Climate change biologist & other vacancies, University of Copenhagen
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Lera Miles, UNEP-WCMC
Sep 15, 2009, 10:15:44 AM9/15/09
to CCF-climate
Postdoctoral positions and PhD studentships within
the Center of Macroecology, Evolution and Climate
Danish National Research Foundation
University of Copenhagen and Technical University of Denmark
Themes where we seek postdoctoral and PhD applications
The center has been established with funds from Danish National
Research Foundation (“Danmarks Grundforskningsfond”), the University
of Copenhagen and the Technical University of Denmark. It is a long-
term funded center of excellence that starts 1st of January 2010. It
will integrate terrestrial and marine research in a cross-disciplinary
research program addressing fundamental questions on the origin,
maintenance, conservation and future of life and biological diversity
on Earth.
The center will bring together ca. 40 marine and terrestrial high-
profile scientists, postdoctoral scientists, PhD-students as well as
technical and administrative staff. The center will juxtapose faculty
staff scientists from the fields of macroecology, historical
biogeography, oceanography, evolutionary biology, ecology, population
biology, climate change research, conservation biology and
environmental economics, who have been assigned to the center from the
Department of Biology, the Natural History Museum of Denmark, and
Forest & Landscape (all University of Copenhagen) and the National
Institute of Aquatic Resources (Technical University of Denmark).
See list of senior scientists (PIs) involved.
Associated with the center is a strong network of international
collaborators (see names).
A number of individual postdoctoral positions and PhD-stipends are now
open for applications. Candidates for both PhD stipends and post-docs
can apply to themes that match their specific skills within the
broader program. For post-docs, we seek candidates with strong
publication records, relevant analytical and data handling skills, and
an ability to communicate within a cross-disciplinary research team.
We offer a competitive salary (for postdocs, depending on
qualifications, approx. 8,600 USD / 5,900 Euro per month, including
pension and holiday-allowance; for PhD stipends including TA-salary
approx. 6,300 USD / 4,300 Euro per month, including pension and
holiday-allowance). The appointed post doctoral researchers will refer
to one of the PIs and will be expected to maintain strong links to at
least one of the other participating PIs and one of the relevant
international partners. Cohesiveness of the Center will be further
strengthened through workshops in the Copenhagen area with active
participation of external partners in some of them.
Mission of the research program
The overall aim of the center is to conduct cross-disciplinary
research using some of the World’s largest collections of contemporary
distribution data, information on historical distributions (including
ancient DNA), evolutionary history (phylogenies, phylogeographical
data), Earth history and processes, and climate, to elucidate the
primary mechanisms that underlie the distribution of life on Earth.
The objective is to reconcile current controversies through the
amalgamation of historical, evolutionary and contemporary data within
a single unified analytical framework. This insight will be used to
allow greater accuracy in predicting biosphere responses to changes in
land- and ocean-use and global climate to explore how to replace the
current, biologically naïve climate change models with more realistic
and sound models. Our research will use data- and evidence-based
strategies to address two of the most pressing challenges of our time:
1) how to combat the ongoing global mass extinction of species and
overexploitation of natural resources and 2) how to predict the effect
of global climate change on biological diversity and environmental
resources.
To achieve the above goals, we aim to tackle a major methodological
issue challenging the study of the large-scale spatial distribution of
biological diversity – which is how to incorporate the most
fundamental biological processes of speciation, species extinction,
and dispersal into global models aimed at explaining large-scale
spatio-temporal distribution of species, species assemblages,
diversity as well as life history traits. We aim to tackle this
problem by bringing together marine and terrestrial researchers and
their data. We will merge macroecological distribution data on
thousands of species (millions of records) with evolutionary
information derived from complete phylogenetic trees. We will combine
the use of modern DNA-techniques, novel macroecological predictive and
null models, new climate-change ensemble forecast models of species
distribution, and powerful bioinformatics tools and statistics. This
will enable a truly holistic approach in which we also intend to
explore how the major geophysical and oceanic processes act together
in shaping the distribution of life on Earth.
Themes where we seek postdoctoral and/or PhD applications
Note to potential PhD-applicants: In addition to the PhD scholarships
listed below, we welcome letters of interest for those interested in
applying for individual PhD scholarships from the Faculty of Science
(UC). Next deadline is 22nd of February 2010 (more details). Letters
of interest should include the same contents as a formal application
to one of the below themes.
THEME 1 - MACROECOLOGIST/BIOGEOGRAPHER to work on questions related to
species distributions, species assemblages and diversity patterns
using phylogenetic information on species evolutionary history
information derived from phylogenetic trees (details). Only Postdoc
applications.
THEME 2 - SPECIES DISTRIBUTION MODELER to work on macroecological and
climate change issues using SDM-techniques (details). Both Postdoc
applications and PhD scholarships.
THEME 3 – PHYSICAL OR PALEO OCEANOGRAPHER to work together with
biologists in addressing questions related to the impact of climate
driven changes in ocean currents on species distributions and
diversity patterns (details). Only Postdoc applications.
THEME 4 – PLANKTON ECOLOGIST/BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHER to work on
questions related to prediction of potential effect of climate change
on future patterns of phytoplankton distributions and diversity
(details). Only PhD stipends.
THEME 5 - CLIMATE CHANGE BIOLOGIST to work on climate change and human
impacts in Quaternary biodiversity (details). Only Postdoc
applications.
THEME 6 – FISHERIES ECOLOGIST/FISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHER to work on
effects of climate change on north Atlantic fish populations (details)
Both Postdoc applications and PhD scholarships.
THEME 7 – FISHERIES/BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHER to work on effects of
climate change on marine food web structure and fish biodiversity
(details). Both Postdoc applications and PhD scholarships.
THEME 8 - EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGIST to study the diversification of bird
groups, which originated in the Indopacific area (details). Only
Postdoc applications.
THEME 9 - HISTORICAL BIOGEOGRAPHER to study the dynamics of
diversification of continental avifaunas in time and space (details).
Only Postdoc applications.
