UNDESERT is an interdisciplinary research project of partners from several European and West African countries aiming at an improved understanding of the effects of desertification and degradation processes in West Africa on a local and regional scale. On this basis decision support tools will be developed and introduced to natural resource managers. Also, practical actions for mitigation (e.g. restoration) will be taken.
The PhD position will focus on the analysis of vegetation changes in West African savannas in relation to land use and climate impact. The candidate will assess and analyse the floristic and functional composition along land use gradients and degradation stages on monitoring sites in Burkina Faso, to obtain an improved understanding of mechanisms and processes that determine vegetation degradation in relation to land use and environmental factors. Moreover, consequences of these changes for the ecosystem service functions of savannas shall be investigated by combining species change analysis with use values of savanna species. In close cooperation with scientists from UNDESERT results will be transformed into tools for decision and policy makers and to take practical actions.
The applicant should hold a Diploma/MSc degree in biology (botany), geoecology, or related fields. Experiences in plant ecology would be advantageous. The applicant should be competent in written and spoken English and have good knowledge in spoken French. The successful candidate should enjoy working in an international and inter-disciplinary team and have excellent personnel communication skills. Experience in field work in Africa or in the tropics would be desired.
The Goethe-University advocates gender equality. Women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. Equally qualified severely handicapped applicants will be given preference. The contract shall start in January 2012. The position is based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, a detailed CV, copy of certificates, and contact details of 2 potential referees until 15.11.2011 to Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Wittig / Dr. Karen Hahn (e-mail: karen.hahn@bio.uni-frankfurt.de, mail: Dr. Karen Hahn, Institut für Ökologie, Evolution und Diversität, Goethe-Universität, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, D-60483 Frankfurt am Main). For further information please contact Karen Hahn.