tomar decisiones basadas en hechos probados, lo cual nos asegura más racionalidad y objetividad en el liderazgo.
El reto de reunir 20 000 euros, la sensación del enorme interés de tanta gente en mi proyecto y su fe en mis habilidades, la interesante experiencia de interactuar con los medios, e incluso el abrir mi propio canal de YouTube... todo eso me ha sacado completamente de mi zona de confort. ¡Y eso ha sido tan gratificante!
Me he dado cuenta de que la gente valora las habilidades científicas, y de que hay un montón de energía que podemos empezar a usar en las causas que nos importan. La gente se está poniendo de acuerdo cada vez a escala más global para actuar en el ambiente.
Siempre he sido una apasionada del trabajo con animales, me ha encantado colaborar, por ejemplo en la lista roja de especies amenazadas, usando mis habilidades de modelización de poblaciones, y haciendo trabajo de campo con mis albatros. Esta pasión, sin embargo, se está dirigiendo ahora hacia intentar convencer al mayor número posible de personas de que hay una forma más sostenible de vivir, y que necesitamos cambiar.
He hecho varios tests de personalidad y habilidad durante la formación con Homeward Bound, y todos me muestran que una de mis mayores habilidades es la de motivar a la gente, algo que podría usar mejor fuera de mi carrera académica. El mundo académico se está volviendo un lugar oscuro, no hay presupuestos suficientes, no hay puestos para todos, y la obsesión por publicar artículos científicos como única medida de valor académico hace que esté perdiendo el interés en la Academia.
Estoy cansada de tener que mudarme cada dos años, cansada de no saber si algún día conseguiré una plaza permanente. Estoy cansada de estar sentada frente a una pantalla todo el día, estoy cansada de sufrir tasas de rechazo del 90% para cada paper o solicitud, cansada de formar parte de equipos donde nadie colabora porque todo el mundo está demasiado ocupado en su propio trabajo.
No sé que llegaré a ser, Lo que sé es que estará basado en mi formación científica, y que trataré más con la gente, posiblemente siendo mi propia jefa, a no ser que suene la flauta y consiga quedarme en el sistema académico donde tanto esfuerzo he invertido. De cualquier manera, creo que Homeward Bound me va a ayudar a hayar la respuesta.
Algunos lectores son aún muy jóvenes y quizá sientan que aún no están preparados para esta etapa profesional. Si tú tuvieras 20 años otra vez, ¿qué consejo te darías a ti misma? ¿Qué hacías por aquel entonces?
Cuando era una niña mi pasión eran la naturaleza y los animales. Quería entenderlos, y quería hacer todo lo que veía en los documentales de la tele (¡algo que me moría por hacer era disparar un dardo tranquilizante a una jirafa desde un helicóptero!).
A los 15 hice unas prácticas veterinarias y... ¡las odié! Era porque la mayor parte del trabajo consistía en esterilizar animales y cuidar de mascotas obesas todo el día. Eso no eran animales de verdad: ¡Era juguetes para humanos!
Yo quería animales salvajes, animales reales, así que fui a la universidad en Marsella para estudiar Ecología.
Al principio fue bastante decepcionante: las clases eran muy generales, éramos demasiados estudiantes, y la mayor parte no tenía motivación, eran vagos y se vanagloriaban de serlo! Yo quería otra cosa, así que contacté con todos los investigadores del laboratorio de Ecología y les pregunté si sería posible colaborar con ellos durante las vacaciones de verano.
Dos investigadores respondieron y conseguí trabajar con ellos con insectos y aves marinas en el parque nacional de Port-Cros. Fue increíble ver, al fin, la realidad de un trabajo de investigador, y la belleza de animales reales, salvajes.
Durante mi tercer año fui a la universidad de Uppsala,en Suecia, a través del programa ERASMUS, para aprender inglés y descubrir otras formas de trabajo. Esto fue otra revelación: conocí a gente de 56 países y descubrí formas de trabajar mucho más eficientes, siendo más colaborativa y ganando mucha más confianza en mí misma.
Más tarde, fui seleccionada para uno de los programas de máster en Ecología y Evolución más prestigiosos de Francia, en Montpellier. Fue muy duro, ¡pero muy bueno! Allí empecé a especializarme en demografía y tuve la suerte de conseguir una beca de doctorado justo después, en la universidad Paris VI, para trabajar en temas de longevidad en albatros y conservación, en el Centre d'études biologiques de Chizé.