THEME 10 - BIOSTATISTICIAN/STATISTICAL BIOLOGIST to work on estimating
the seasonal changes in distribution of migratory bird species on the
basis of data on marked birds (details). Only Postdoc applications.
THEME 11 - MIGRATION BIOLOGIST / ORNITHOLOGY to work on questions
related to control of bird migration and dispersal (details). Only PhD
scholarships.
THEME 12 – MACROECOLOGY OF VECTORBORN DISEASES to work on questions
related to macroecological patterns of vector born diseases (details).
Only Postdoc applications.
THEME 13 – ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMIST to work on questions related to the
potential economic effects of climate change on environmental services
linked to biodiversity (details). Only PhD scholarships.
THEME 14 – CONSERVATION ECOLOGIST/COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGIST to work on
questions related to dynamic (adaptive) nature management, dynamic
reserve site selection and socio-economics (details). Only Postdoc
applications.
THEME 15 - NATURE RESERVE SCIENTIST to work on Danish Nature
Conservation and specifically the management of the reserves owned and
managed by the Å.V. Jensens Foundation in Denmark (details). Only
Postdoc applications.
THEME 16 - CONSERVATION SCIENTIST to work on issues related to
international conservation (details). Only PhD scholarships.
Candidate profile - general requirements and expectations
The postdoc positions require a PhD-degree, a demonstrated ability
towards increasing independence, quantitative analytical skills and
proficiency in writing, as documented by publications. In addition to
pursuing their own independent research within the program outline,
successful candidates are expected to participate in collaborative
projects with other researchers at the Center and to develop
innovative angles as the Centre develops.
The PhD-scholarships requires a M.Sc or B.Sc degree. We will in
general prefer applicants with a M.Sc degree - and scientific
publications may affect the evaluation positively.
Specific inquiries concerning positions within individual themes
should be directed to the contact person listed at the full
description (details) of each theme. General questions can be made to
Center Director, Professor Carsten Rahbek, Center of Macroecology,
Evolution and Climate, Department of Biology, University of
Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark E-
mail: cra...@bio.ku.dk; Phone: +45 35321030.
Applications must be in English, emailed as a single PDF file to
vac...@bio.ku.dk (Subject line: last name and the Theme number for
which you apply). The application should include a cover letter, a
brief outline (1-2 pages) of planned research, a CV with the names and
contact details of 3 referees, and copies of relevant official exam
documents.
Applicants may apply for more than one position, as long as position-
specific applications are submitted for each position applied for.
Closing date for applications is the 31st of October 2008 at 12:00
noon.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of
society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates
regardless of personal background.
Additional information on Danish postdoc and PhD rules and
regulations, including salaries and taxation, is available at
http://www.ku.dk/pers/hrm/
National and International senior scientists involved in the Center
Hans Henrik Bruun, Associate Professor (community ecology), Section of
Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of
Copenhagen.
Neil Burgess, Professor (biodiversity and conservation), Section of
Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of
Copenhagen.
Jon Fjeldså, Professor (ornithology, biodiversity, biogeography), Head
of the Research group ’Vertebrate Zoology’, Zoological Museum, Natural
History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen.
Henrik Glenner, Professor (marine evolutionary biology), University of
Bergen.
Bo Jellesmark, Professor (applied economics, environment,
uncertainty), Head of Divison of Economics, Policy and Management
Planning, Department of Forest & Landscape, University of Copenhagen
Brian R. MacKenzie, Professor (fisheries oceanography), National
Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark
Carsten Rahbek, Professor (macroecology, evolution, climate change),
Head of the Research group ‘Biodiversity and Macroecology’, Section of
Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of
Copenhagen.
Katherine Richardson, Professor (biological oceanography, climate
change), Vice-dean, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen,
Section of Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of
Copenhagen
Nikolaj Scharff, Associate Professor (entomology, phylogeny, and
biogeography), Zoological Museum, Natural History Museum of Denmark,
University of Copenhagen.
Niels Strange, Professor (conservation planning, environmental
economics, biodiversity), Director of the Erasmus Mundus Masters
Course SUFONAMA, Department of Forest & Landscape, University of
Copenhagen
Kasper Thorup, Research Assistant Professor (ornithology), Head of the
Danish Ringing Scheme, Zoological Museum, Natural History Museum of
Denmark, University of Copenhagen.
Main International partners:
Miguel B. Araujo (Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spain;)
Rauri C. K. Bowie (University of California, Berkeley; USA)
Jonathan A. Coddington (Smithsonian Institution; USA)
Robert K. Colwell (University of Connecticut; USA)
Nicholas J, Gotelli (University of Vermont; USA)
Catherine Graham (State Uni. of New York; USA)
Gary Graves (Smithsonian Institution; USA)
Robert E. Ricklefs (University of Missouri-St. Louis; USA)
Nils Christian Stenseth (University of Oslo; Norway).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal Investigator: Professor Carsten Rahbek, Center for
Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Department of Biology, University
of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Phone: +45 35 32 10 30; e-mail: cra...@bio.ku.dk;
Homepages: http://www.bio.ku.dk/staff/crahbek and http://www.macroecology.ku.dk/
Themes where we seek applications
THEME 1 - MACROECOLOGIST/BIOGEOGRAPHER (postdoc applications) to work
on questions related to species distributions, species assemblages and
diversity patterns using phylogenetic information on species
evolutionary history information derived from phylogenetic trees.
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking a scientist with a strong
background of natural history who has excellent analytical, spatial
statistical and modeling skills (e.g. null modeling, predictive
modeling, simulation modeling, species distribution, and niche-
modeling, etc) and who is interested in combining phylogenies with
species distribution data.
Research area and questions: The person should be interested in
working on research questions testing hypotheses related to what
determines large-scale patterns of species distribution, species
assemblages, species richness and life-history traits using vast
quantitative databases on species distribution with phylogenetic
information in association with climatologic, geophysical, geological,
and ecological information. We are particularly interested in
considering the influence of history on contemporary patterns of
diversity along environmental gradients across spatial and temporal
scales.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 2-3 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Carsten
Rahbek, (e-mail: cra...@bio.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 32 10 30).
