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Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta pollinators. Mostrar todas las entradas
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta pollinators. Mostrar todas las entradas

21 de enero de 2023

PhD: Estudia en detalle la relación entre plantas y polinizadores tropicales en una isla de las Seychelles

Oferta compartida por Cristina

Offer Description

Job description:The Mediterranean Institute of Advanced Studies (IMEDEA) offers a PhD position to support the research activities in the context of the European Research Council (ERC) project IslandLife (ID: 101054177), led by Prof. Anna Traveset. This is a 5-year research project funded by the ERC that will be developed at the Terrestrial Ecology lab, within the Department of Global Change and Oceanography of IMEDEA.

The tentative title of the PhD thesis will be:

“The connection between network structure and ecosystem functioning: a mechanistic approach to understand the role of the pollinator community in assisting with plant reproduction”

Pollinators provide critical ecosystem functions by pollinating plant species and structuring plant communities, especially in the tropics. Plant-pollinator interactions at the community level can be studied with network approach, which provides insights into how the mutualistic interactions are structured across the community. These structural properties of networks are relatively well-studied, yet we have little understanding how network structure translates into ecosystem functions. This PhD project will aim to understand the contribution of pollinator species towards plant reproductive performance thereby shaping plant community composition. We propose to use a multi-pronged approach including plant and pollinator traits, phylogenies and abundances at the community level to improve our understanding of how network structure (global, meso-, and micro-level properties) explain functional performance of pollinators, and how this performance varies over time.

We will study these detailed mechanistic relationships between plants and pollinators in a relatively small community on the tropical island of Frégate in the Seychelles, where we have detailed pre-existing knowledge of the plant and pollinator community. The research will consist of strong empirical and theoretical components, which require a keen interest in field work and modelling.

This PhD will be co-supervised by project partner Dr Christopher Kaiser-Bunbury, Centre of Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK. Part of the PhD may involve extended visits to the UK to work closely with Dr Kaiser-Bunbury.

Requirements
Research FieldEnvironmental science » EcologyEducation LevelMaster Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Biology or Environmental Sciences.
Experience in sampling biological communities, conducting field work in the tropics, and knowledge of plant-animal interactions are desirable but not essential. Ability to withstand harsh field conditions like heavy rain, heat and extensive sun.
Willingness and ability to take responsibility for independent data collection and processing.
Very good statistical skills, including programming in R, are highly desirable but not essential. Ideally, the candidate should have experience with analyzing and interpreting interaction networks.
The applicant must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and proficiency in communicating complex information, orally, in writing and electronically in English. Good command of Spanish is not essential but desirable because the applicant will be part of a research and social community that primarily uses Spanish as their main language.
Ability to work collaboratively and liaise with colleagues and students. Sampling will involve being part of a research team.
Ability to build contacts and participate in internal and external networks for the exchange of information and collaboration.
An understanding of the importance of equality and diversity within an organization and a commitment to help create an inclusive culture.
Willingness to work flexibly to achieve project demands and engage in continuous professional development.
A valid driver’s license.

IMPORTANT: Applications including links to previous works/projects/initiatives that show how the applicant meets these requirements will be given priority.

Specific Requirements


Main tasks:Develop research objectives and detailed proposal for the PhD project
Conduct an extensive literature review
Conduct extensive field work under potentially physically and mentally challenging conditions, including sampling of plant-pollinator interactions, measuring plant and pollinator traits, monitoring plant community composition, evaluating plant reproductive success, identifying plants and pollinators in the field, etc.
Laboratory work, including sorting and processing samples, species identification, potentially repetitive diagnostic work and measurements of seeds, pollen grains, etc.
Analyze and visualize data, including modelling in R.
Publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and disseminate results.
Actively engage in the research group and support the organization in project meetings and conferences throughout the project.
LanguagesENGLISHLevelExcellent
Research FieldBiological sciences » BiodiversityEnvironmental science » Ecology

Additional Information

Benefits
Interdisciplinary and inspiring work environment. Researchers will join a vibrant interdisciplinary team and will work in an interdisciplinary research center, recently accredited as Center of Excellence María de Maeztu by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (https://imedea.uib-csic.es/en/).
Combination of field and lab work in two different countries (Spain and Republic of Seychelles).
Possibility of participating in internal training, learning, and corporate social responsibility activities at IMEDEA.
Possibility of participating in field work in other archipelagos studied within the ERC project.
35-hour work week calendar.
30 days of vacation per year.

Term of contract: Starting in Spring 2023, the position will be for a maximum of 4 years.