Disfruté muchísimo, trabajé duro y arriesgué la relación con mi pareja ¡durante 5 años viviendo separados!
Ahora hemos estado juntos durante 11 años y no me arrepiento de nada. Pero después de ser madre y empezar a formar parte del increíble viaje de Homeward Bound, mis intereses están cambiando y estoy considerando dejar la Academia. ¡Cualquiera que me conozca nunca hubiera imaginado esto!
Quiero encontrar algo que me haga más feliz. Así que ahí va mi consejo: Descubre tu pasión, o al menos búscala con esfuerzo, no te mientas a ti misma, mueve montañas, patea puertas, crea y aprovecha cada oportunidad que encuentres, cada aprendizaje, cada evento... y siempre sé tú misma.
¿Qué más te gustaría preguntarle a Deborah? ¡Cuéntanos en los comentarios!
¿Quieres que te ayude personalmente a encontrar trabajo en conservación?
Tras 15 años llevando bioblogia.net y otros tantos trabajando en los principales sectores de la biología y la conservación, he conseguido varios superpoderes que podrían ayudarte a conseguir tu empleo soñado 😜
Y voy a compartir estos superpoderes a lo grande, colaborando con la web más enorme en el mundo de la conservación: Conservation Careers! Si quieres dejar de mandar CVs y empezar de una vez a trabajar (quizá haciendo cosas tan chulas como éstas)...
... Apúntate a nuestro curso online y compartiré contigo las mejores estrategias para conseguir tu primer empleo en conservación.
¡Las inscripciones están cerradas!
Si quieres saber más sobre este curso, y no perderte futuras ediciones y otras oportunidades, únete a nuestra lista de correo.
The legend says that no less of 5000 applicants replied to the add above, wanting to join Ernest Shackleton famous Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
I would probably have replied, too. Wouldn't you?
Of course, we love adventure!
The problem is that, were you a woman, most likely your application would have been disregarded. In 1914, for sure… Probably you wouldn’t even have dared to apply!
Imagine! What would your father have said! And your friends at the knitting ladies club!
That was 100 years ago, of course. Nowadays… Well, if you sneered a bit at the knitting comment, that’s one of many signs that things are finally changing, and prejudices that were the norm not so long ago, now feel unbelievably anachronistic. Yeah, have a look at the next photo, or read this paper.
Feels outrageous, right?
Yeah, times have changed… But still, today, women are greatly underrepresented in positions of leadership.
This is very clear in STEM careers, where, despite boys and girls showing the same interest in Science at early ages, a breach between genders grows as the careers advance.
Change is still too slow, so we need to jump-start the system. Young women need to know that they can become whatever they want, and the best way to achieve that is to provide them with powerful examples: We need more female leaders!
How to create new female superheroes
In a brilliant move, Fabian Dattner (leadership expert and partner at Dattner-Grant) and Jess Melbourne Thomas (Antarctic Marine Ecological Modeler) have designed a program that will put together, in 10 years, a network of a thousand highly prepared women.
The program has already started, and the first 77 lucky women are enjoying a yearlong training that “will develop their leadership, strategic and scientific capabilities with a focus on climate, biological and earth system research.”
The expedition will set sail in a few days and, by the way, the participants are not just going on a cruise...
At sea for twenty days, led by Greg Mortimer OAM, setting sail from Ushuaia in Argentina on December 2nd 2016
Twelve days of state of the art leadership and strategic planning training delivered by Dr Susan David, Kit Jackson and Fabian Dattner, all experts in their fields
Six days of a cutting edge science education program incorporating the most up to date and relevant research about the state and functioning of our planet delivered by leading Australian academics
A documentary (60 minute multimedia release) is being made, following the journey and exploring the role of women in our world
Wouldn’t you like to participate in something like that? Just imagine your transformation after such an experience! But how do you get a spot on the ship?
Guess what… I know one of the first 77 participants! So let’s just ask her :)
Meet Deborah Pardo
Deborah is a French biologist who got her PhD in Population Biology working with albatrosses (Thalassarche sp), some of the coolest and largest flying birds ever!