THEME 2 - SPECIES DISTRIBUTION MODELER (postdoc/PhD applications) to
work on macroecological and climate change issues using SDM-
techniques. We are particularly, but not exclusively, interested in
work on marine taxa and/or questions related to predicting the
distribution of species and investigate the potential effect of
climate change on future patterns of species distributions and
diversity.
Specific postdoc/PhD profile: We are seeking a person with a strong
background of natural history who has excellent analytical, spatial
statistical and modeling skills within species distribution and niche
modeling.
Research area and questions: The person should be interested in
working on research questions related to how global changes in
environment and climate may impact large-scale patterns of species
distribution, species assemblages, species richness and life-history
traits using vast quantitative databases on species distribution in
association with climatologic, oceanographic, geophysical, geological,
and ecological information. We are particularly interested in moving
beyond the current limitation of niche-modeling and its naïve
biological assumption by combining macroecological theories with SDM-
techniques in combination with knowledge about population dynamics and
species interactions.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 2-3 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Carsten
Rahbek, Director of the NSF Center for Macroecology and Evolution,
Department of Biology, Section of Ecology and Evolution (e-mail:
cra...@bio.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 32 10 30).
THEME 3 – PHYSICAL OR PALEO OCEANOGRAPHER (postdoc applications) to
work together with biologists in addressing questions related to the
impact of climate driven changes in ocean currents on species
distributions and diversity patterns.
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking a scientist with a strong
background in the climatic control of ocean currents who is interested
in combining knowledge of changes in ocean current systems with
biological information on changes in species’ abundance and
distributions on the land (i.e. the coastally located continental
tropical mountain ranges, by far the most biological rich systems on
Earth) and in the sea.
Research area and questions: The person should be interested in
working on research questions testing hypotheses related to how
changes in ocean conditions influence the abundance and distribution
of life on Earth both at the global and regional level, eg tropical
areas or the North Atlantic region. Of particular interest in the
studies is how ocean conditions influence the distribution of life in
terrestrial ecosystems.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 2-3 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Katherine
Richardson (e-mail ka...@science.ku.dk; phone 35 32 42 85).
THEME 4 – PLANKTON ECOLOGIST/BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHER (PhD
applications) to work on questions related to prediction of potential
effect of climate change on future patterns of phytoplankton
distributions and diversity.
Specific PhD profile: We are seeking a person with a strong background
in biological oceanography or plankton ecology. It would be an
advantage if the candidate has experience in examining datasets for
spatial or temporal differences in species distributions.
Research area and questions: The person should be interested in
working on a research question related to climate change and how it
may impact large-scale patterns of species distribution, species
assemblages and species richness in planktonic marine species. Our
strategy is to apply methods (including GIS applications) developed in
terrestrial macroecological studies to existing plankton species
distribution datasets
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 3 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Katherine
Richardson (e-mail ka...@science.ku.dk; phone 35 32 42 85).
THEME 5 - CLIMATE CHANGE BIOLOGIST (postdoc applications) to work on
climate change and human impacts in Quaternary biodiversity
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking a scientist with a strong
background on species extinction processes, who has excellent spatial
statistical and modeling skills within niche modeling and GIS.
Experience in phylogeography and/or coalescence theory and methods is
highly valuable.
Research area and questions: The person should be interested on
Quaternary climate change and human interactions, and how they may
have affected geographical patterns of population genetics and species
extinctions of selected species. We are interested in investigate
these aspects in combination with spatial models using species
distribution models that combines different types of palaeo-sources of
information such as fossil records and ancient DNA with palaeo-
climatic data to reconstruct scenarios of past dispersal and range-
sizes dynamics of species during the Late Quaternary.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 2 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Carsten
Rahbek, Director of the NSF Center for Macroecology and Evolution,
Department of Biology, Section of Ecology and Evolution (e-mail:
cra...@bio.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 32 10 30).
THEME 6 – FISHERIES ECOLOGIST/FISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHER (postdoc/PhD
applications) to work on effects of climate change on north Atlantic
fish populations.
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking a population modeler/
zoogeographer/fisheries oceanographer with interests in effects of
climate change on population dynamics and biogeography. The candidate
should have a strong background in quantitative statistical methods
and computer programming; experience with GIS desirable.
Research area and questions: The candidate should investigate effects
of climate change and spatial-temporal variations in life history on
ecology of functionally and economically important fish species (cod,
herring) in the north Atlantic and the mechanisms governing past,
present and future distributions. We are interested in how population
distributions and productivity throughout the north Atlantic will be
influenced by the interaction of climate change with ongoing human
impacts (e. g., exploitation), and how these species interact with
other species in ecosystems at present and future geographic
locations.
Period of appointment: The appointment is 2-3 years. Starting time is
negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Brian
MacKenzie, (e-mail: b...@aqua.dtu.dk; phone: +45 33 96 34 45).
THEME 7 – FISHERIES/BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHER (postdoc/PhD
applications) to work on effects of climate change on marine food web
structure and fish biodiversity.
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking a fisheries/biological
oceanographer interested in how climate change affects the functional
composition of fish communities via changes in foodweb structure and
the structure/function of marine ecosystems.
Research area and questions: The candidate should investigate using
quantitative and comparative methods how food web structure and its
response to climate change affects the functional composition of
marine fish communities throughout the global ocean. The candidate
should have a strong background in biological oceanography, plankton
foodweb ecology and how plankton production and energy flow affects
fish communities. The candidate should have technical skills in
handling large datasets and executing statistical analyses (e. g.,
comparative approaches, meta-analyses).
Period of appointment: The appointment is 2-3 years. Starting time is
negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Brian
MacKenzie, (e-mail: b...@aqua.dtu.dk; phone: +45 33 96 34 45).
THEME 8 - EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGIST (postdoc applications) to study the
diversification of bird groups, which originated in the Indopacific
area; this work will be done in close collaboration with an
international team of ornithologists working with the evolution and
biogeography of the largest order of birds (Passeriformes).
