The position is available within a project of research oriented teaching at the University of Oldenburg for the duration of three years.
The project combines ecological modeling with data analysis and simple laboratory experiments, and is designed to investigate the regulation of diversity at various spatial scales. We aim to achieve a mechanistic understanding of how temporal and spatial community turnover are linked to dispersal limitation and how these factors jointly affect species diversity.
The successful candidate will develop spatially explicit simulation models, which allow to investigate how dispersal limitation interacts with system productivity to result in different degrees of beta-diversity, and how beta-diversity may in turn feed back on local diversity. The model results will be used to investigate productivity-diversity relationships within a spatial context and finally, will be compared to empirical patterns.
In addition to the research the successful candidate will be responsible for a MA-level block-course, with a theoretical and a practical part. The theoretical part will give the students an introduction into simulation of spatial community dynamics. The experimental part will address the combined effects of connectivity and productivity on turnover and beta-diversity in connected microcosms (protist communities of 2-3 trophic levels) and will be performed at the Planktology lab in Wilhelmshaven.
The project will be cosupervised by Dr. Bernd Blasius and Dr. Robert Ptacnik.
Applicants must have an above-average Diploma or Msc or equivalent in Natural Sciences. Applicants experienced with meta-community research or one of the relevant disciplines (theoretical ecology, mathematical modeling, or statistical physics) are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a strong interest to work in an interdisciplinary team and must have good knowledge of English.
The Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. In order to increase the percentage of female staff members, qualified women are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be preferentially considered in case of equal qualification.
Applicants should send a letter of application and CV to Prof. Dr. Bernd Blasius, email: blasius@icbm.de
Application deadline till 15. November, 2011
Further informations:
Prof. Dr. Bernd Blasius
ICBM, D-26111 Oldenburg, Germany
http://www.icbm.de/~mathmod & http://www.icbm.de/planktologie