Salary: The position will carry competitive salary, matching the academic and professional profile of the applicant, and excellent work conditions. The annual net salary of a PhD contracted by CSIC is 23,064€.

Eligibility criteria


The criteria used to be eligible are indicated in the skills/qualifications section.

Selection process


Applicants should send one PDF document with the following information: Letter of application / motivation, a CV, and the names and email addresses of two referees to the following email address: IslandLife.ERC@gmail.com, noting in the subject of the message “JOB TITLE”

The deadline for applications is January 30th 2023; candidate interviews will start as applications are received.

All applicants will receive an answer before February 15th 2023.

Additional comments


Location: Mediterranean Institute of Advanced Studies, Mallorca, Spain

Additional information: IMEDEA is committed to conciliating research-academic requirements and family duties. Being a center of CSIC, it is particularly concerned with creating equal opportunities for people independently of gender, culture, and race. Anyone with relevant qualifications is therefore strongly encouraged to apply for the position.

Work Location(s)
Number of offers available1Company/InstituteCONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICASCountrySpainState/ProvinceMallorca, Balearic IslandsCityEsporlesPostal Code07190StreetMiquel Marqués 21

Where to apply E-mail
IslandLife.ERC@gmail.com

Contact State/Province
Mallorca, Balearic IslandsCity
EsporlesStreet
Miquel Marqués 21Postal Code
07190E-Mail
atraveset@imedea.uib-csic.esPhone
+34 971611718Mobile Phone
+34 680561270

1 de diciembre de 2022

Postdoc en Portugal estudiando las interacciones de los polinizadores con las plantas y su desarrollo en áreas urbanas

Oferta compartida por Cristina

Post-Doctoral fellowship (BPD) | Biological Sciences (Ecology)


Reference: BIOPOLIS 2022-78

Main research field: Biological Sciences (Ecology)


One Postdoctoral Fellowship is available at CIBIO-InBIO, on the scope of the project BIOPOLIS - Enhancing the transference of scientific and technological knowledge through a new Centre of Excellence in Environmental Biology, Ecosystems and AgroBiodiversity, reference NORTE-01-0246-FEDER-000063, funded by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), at CIBIO/Associação BIOPOLIS to develop work on the thematic of plant-pollinator interactions and the promotion of pollinators in urban areas, in the scientific area of Biological Sciences.

Requisitos de admissão/Admission requirements:
We expect to recruit an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher with a PhD in biology or related fields, experience and solid background in ecology with special focus on plant taxonomy and/or entomology and plant-pollinator interactions. Extensive experience in fieldwork and driving license is expected. Experience in distribution modeling, statistical analysis using R and GIS software and taxonomic identification of plants is desirable. Candidates should have strong networking skills, be good communicators, have experience in in public engagement activities and speak and write English fluently.
Candidates must hold a Phd degree obtained within the three years prior to the date of submission of the application and with the signing of the grant in question, including possible renewals, does not exceed an accumulated period of three years in that type of grant, consecutive or interpolated.
The candidate may not have developed activities leading to the PhD in this institution.

Plano de trabalhos/Work plan:
The Post-doc researcher will join CIBIO-InBIO team within the framework of several ongoing projects related to promoting pollinators in urban areas and public awareness towards biodiversity and ecosystems services. The Post-doc will compile plant distribution and traits data and perform distribution models and data analysis. Furthermore, the Post-doc will carry out field sampling for collection of samples, perform species identification and data analysis. The successful candidate is expected to network with other researchers and to collaborate in writing technical reports, science dissemination materials for general public and scientific publications.


Legislação e regulamentação aplicável/Legislation and regulations:
Law nº.40/2004, 18th August (Research Fellow Statute) amended and republished by Decreto-Lei n.º 123/2019, 28th August; FCT Regulation for Research Studentships and Fellowships (https://www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/regulamento.phtml.pt).

Local de trabalho/Workplace:
The work will be carried out mostly at CIBIO - Research Centre for Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Vairão, Portugal, but fieldwork is planned in Portugal and abroad. The work will be developed under the scientific supervision of Dr. Pedro Beja.

Duração do contrato/Contract duration:
The work contract will have a duration of 6 months, eventually renewable until the end of the project, starting in January 1st, 2023.

Métodos de selecção/Selection methods:
The ranking of candidates will result from a global appreciation of the Curriculum vitae (40%), previous experience of the applicant relevant to the project and work-plan (40%) and motivation letter (20%). The jury may not award the position if the expected quality and requirements of candidates are not fulfilled.

Composição do Júri de Selecção/Composition of the Selection Panel:
Dr. Miguel Porto, Dr. Sónia Ferreira, Dr. Claudia Fernandes and Dr. Vanessa Mata.