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking an evolutionary biologist/
ornithologist with a strong phylogenetic background and analytical
capabilities, and with an interest in combining phylogenies, species
distributions and earth history data. Applicants with a good knowledge
of the avifauna of the Indopacific area, and of earth history for this
region, will be preferred.
Research area and questions: The person should generate own
phylogenetic hypotheses, and collect relevant data from the
literature, with the aim of understanding the diversification of birds
within the Indopacific area, and the dispersal and expansions beyond
this region. Focus should be on explaining the variation in
diversification, in time and space, between groups, which evolved
within a restricted part of the region only, or which became
relictual, and those which dispersed and underwent large expansions
into other biogeographic regions.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 3 years; starting time
from 1. January 2010 or as soon thereafter as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Jon
Fjeldså (e-mail: jfje...@snm.ku.dk, phone +45 35 32 10 23).
THEME 9 - HISTORICAL BIOGEOGRAPHER (postdoc applications) to study the
dynamics of diversification of continental avifaunas in time and
space. This work will be done in close collaboration with (1) an
international team of ornithologists working with the evolution and
biogeography of the largest order of birds (Passeriformes) and (2) a
team of macroecologists.
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking an evolutionary biologist/
biogeographer with strong analytical capabilities, experience with
morphological and/or molecular data, and an interest in analyzing
diversification processes in time and geographical space.
Research area and questions: The person should, using phylogenetic
hypotheses generated through own work or from the literature, analyze
diversification processes within continental areas. In particular, we
are interested in analyses of vicariance/dispersal, which can
illustrate the relative role of environmental opportunities and
innovations in triggering dynamic changes in diversity patterns, such
as expansions and diversification into new geographical areas.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 2 years; starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Jon
Fjeldså (e-mail: jfje...@snm.ku.dk, phone +45 35 32 10 23).
THEME 10 - BIOSTATISTICIAN/STATISTICAL BIOLOGIST (postdoc
applications) to work on estimating the seasonal changes in
distribution of migratory bird species on the basis of data on marked
birds.
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking a scientist with strong
background in statistical modeling preferably within the analyses of
marked animal populations.
Research area and questions: The appointee should be interested in
working on statistical models predicting non-breeding distributions
using capture-mark-recapture theory, and possible spatio-temporal
changes related to climate change. We are particularly interested in
exploring the enormous amounts of data already collected trough
European ringing schemes.
Period of appointment: The appointment is 2 years. Starting time is
negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Ass. Prof. Kasper
Thorup, (e-mail: kth...@snm.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 32 10 51).
THEME 11 - MIGRATION BIOLOGIST / ORNITHOLOGY (PhD applications) to
work on questions related to control of bird migration and dispersal.
Specific PhD profile: We are seeking a graduate student with a
background of natural history and with excellent skills within the
study of migratory animals and preferable with experience with one or
more techniques involving tracking of individuals.
Research area and questions: The appointee should be interested in
working on research questions related to migration and movement as an
important part of the life of many animals. The research program could
be within ecology, behavioral ecology, evolution and /or climate
change and should have an emphasis on individual migrations through
the use of radio/satellite tracking, geolocators and/or molecular
techniques. We are particular interested in the control of individual
migrations and the possible influence on the seasonal distribution of
birds, including potential effects of climate change on future
migration patterns.
Period of appointment: The appointment is 3 years. Starting time is
negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Ass. Prof. Kasper
Thorup, (e-mail: kth...@snm.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 32 10 51).
THEME 12 – MACROECOLOGY OF VECTORBORN DISEASES (Postdoc applications)
to work on questions related to macroecological patterns of vector
born diseases: geographical distribution of ‘species’, richness
patterns and assemblages rules. It could include emphasis on issues
related to climate change and how climatic parameters may affect the
distributions of vector and host species and/or on the geographic
mosaic of the co-evolutionary history between vector and host
species.
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking a scientist with a strong
background in natural history who has excellent analytical, spatial
statistical and modeling skills and who is interested in combining
approaches from host-pathogen evolutionary ecology with those of
community ecology and macroecology.
Research area and questions: The appointee will be expected to design
innovative models of the spatial distribution of disease in one of the
following areas A) does vector-born disease follow general
macroecological patterns with regard to distributions, assemblages and
richness? B) What is the distribution and potential future spread of
vector-borne diseases in light of expected global change in climate
and environment, and how the impact of these diseases be exacerbated
if novel vectors became available in newly invaded areas beyond the
range of traditional vectors? C) Can we reconstruct previous
distributions of human diseases and their vectors and intermediate
hosts from geographical records of historical and contemporary
climate, and can we use these reconstructions to predict how these
diseases might spread and evolve in the future? D) Can genetic and
macroecological analyses of their co-evolutionary history with humans
provide crucial insights about the strong central African affinities
of many major vector-borne diseases?
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 2 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Carsten
Rahbek (e-mail: cra...@bio.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 32 10 30).
THEME 13 – ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMIST (PhD applications) to work on
questions related to the potential economic effects of climate change
on environmental services linked to biodiversity
Specific PhD-student profile: We are seeking a PhD student with a
strong background in environmental economics and strong interest in
biodiversity and its ecosystem value. The PhD student should have a
strong background in one or more relevant approaches such as
environmental valuation, ecosystem services modeling, ecological
economics, resource economics and uncertainty or similar. The PhD-
student should have excellent skills in quantitative methods e.g.
econometrics, mathematical modeling and computational or numerical
methods.
Research area and questions: The person should be interested in
working on research questions related to improving the methods for
valuation of biodiversity and associated ecosystem services in the
context of uncertainty and climate change. The person should analyze
and model the potential economic effects of climate change on
environmental services related to biodiversity. The research should
bring together approaches from ecological and environmental economics
and the modeling of ecosystem services. The person should include
suggestions for addressing the research questions in the application.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 3 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Niels
Strange (e-mail: n...@life.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 33 17 53).