There, she analyses extensive data sets to better understand the complex mechanisms driving endangered species closer to extinction. Her work helps nature conservation agencies to make better decisions.
On top of all that, she is also the mom of a lovely kid and, despite the known hardships of parenting, she finds the time to go out and raise awareness in the general public, sharing, through Science communication, the benefits of a more sustainable way of living.
As you can see, Deborah was pretty awesome to begin with, so who knows where she will get when she comes back from this amazing journey!
Hi Deborah! How did this happen? Could you tell us how you found out about the program and how you got selected?
Well, it happened during my maternal leave. A friend told me about it and I thought: Hey that sounds exciting, I wish I could do it! And then I thought… well, why not me?
I was in a critical time in my scientific career, trying to find a permanent position, as many other postdocs. I was feeling many of the challenges women face in this situation, so, when I read about Homeward Bound, realized that it could be a fantastic opportunity, not only to improve my own future, but also to help other women in similar situations.
To be able to participate, I had to send a cover letter, a three page CV, and most importantly, a 2 min video where I should talk about these topics:
Why me for this trip - my story so far
Why leadership matters to me
Why women in leadership roles matter
What I have done with my science background
Examples of where I have already contributed to the globe and what the outcome was
What additional 'skills' I could bring
It was quite the challenge! But I tried my best, made this video… and they chose me!
Wow, I would definitely select you! Did you get any feedback from the organisers? What do you think made you stand over the rest of the candidates?
They did not give me feedback, but I suspect that a few things worked on my favour:
First, I tried to be natural. I am genuinely and enthusiastically interested in Science, and deeply concerned about the future of Earth, so I let all that show in the video, the way I would tell a friend, or perhaps a person I had just met, who wanted to know me better.
I think being a young mom probably had some influence too. Having a baby multiplies the challenges a woman must face, and it is probably one of the most common reasons for the gender gap in Science, and in many other professions.
Finally, the Homeward Bound project started in Australia, but soon they decided it would be better to make it a global project. At such, I guess they were interested in diversifying the participants as much as possible, so I think being from France helped my candidacy. If you are from a developing country, or one whose official language is not English, I encourage you to apply!
Do you need previous experience in Antarctica to participate in the program?
Absolutely not. I was lucky to have experience, and my work happens to be related to conservation in Antarctica, but women with all kinds of backgrounds have been also selected: Astronomers, psychologists, medical doctors, veterinarians, park rangers, mathematicians, teachers… and also students!
Right! Could you tell us a bit about your shipmates? Have you met them yet?
They are all amazing! We are in daily contact on different online platforms (Slack and Facebook), and have an international call every month with 40 people (!) with the webcam (Zoom).
We are already working on scientific matters related to the impact of human actions on the environment, and on solutions to that in one way or another (social sciences, medicine, green startups, upcycling, alpine plants, agriculture, weather forecast for the army, environmental education...). The youngest participant just started her PhD, and the oldest is over 50 so we have a range of experience and careers.
We are from 15 different nationalities. The bulk of the crew is from Australia, as the project was originally from there, but there are participants from Finland to Costa-Rica, going through NZ, USA, Canada, UK, South Africa, China... We are two French, the other one is half Australian and living there.
We have received training to work in teams and have designed small group projects to move our subject a bit further, to start learning about leadership skills and provide a foundation for the women that will be part of Homeward Bound during the next 9 years of the program. These small projects encompass a range of disciplines to engage a maximum of people to the cause of women in leadership and the environment altogether: Educative, Corporate, Political, Academic and Media.
For instance I am part of a project looking at the role of women in environmental politics and we have found that there is a positive relationship between the environmental performance of countries, whatever their GDP, and gender equality!
I am also involved in many educative projects in Canada, UK and France and I am designing one with one of my sponsors in Provence using the albatross symbol to teach kids what they can do at their scale that together would make a huge difference.
I read that the faculty in charge of your on-board training is going to be awesome too… What are some of their credentials and what are they going to teach you?
Although we have been already learning and working for several months, I am certainly looking forward to the on/board training!
It is going to have three main stages:
First, a state of the art leadership and strategic planning training, delivered by world renowned experts in leadership and coaching: Julia May, Marshall Cowley, Kit Jackson and Fabian Dattner.
