PostDoc-Position at the Azorean Biodiversity Group Project - Predicting extinctions on islands: a multi-scale assessment

PostDoc-Position at the Azorean Biodiversity Group

Project - ?Predicting extinctions on islands: a multi-scale assessment?

(2010-2013. (FCT- PTDC/BIA-BEC/100182/2008)

Creative and motivated candidates are invited to apply for a three-year

Postdoctoral Scientist position, at the Azorean Biodiversity Group,

University of Azores for participation in a collaborative project

between Paulo A. V. Borges, Kostas Triantis (University of Azores), Aris

Parmakelis (University of Athens) and Robert Whittaker (Biodiversity

Research Group, Oxford University Centre for the Environment).

This project will investigate the dynamics of species extinction in

Azorean endemic arthropods. The project will be conducted in 13

fragments of primary forest in seven Azorean islands. The primary method

of investigation will be analysis of genetic diversity of populations in

large and small fragments, but the project will also include the

modelling of abundance and distribution data of endemic species sampled

sequentially from 1999/2000 and onwards, as well as the samplings to be

obtained during the project.

Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in a pertinent field; entomological

experience is desirable but not mandatory. The ideal candidate would

have excellent skills in statistics, handling of large data sets,

stochastic/mechanistic and/or prognostic modelling and an interest in

combining molecular and ecological research to analyse past and future

arthropod biodiversity trends. The project will require extensive field

work in the summer and some travel to the University of Oxford and Athens.

Starting salary will be 1495?/month (2245?/month when working in Athens

or Oxford). Please send a CV, a brief statement of research interests,

and the names and contact information for two references to Paulo

Borges, pborges@uac.pt. Review of applicants will begin on March 1 and

will continue until the post is filled. We would like the postdoc to

begin the position on or before May 1, 2010.