45,000 students and 8,000 employees in teaching, research and administration, all working together to shape perspectives for the future – that is the University of Münster. Embedded in the vibrant atmosphere of Münster with its high standard of living, the University’s diverse research profile and attractive study programmes draw students and researchers throughout Germany and from around the world.
The Institute of Landscape Ecology at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in
(salary level TV-L E13)
in the collaborative project “SQUEEZE - Arctic squeezing and tundra protection: opportunities, planning and communication” externally funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research commencing on 1 January 2024. We are offering a fixed-term full-time position for 3 years (corresponding to the project’s duration).
The working group for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research (www.unimuenster.de/Oekosystemforschung), is looking for a highly motivated researcher to work on the subproject B1 "Characterise recent patterns and dynamics of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in relation to environmental gradients, disturbance regimes and land use in a meta-analysis" within the framework of the collaborative project SQUEEZE consisting of 8 subprojects under the lead of the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) in Potsdam. Using existing vegetation plot archives, environmental variables and trait data bases, the project aims at analysing the relationships between climate, biodiversity and functional plant traits in tundra ecosystems and the consequences of climate warming for biodiversity, species distribution and functional ecosystem characteristics in the tundra.
Your tasks:
The successful candidate will work at the interface between vegetation ecology, functional ecology and biogeography and will be responsible for the analysis of the relations between plant traits, climate and other environmental factors to predict changes in biodiversity and functional characteristics in tundra ecosystems in the course of climate change and altered disturbance regimes such as fire and grazing. The obtained results will serve as baseline data for the large-scale modelling of spatiotemporal patterns in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and the planning of protected areas. Finally, the candidate will publish in cooperation with other subprojects results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at conferences.
Our expectations:
The successful candidate must hold PhD in ecology, geography, environmental sciences or a comparable programme, with a strong focus on statistical modelling. The candidate is expected to design, conduct and publish research in the project described above. Thus, a strong research focus on the application of advanced statistics in the context of large ecological datasets is expected as well as a profound background in ecology. Advanced skills in R are required. Candidates should further demonstrate the ability to independently carry out scientific work, solve problems and publish results in scientific journals. Fluency in spoken and written English is required, as well as excellent team skills. German language skills would be advantageous, but are not a requirement.
We offer:
The project position in SQUEEZE offers ideal conditions to conduct high-quality and highly relevant research in a large network of scientists and a friendly working environment. Within this environment you will have access to a high quality and innovative research, with modern technology, data analysis and the necessary exchange to expand your knowledge. As a project participant in SQUEEZE, you will also be integrated into a large, community of scientists with broad expertise in ecology, biology, social sciences and data science in the Arctic, and have access to regular project meetings and international conferences. We offer flexible working models.
The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions. Part-time options are generally available.
We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.
Enquiries can be directed to Norbert Hölzel (nhoelzel@uni-muenster.de). Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application (in German or English) with a letter of motivation, CV and copies of your degree certificates in a single PDF via e-mail to nhoelzel@uni-muenster.de by 1 November 2023.