THEME 14 – CONSERVATION ECOLOGIST/COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGIST (Postdoc
applications) to work on questions related to dynamic (adaptive)
nature management, dynamic reserve site selection and socio-economics
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking a scientist with a strong
background in ecology and uncertainty analysis (e.g. climate change,
socio-economic/-political factors), who has excellent computer
modeling and programming skills (e.g. stochastic dynamic programming,
heuristic dynamic modeling) and experience in working with predictive
modeling, simulation modeling, and species distribution data.
Research area and questions: The person should be interested in
working on research questions related to dynamic conservation
management, uncertainty and climate change. The person should analyze
the potential effects of such changes from static conservation area
management to dynamic management and consider mitigating options as
well as adaptive land and ocean management strategies. We are
particular interested in investigating how present designations of
area for biodiversity could depend on the future conservation values
(biological/economic) caused by, for example, climate change or land
use, rather than current values. The testing of the hypotheses applies
to large-scale patterns of species distribution, species assemblages,
species richness and life-history traits using vast quantitative
databases on species distribution with phylogenetic information in
association with climatologic, geophysical, geological, and ecological
information, combined with socio-economic data.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 2 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Niels
Strange (e-mail: n...@life.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 33 17 53).
THEME 15 - NATURE RESERVE SCIENTIST (Postdoc applications) to work on
Danish Nature Conservation and specifically the management of the
reserves owned and managed by the Å. V. Jensens Foundation in Denmark.
Specific Postdoc profile: We are seeking a scientist to work on issues
related to the management of the network of reserved that are owned
and managed by the Å. V. Jensens Foundation in Denmark. The person to
be employed will have excellent understanding of reserve management in
Europe, most likely in Denmark but it could also be relevant from the
Netherlands, Germany or the UK. The ability to speak Danish is
required.
Research area and questions: The candidate should be prepared to
address the following questions related to the management of the Å. V.
Jensens reserve network, and to further develop a targeted research
program leading to the scientific management of these reserves,
potentially in comparison with similar reserve networks in Denmark and
elsewhere in northern Europe. Initial questions to be addressed are
as follows: a) To scientifically assess the conservation management
and conservation needs within the network of reserves owned and
managed by the Å. V. Jensens Foundation in Denmark, b) To
scientifically assess the management plans so far developed for the
reserves in Denmark and make recommendations on how they could be
improved to better serve the function of managing the species and
habitats of particular concern within the reserve network, c) To
undertake and coordinate targeted research that addresses issues of
particular concern for the better management of the set of reserves
owned by the Å. V. Jensens foundation, d) To use the results of
scientific research to provide the Å. V. Jensens foundation with
advice on the better management of the habitats in their set of nature
reserves.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 5 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Neil
Burgess, (e-mail: ndbu...@bio.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 32 13 03).
THEME 16 - CONSERVATION SCIENTIST (PhD applications) to work on issues
related to international conservation
Specific PhD profile: We are seeking a Masters level conservation
scientist with some experience of GIS and statistical analysis to
undertake a PhD program within the areas of protected area
effectiveness and conservation outcomes, or assessing range changes in
red listed species at different spatial scales.
Research area and questions: Candidates are requested to respond to
one of two potential PhD questions: A) Relationship between measures
of protected area management effectiveness and the conservation
outcomes of the protected area concerned, which could be species
trends, habitat cover trends, or habitat condition trends. This PhD
would use the management effectiveness database that has been compiled
by WCPA and UNEP-WCMC and would also work in collaboration with the
University of Oxford. B) Developing and testing models of
distributions of species affected by climate change due to particular
life history traits with broad scale analyses at the scale of Africa
and Europe, and finer scale analysis at the scale of Tanzania
(especially Eastern Arc Mountains) and Denmark. This PhD would
utilize the available data on species distributions compiled by the
IUCN SSC and would build upon the work being undertaken at the IUCN
offices in Cambridge.
Period of appointment: The appointment is 3 years. Starting time is
negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Neil
Burgess, (e-mail: ndbu...@bio.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 32 13 03).
the Center of Macroecology, Evolution and Climate
Danish National Research Foundation
University of Copenhagen and Technical University of Denmark
Themes where we seek postdoctoral and PhD applications
The center has been established with funds from Danish National
Research Foundation (“Danmarks Grundforskningsfond”), the University
of Copenhagen and the Technical University of Denmark. It is a long-
term funded center of excellence that starts 1st of January 2010. It
will integrate terrestrial and marine research in a cross-disciplinary
research program addressing fundamental questions on the origin,
maintenance, conservation and future of life and biological diversity
on Earth.
The center will bring together ca. 40 marine and terrestrial high-
profile scientists, postdoctoral scientists, PhD-students as well as
technical and administrative staff. The center will juxtapose faculty
staff scientists from the fields of macroecology, historical
biogeography, oceanography, evolutionary biology, ecology, population
biology, climate change research, conservation biology and
environmental economics, who have been assigned to the center from the
Department of Biology, the Natural History Museum of Denmark, and
Forest & Landscape (all University of Copenhagen) and the National
Institute of Aquatic Resources (Technical University of Denmark).
See list of senior scientists (PIs) involved.
Associated with the center is a strong network of international
collaborators (see names).
A number of individual postdoctoral positions and PhD-stipends are now
open for applications. Candidates for both PhD stipends and post-docs
can apply to themes that match their specific skills within the
broader program. For post-docs, we seek candidates with strong
publication records, relevant analytical and data handling skills, and
an ability to communicate within a cross-disciplinary research team.
We offer a competitive salary (for postdocs, depending on
qualifications, approx. 8,600 USD / 5,900 Euro per month, including
pension and holiday-allowance; for PhD stipends including TA-salary
approx. 6,300 USD / 4,300 Euro per month, including pension and
holiday-allowance). The appointed post doctoral researchers will refer
to one of the PIs and will be expected to maintain strong links to at
least one of the other participating PIs and one of the relevant
international partners. Cohesiveness of the Center will be further
strengthened through workshops in the Copenhagen area with active
participation of external partners in some of them.