The aim of this first stage is to transform our leadership mindset and help us visualize our power to influence and improve the world.
The second stage will be focused on Science, using Antarctica as our background (literally!). We will aim our efforts towards the understanding of climate change and its threats to our planet. The organisers have arranged a diverse list of women in polar, climate change and conservation science, from a range of backgrounds/nationalities/career stages.
Finally, the last stage will strengthen our ability to articulate, innovate and execute strategy: We will work on the projects we have already started, and help each other to make them real.
I described this process in more detail in this video:
All of this training must be really expensive… How is the program funded?
Most of the time, energy, course materials, and Antarctic clothing have been donated by various sponsors! The rental of the ice-breaker ship is self-funded by each participant, Let me tell you directly with this other video how I raised 20 000 euros!
What do you see yourself doing in 5-10 years? How has Homeward Bound changed your mind and motivation so far?
By getting involved in this crazy project I realised that so much can be done!
The challenge of raising 20 000 euros, noticing a huge interest of many people in my path and skills, the exciting experience of interacting with the media, and even starting my own YouTube channel has gotten me totally out of my comfort zone. It has been so rewarding!
I realised that people really value scientific skills, and that there is a crazy amount of energy we are ready to devote to the causes that matter to us, as the environmental movement and the mindfulness movement are growing and get connected.
I always felt a passion to work with animals, I loved to collaborate on the red list of endangered species with my population modelling skills, doing amazing fieldwork on albatrosses. This passion is now shifting to try and convert a maximum of normal people to a more sustainable way of living.
The various personality and skill tests I have done during the Homeward Bound training show how I am not only a task achiever, but also a motivator of people, and this is more than what is needed for an academic career. The academic world is getting dark, not enough funding and positions, too much focus put on the quality and quantity of academic papers is making it not fun to me anymore...
I am tired of having to move every second year, I am tired of not knowing if I will ever get a permanent position, I am tired of sitting in front of the computer all day, I am tired of enduring 90% rejection rates to any journal or grant scheme, I am tired of being part of teams that don't collaborate enough because everybody is too busy doing their own stuff.
I don't know what I will become. What I know is that it will be something building on my science background, more people-related, and potentially even being my own boss, unless I get lucky and stay in the academic system I have worked so hard to get through. I feel that Homeward Bound will give me the answer.
Some readers are younger and might feel they are not ready yet for this stage. If you were 20 years old again, what advice would you give to yourself?
As a little girl I was passionate with Nature and animals. I wanted to understand them, and I wanted to do like in TV documentaries (I wanted to shoot a tranquilizing arrow on a giraffe from a helicopter!).
At 15 I did an internship at a veterinary practice and I hated it! Most of the work consisted on sterilizing animals and taking care of fat pets all day. They were not real animals, just human toys!
I wanted wild things, real animals, so I went to the university in Marseille to study ecology.
It was quite disappointing at first: the studies felt very general, we were several hundreds, and most of the students were very lazy and un-motivated, even bragging about that. I wanted more, so I contacted all researchers in the ecology lab, asking for the possibility to work with them during the summer holidays.
Two researchers replied and I got to work with them on insects and seabirds in Port-Cros national Park . It was incredible to finally see the reality of a researcher job, and the beauty of real, wild animals.
In my third year I went to Uppsala university, in Sweden, for an ERASMUS program to learn English and discover another way of working. This was another revelation, as I met people from 56 different countries and discovered much more efficient ways of working, became more collaborative and built more self-confidence.
After that I got selected for one of the most prestigious master programs in Ecology and Evolution in France, in Montpellier, it was really hard but really good! There I started specialising on demography and was lucky to get a PhD grant right after, from Paris VI university, to work on albatross ageing and conservation at the Centre d'études biologiques de Chizé.
I had a lot of fun, I worked hard, and risked my relationship with my partner by leaving apart for 5 years!
We have now been together for 11 years and I don't regret a thing, But as I became a mum and part of the incredible Homeward Bound Journey, my interests are shifting and I consider leaving academia. If you knew me before you could not believe this is possible for me!
I want to find something that makes me more happy. So my advice: know your passion or at least look hard for it, don't lie to yourself, move mountains, kick doors, create and say yes to every opportunity, every training, every outreach event, always be yourself .
