Last Date: 15.02.2024.
Description
The working group of Forest Genetics at the University of Freiburg is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on the phenology of tropical tree species and, in general, on the evolutionary ecology of trees.
The successful applicant will be involved in the DFG-funded Emmy Noether project on “Phenology of tropical tree species – environmental cues, molecular mechanisms, and consequences for plant-animal interactions”. The project focuses on identifying climatic cues that trigger phenological transitions in four neotropical tree species. We collect phenological data with a camera system and link this information to high-resolution climatic data. Moreover, we study how pollination and the resulting gene flow are influenced by the timing and degree of synchrony within tree populations. Data collection in Southern Ecuador at the Estación Científica San Francisco and in a dry forest site at Reserva Ecológica Arenillas takes place since 2022 until the end of 2024. We are now looking for a postdoctoral researcher who will work with the two Ph.D. students in the field and lab, co-supervise BSc and MSc students, and carry out his/her own investigations in the framework of this project, specifically concerning plant-animal interactions. Also, we are currently establishing a Citizen Science project on the phenology of tropical species in Ecuador which should be coordinated together with our Ecuadorian partner institutions.
Further, the postdoctoral researcher will support the working group in research, teaching, and administrative tasks. The position comes with a teaching load of 4 semester hours (teaching language German or English).
Your profile
You have an MSc in biology, ecology, environmental science, or similar fields and completed a university degree (Ph.D.) with excellent results. Ideally, you have already gained experience in a postdoctoral position. You have prior experience with fieldwork in the neotropics. For the communication with local field workers, NGOs, and authorities fluency in Spanish is required. Ideally, you have prior experience with research in the fields of forest ecology, phenology, plant-animal interactions (e.g. network analysis), and population genetics. Prior experience with laboratory work is advantageous. You have good communication and team skills, and a meticulous way of working. Since part of the work will be the coordination of a citizen science project, you should have experience with science communication.
The ability to work in a team and under physically and mentally demanding conditions of field research in a tropical rainforest is crucial. Experience in tree climbing would be beneficial but is not necessary for an application.
Further, we expect good knowledge in data handling and statistical data analysis (preferable in R) as well as the capability to interpret the results and excellent writing skills which should be proven by own scientific publications. Previous teaching experience is beneficial.
What we offer
You will be integrated in our working group at the University of Freiburg. We work in various projects in forest genetics and genomics in temperate and tropical regions. You will have the chance to carry out fieldwork in the Neotropical mountain regions of Ecuador and to work with us on the data collected in the project. With the citizen science project, there is also a strong component of science communication.
The position offers the possibility of scientific qualification. The salary is the standard salary for postdoctoral positions in Germany including social security and health insurance.
Your application
Your application will consist of a motivation letter, a CV, academic transcripts (non-official copies are acceptable), and contact details of at least two academic references.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Katrin Heer on the phone number +49 761 203-3647 or E-Mail [email protected].
The position is limited to three years. The salary will be determined in accordance with E13 TV-L.
We are particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.
Application
Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00003525, by 15.02.2024 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:
Universität Freiburg
Fakultät für Umwelt und Natürliche Ressourcen
Eva-Mayr-Stihl Stiftungsprofessur für Forstgenetik
Prof. Dr. Katrin Heer
Bertoldstraße 17
79098 Freiburg
E-Mail: [email protected]
For further information, please contact Jieru Sun on the phone number +49 761 203-3659 or E-Mail [email protected].
Apply