Mission of the research program
The overall aim of the center is to conduct cross-disciplinary
research using some of the World’s largest collections of contemporary
distribution data, information on historical distributions (including
ancient DNA), evolutionary history (phylogenies, phylogeographical
data), Earth history and processes, and climate, to elucidate the
primary mechanisms that underlie the distribution of life on Earth.
The objective is to reconcile current controversies through the
amalgamation of historical, evolutionary and contemporary data within
a single unified analytical framework. This insight will be used to
allow greater accuracy in predicting biosphere responses to changes in
land- and ocean-use and global climate to explore how to replace the
current, biologically naïve climate change models with more realistic
and sound models. Our research will use data- and evidence-based
strategies to address two of the most pressing challenges of our time:
1) how to combat the ongoing global mass extinction of species and
overexploitation of natural resources and 2) how to predict the effect
of global climate change on biological diversity and environmental
resources.
To achieve the above goals, we aim to tackle a major methodological
issue challenging the study of the large-scale spatial distribution of
biological diversity – which is how to incorporate the most
fundamental biological processes of speciation, species extinction,
and dispersal into global models aimed at explaining large-scale
spatio-temporal distribution of species, species assemblages,
diversity as well as life history traits. We aim to tackle this
problem by bringing together marine and terrestrial researchers and
their data. We will merge macroecological distribution data on
thousands of species (millions of records) with evolutionary
information derived from complete phylogenetic trees. We will combine
the use of modern DNA-techniques, novel macroecological predictive and
null models, new climate-change ensemble forecast models of species
distribution, and powerful bioinformatics tools and statistics. This
will enable a truly holistic approach in which we also intend to
explore how the major geophysical and oceanic processes act together
in shaping the distribution of life on Earth.
Themes where we seek postdoctoral and/or PhD applications
Note to potential PhD-applicants: In addition to the PhD scholarships
listed below, we welcome letters of interest for those interested in
applying for individual PhD scholarships from the Faculty of Science
(UC). Next deadline is 22nd of February 2010 (more details). Letters
of interest should include the same contents as a formal application
to one of the below themes.
THEME 1 - MACROECOLOGIST/BIOGEOGRAPHER to work on questions related to
species distributions, species assemblages and diversity patterns
using phylogenetic information on species evolutionary history
information derived from phylogenetic trees (details). Only Postdoc
applications.
THEME 2 - SPECIES DISTRIBUTION MODELER to work on macroecological and
climate change issues using SDM-techniques (details). Both Postdoc
applications and PhD scholarships.
THEME 3 – PHYSICAL OR PALEO OCEANOGRAPHER to work together with
biologists in addressing questions related to the impact of climate
driven changes in ocean currents on species distributions and
diversity patterns (details). Only Postdoc applications.
THEME 4 – PLANKTON ECOLOGIST/BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHER to work on
questions related to prediction of potential effect of climate change
on future patterns of phytoplankton distributions and diversity
(details). Only PhD stipends.
THEME 5 - CLIMATE CHANGE BIOLOGIST to work on climate change and human
impacts in Quaternary biodiversity (details). Only Postdoc
applications.
THEME 6 – FISHERIES ECOLOGIST/FISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHER to work on
effects of climate change on north Atlantic fish populations (details)
Both Postdoc applications and PhD scholarships.
THEME 7 – FISHERIES/BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHER to work on effects of
climate change on marine food web structure and fish biodiversity
(details). Both Postdoc applications and PhD scholarships.
THEME 8 - EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGIST to study the diversification of bird
groups, which originated in the Indopacific area (details). Only
Postdoc applications.
THEME 9 - HISTORICAL BIOGEOGRAPHER to study the dynamics of
diversification of continental avifaunas in time and space (details).
Only Postdoc applications.
THEME 10 - BIOSTATISTICIAN/STATISTICAL BIOLOGIST to work on estimating
the seasonal changes in distribution of migratory bird species on the
basis of data on marked birds (details). Only Postdoc applications.
THEME 11 - MIGRATION BIOLOGIST / ORNITHOLOGY to work on questions
related to control of bird migration and dispersal (details). Only PhD
scholarships.
THEME 12 – MACROECOLOGY OF VECTORBORN DISEASES to work on questions
related to macroecological patterns of vector born diseases (details).
Only Postdoc applications.
THEME 13 – ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMIST to work on questions related to the
potential economic effects of climate change on environmental services
linked to biodiversity (details). Only PhD scholarships.
THEME 14 – CONSERVATION ECOLOGIST/COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGIST to work on
questions related to dynamic (adaptive) nature management, dynamic
reserve site selection and socio-economics (details). Only Postdoc
applications.
THEME 15 - NATURE RESERVE SCIENTIST to work on Danish Nature
Conservation and specifically the management of the reserves owned and
managed by the Å.V. Jensens Foundation in Denmark (details). Only
Postdoc applications.
THEME 16 - CONSERVATION SCIENTIST to work on issues related to
international conservation (details). Only PhD scholarships.
Candidate profile - general requirements and expectations
The postdoc positions require a PhD-degree, a demonstrated ability
towards increasing independence, quantitative analytical skills and
proficiency in writing, as documented by publications. In addition to
pursuing their own independent research within the program outline,
successful candidates are expected to participate in collaborative
projects with other researchers at the Center and to develop
innovative angles as the Centre develops.
The PhD-scholarships requires a M.Sc or B.Sc degree. We will in
general prefer applicants with a M.Sc degree - and scientific
publications may affect the evaluation positively.
Specific inquiries concerning positions within individual themes
should be directed to the contact person listed at the full
description (details) of each theme. General questions can be made to
Center Director, Professor Carsten Rahbek, Center of Macroecology,
Evolution and Climate, Department of Biology, University of
Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark E-
mail: cra...@bio.ku.dk; Phone: +45 35321030.
Applications must be in English, emailed as a single PDF file to
vac...@bio.ku.dk (Subject line: last name and the Theme number for
which you apply). The application should include a cover letter, a
brief outline (1-2 pages) of planned research, a CV with the names and
contact details of 3 referees, and copies of relevant official exam
documents.
