*Rationale
*Agricultural intensification is known to greatly influence biodiversity
and multitrophic interactions, but the relative contribution of herbs
and grasses to functional biodiversity is less understood.
In a multidisciplinary approach with plant ecologists, soil ecologists
and phytopathologists, we characterize insect responses to
fertilization, mowing and herb-grass composition in a highly replicated
common-garden experiment. The experiment is laid out as a Latin Square
with 72 plots, each 15x15 m in size.
Management and plant community effects will be characterized by insect
samples, quantification of herbivory and experimental phytometer studies
addressing responses of pollinators, herbivores and predators. (see
Tscharntke et al. 2005, Ecology Letters 8: 857-874; Kruess & Tscharntke
2002, Conservation Biology 16: 1570-1580, Biological Conservation 104:
275-284).

*Requirements
*MSc or Diploma degree in biology or agriculture or related disciplines.
Knowledge in plant-insect interactions and insect communities is desirable.
Interest in independent research.

*Salary and conditions*
Salary is 1100 Euro per month. Start date: as soon as possible (e.g.,
May 1, 2009). The position is for three years.
The doctoral thesis will be done as a series of English manuscripts.

*Applications*
Applicants should send their CV, including a short summary of research
interests, and the names (with email address) of two references to the
addresses given below (per email) as soon as possible.
For further information, please contact
Dr. Christoph Scherber, Agroecology, University of Goettingen, Waldweg
26, D-37073 Goettingen, Tel. +49-551-398807, Fax +49-551-398806,
email: christoph.scherber@agr.uni-goettingen.de and
Prof. Teja Tscharntke (same address), Tel. +49-551-399209,
email: ttschar@gwdg.de