Forma de publicitação/notificação dos resultados / Form of advertising/notification of results:
The final evaluation results will be published and the selected candidate will be notified by e-mail or telephone.

Prazo de candidatura e forma de apresentação das candidaturas / Deadline for application and presentation of applications:
The application period will be from the 21st to 5th December 2022.

The applications are formalized at the electronic address http://www.cibio.pt. The following documents are required in a digital form (PDF format):
i) Curriculum vitae;
ii) Motivation Letter (including a brief description of research experience and why you are suitable for the announced position);
iii) Qualifications Certificate;
iv) Other relevant documentation

16 de octubre de 2022

Un postdoc de lo más futurista: microrobótica y polinizadores

Oferta compartida por Nuria

A position as a postdoctoral researcher in evolutionary ecology/biomechanics is available at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, Plant Ecology and Evolution Program.

This postdoctoral position forms part of the Human Frontier Science Program project “Bridging robotics and buzz pollination: Reconstructing a bee’s buzz through microrobotics” (2022-2025). It represents a collaboration between the research groups of Dr. Mario Vallejo-Marin (Uppsala University, Sweden) and Dr. Noah Jafferis (University of Massachussetts, Lowe, U.S.A.). Our project exploits new advances in micro-robotics to study a fundamental interaction between bees and flowers during buzz pollination, a phenomenon that includes thousands of plant and bee species around the world. During buzz pollination, bees from as many as 11,000 species use their indirect flight muscles to generate vibrations to shake pollen out of flowers. Buzz pollination captures one of the most striking and widespread examples of floral convergence, occurring in more than 20% of flowering plant families, including crops, such as tomatoes, which depend on vibration-producing bees.

Our project’s main goal is to develop new micro-robotic approaches combined with experiments in laboratory and field settings to study the vibrations produced by diverse bee species and their effect on pollen release. We will address the central question of how diversity of bee vibrations translates to functional variation in pollen release of buzz-pollinated flowers.

The postdoctoral researcher based at Uppsala will work on measuring bee vibrations in both field and laboratory settings, growing buzz-pollinated flowers, and testing the dynamics of pollen release triggered by micro-robots developed by the U.S.A. team. Both teams will work in close collaboration with each other to develop and test the micro-robots and compare them with bee vibrations on flowers.

The multidisciplinarity of the project makes it suitable to highly motivated candidates from a variety of research backgrounds and interests, from pollination, botany, behaviour, and evolution to biomechanics and biophysics, among others. The project has opportunities to expand the research directions in conjunction with the research team.

Duties
These include plant growth and care, animal (bees) maintenance and behavioural observations, fieldwork locally and overseas, laboratory work with mechanical and electronic devices, computer work (e.g., data entry, analysis, programming), manuscript preparation, supervision of students, participation in lab activities such as journal clubs, discussions, attendance to conferences, and presenting the results of the study in talks and posters.

Qualifications required
To qualify for an employment as a postdoctoral researcher you must have a PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in a relevant field (e.g., evolutionary biology, biology, botany, entomology, biomechanics). The PhD degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the application deadline. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc. Ability to work with plants and bees, ability to travel and conduct fieldwork overseas during the summer months, and experience with statistical analyses (e.g., R) are required. We attach great importance to personal qualities such as independence, initiative, flexibility, ability to cooperate, creativity, and problem-solving analytical skills. Candidates must be able to express themselves fully in spoken as well as written English.

Qualifications desired
Knowledge of programming and scripting languages (e.g., MatLab, LabView, Mathematica, Python), and expertise in one or more fields including evolutionary biology, botany, ecology, entomology, biophysics, biomechanics, and electrical engineering are highly desirable. Expertise with working with bees and plants in field and lab settings is also desirable. Experience on biomechanics or a willingness to learn are welcome.

Application:
The application should include 
  1. a letter of intent describing yourself, your research interests and motivation of why you want to work as a postdoctoral researcher in the advertised project, 
  2.  short description of what specific expertise or skills you can bring to the project, 
  3. a CV,
  4. name and contact information to at least two reference persons (e-mail address). 
The application should be written in English. 
You are welcome to submit your application no later than 1st November 2022. UFV-PA 2022/3604.

Other information
Starting date: 2022-12-01, or as agreed.
Type of employment: Temporary position for 24 months, with a possibility to an extension up to a maximum of 36 months, according to central collective agreement.
Scope of employment: 100%.
https://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/details/?positionId=550546

For further information about the position please contact: Associate Professor Mario Vallejo-Marin, mario.vallejo-marin@ebc.uu.se.

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