Applicants may apply for more than one position, as long as position-
specific applications are submitted for each position applied for.
Closing date for applications is the 31st of October 2008 at 12:00
noon.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of
society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates
regardless of personal background.
Additional information on Danish postdoc and PhD rules and
regulations, including salaries and taxation, is available at
http://www.ku.dk/pers/hrm/
National and International senior scientists involved in the Center
Hans Henrik Bruun, Associate Professor (community ecology), Section of
Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of
Copenhagen.
Neil Burgess, Professor (biodiversity and conservation), Section of
Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of
Copenhagen.
Jon Fjeldså, Professor (ornithology, biodiversity, biogeography), Head
of the Research group ’Vertebrate Zoology’, Zoological Museum, Natural
History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen.
Henrik Glenner, Professor (marine evolutionary biology), University of
Bergen.
Bo Jellesmark, Professor (applied economics, environment,
uncertainty), Head of Divison of Economics, Policy and Management
Planning, Department of Forest & Landscape, University of Copenhagen
Brian R. MacKenzie, Professor (fisheries oceanography), National
Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark
Carsten Rahbek, Professor (macroecology, evolution, climate change),
Head of the Research group ‘Biodiversity and Macroecology’, Section of
Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of
Copenhagen.
Katherine Richardson, Professor (biological oceanography, climate
change), Vice-dean, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen,
Section of Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of
Copenhagen
Nikolaj Scharff, Associate Professor (entomology, phylogeny, and
biogeography), Zoological Museum, Natural History Museum of Denmark,
University of Copenhagen.
Niels Strange, Professor (conservation planning, environmental
economics, biodiversity), Director of the Erasmus Mundus Masters
Course SUFONAMA, Department of Forest & Landscape, University of
Copenhagen
Kasper Thorup, Research Assistant Professor (ornithology), Head of the
Danish Ringing Scheme, Zoological Museum, Natural History Museum of
Denmark, University of Copenhagen.
Main International partners:
Miguel B. Araujo (Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spain;)
Rauri C. K. Bowie (University of California, Berkeley; USA)
Jonathan A. Coddington (Smithsonian Institution; USA)
Robert K. Colwell (University of Connecticut; USA)
Nicholas J, Gotelli (University of Vermont; USA)
Catherine Graham (State Uni. of New York; USA)
Gary Graves (Smithsonian Institution; USA)
Robert E. Ricklefs (University of Missouri-St. Louis; USA)
Nils Christian Stenseth (University of Oslo; Norway).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal Investigator: Professor Carsten Rahbek, Center for
Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Department of Biology, University
of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Phone: +45 35 32 10 30; e-mail: cra...@bio.ku.dk;
Homepages: http://www.bio.ku.dk/staff/crahbek and http://www.macroecology.ku.dk/
Themes where we seek applications
THEME 1 - MACROECOLOGIST/BIOGEOGRAPHER (postdoc applications) to work
on questions related to species distributions, species assemblages and
diversity patterns using phylogenetic information on species
evolutionary history information derived from phylogenetic trees.
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking a scientist with a strong
background of natural history who has excellent analytical, spatial
statistical and modeling skills (e.g. null modeling, predictive
modeling, simulation modeling, species distribution, and niche-
modeling, etc) and who is interested in combining phylogenies with
species distribution data.
Research area and questions: The person should be interested in
working on research questions testing hypotheses related to what
determines large-scale patterns of species distribution, species
assemblages, species richness and life-history traits using vast
quantitative databases on species distribution with phylogenetic
information in association with climatologic, geophysical, geological,
and ecological information. We are particularly interested in
considering the influence of history on contemporary patterns of
diversity along environmental gradients across spatial and temporal
scales.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 2-3 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Carsten
Rahbek, (e-mail: cra...@bio.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 32 10 30).
THEME 2 - SPECIES DISTRIBUTION MODELER (postdoc/PhD applications) to
work on macroecological and climate change issues using SDM-
techniques. We are particularly, but not exclusively, interested in
work on marine taxa and/or questions related to predicting the
distribution of species and investigate the potential effect of
climate change on future patterns of species distributions and
diversity.
Specific postdoc/PhD profile: We are seeking a person with a strong
background of natural history who has excellent analytical, spatial
statistical and modeling skills within species distribution and niche
modeling.
Research area and questions: The person should be interested in
working on research questions related to how global changes in
environment and climate may impact large-scale patterns of species
distribution, species assemblages, species richness and life-history
traits using vast quantitative databases on species distribution in
association with climatologic, oceanographic, geophysical, geological,
and ecological information. We are particularly interested in moving
beyond the current limitation of niche-modeling and its naïve
biological assumption by combining macroecological theories with SDM-
techniques in combination with knowledge about population dynamics and
species interactions.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 2-3 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Carsten
Rahbek, Director of the NSF Center for Macroecology and Evolution,
Department of Biology, Section of Ecology and Evolution (e-mail:
cra...@bio.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 32 10 30).
THEME 3 – PHYSICAL OR PALEO OCEANOGRAPHER (postdoc applications) to
work together with biologists in addressing questions related to the
impact of climate driven changes in ocean currents on species
distributions and diversity patterns.
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking a scientist with a strong
background in the climatic control of ocean currents who is interested
in combining knowledge of changes in ocean current systems with
biological information on changes in species’ abundance and
distributions on the land (i.e. the coastally located continental
tropical mountain ranges, by far the most biological rich systems on
Earth) and in the sea.
Research area and questions: The person should be interested in
working on research questions testing hypotheses related to how
changes in ocean conditions influence the abundance and distribution
of life on Earth both at the global and regional level, eg tropical
areas or the North Atlantic region. Of particular interest in the
studies is how ocean conditions influence the distribution of life in
terrestrial ecosystems.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 2-3 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Katherine
Richardson (e-mail ka...@science.ku.dk; phone 35 32 42 85).
THEME 4 – PLANKTON ECOLOGIST/BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHER (PhD
applications) to work on questions related to prediction of potential
effect of climate change on future patterns of phytoplankton
distributions and diversity.
Specific PhD profile: We are seeking a person with a strong background
in biological oceanography or plankton ecology. It would be an
advantage if the candidate has experience in examining datasets for
spatial or temporal differences in species distributions.
Research area and questions: The person should be interested in
working on a research question related to climate change and how it
may impact large-scale patterns of species distribution, species
assemblages and species richness in planktonic marine species. Our
strategy is to apply methods (including GIS applications) developed in
terrestrial macroecological studies to existing plankton species
distribution datasets
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 3 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Katherine
Richardson (e-mail ka...@science.ku.dk; phone 35 32 42 85).
THEME 5 - CLIMATE CHANGE BIOLOGIST (postdoc applications) to work on
climate change and human impacts in Quaternary biodiversity
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking a scientist with a strong
background on species extinction processes, who has excellent spatial
statistical and modeling skills within niche modeling and GIS.
Experience in phylogeography and/or coalescence theory and methods is
highly valuable.
Research area and questions: The person should be interested on
Quaternary climate change and human interactions, and how they may
have affected geographical patterns of population genetics and species
extinctions of selected species. We are interested in investigate
these aspects in combination with spatial models using species
distribution models that combines different types of palaeo-sources of
information such as fossil records and ancient DNA with palaeo-
climatic data to reconstruct scenarios of past dispersal and range-
sizes dynamics of species during the Late Quaternary.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 2 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Carsten
Rahbek, Director of the NSF Center for Macroecology and Evolution,
Department of Biology, Section of Ecology and Evolution (e-mail:
cra...@bio.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 32 10 30).
THEME 6 – FISHERIES ECOLOGIST/FISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHER (postdoc/PhD
applications) to work on effects of climate change on north Atlantic
fish populations.
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking a population modeler/
zoogeographer/fisheries oceanographer with interests in effects of
climate change on population dynamics and biogeography. The candidate
should have a strong background in quantitative statistical methods
and computer programming; experience with GIS desirable.
Research area and questions: The candidate should investigate effects
of climate change and spatial-temporal variations in life history on
ecology of functionally and economically important fish species (cod,
herring) in the north Atlantic and the mechanisms governing past,
present and future distributions. We are interested in how population
distributions and productivity throughout the north Atlantic will be
influenced by the interaction of climate change with ongoing human
impacts (e. g., exploitation), and how these species interact with
other species in ecosystems at present and future geographic
locations.
Period of appointment: The appointment is 2-3 years. Starting time is
negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Brian
MacKenzie, (e-mail: b...@aqua.dtu.dk; phone: +45 33 96 34 45).
THEME 7 – FISHERIES/BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHER (postdoc/PhD
applications) to work on effects of climate change on marine food web
structure and fish biodiversity.
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking a fisheries/biological
oceanographer interested in how climate change affects the functional
composition of fish communities via changes in foodweb structure and
the structure/function of marine ecosystems.
Research area and questions: The candidate should investigate using
quantitative and comparative methods how food web structure and its
response to climate change affects the functional composition of
marine fish communities throughout the global ocean. The candidate
should have a strong background in biological oceanography, plankton
foodweb ecology and how plankton production and energy flow affects
fish communities. The candidate should have technical skills in
handling large datasets and executing statistical analyses (e. g.,
comparative approaches, meta-analyses).
Period of appointment: The appointment is 2-3 years. Starting time is
negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Brian
MacKenzie, (e-mail: b...@aqua.dtu.dk; phone: +45 33 96 34 45).
THEME 8 - EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGIST (postdoc applications) to study the
diversification of bird groups, which originated in the Indopacific
area; this work will be done in close collaboration with an
international team of ornithologists working with the evolution and
biogeography of the largest order of birds (Passeriformes).
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking an evolutionary biologist/
ornithologist with a strong phylogenetic background and analytical
capabilities, and with an interest in combining phylogenies, species
distributions and earth history data. Applicants with a good knowledge
of the avifauna of the Indopacific area, and of earth history for this
region, will be preferred.
Research area and questions: The person should generate own
phylogenetic hypotheses, and collect relevant data from the
literature, with the aim of understanding the diversification of birds
within the Indopacific area, and the dispersal and expansions beyond
this region. Focus should be on explaining the variation in
diversification, in time and space, between groups, which evolved
within a restricted part of the region only, or which became
relictual, and those which dispersed and underwent large expansions
into other biogeographic regions.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 3 years; starting time
from 1. January 2010 or as soon thereafter as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Jon
Fjeldså (e-mail: jfje...@snm.ku.dk, phone +45 35 32 10 23).
THEME 9 - HISTORICAL BIOGEOGRAPHER (postdoc applications) to study the
dynamics of diversification of continental avifaunas in time and
space. This work will be done in close collaboration with (1) an
international team of ornithologists working with the evolution and
biogeography of the largest order of birds (Passeriformes) and (2) a
team of macroecologists.
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking an evolutionary biologist/
biogeographer with strong analytical capabilities, experience with
morphological and/or molecular data, and an interest in analyzing
diversification processes in time and geographical space.
Research area and questions: The person should, using phylogenetic
hypotheses generated through own work or from the literature, analyze
diversification processes within continental areas. In particular, we
are interested in analyses of vicariance/dispersal, which can
illustrate the relative role of environmental opportunities and
innovations in triggering dynamic changes in diversity patterns, such
as expansions and diversification into new geographical areas.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 2 years; starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Jon
Fjeldså (e-mail: jfje...@snm.ku.dk, phone +45 35 32 10 23).
THEME 10 - BIOSTATISTICIAN/STATISTICAL BIOLOGIST (postdoc
applications) to work on estimating the seasonal changes in
distribution of migratory bird species on the basis of data on marked
birds.
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking a scientist with strong
background in statistical modeling preferably within the analyses of
marked animal populations.
Research area and questions: The appointee should be interested in
working on statistical models predicting non-breeding distributions
using capture-mark-recapture theory, and possible spatio-temporal
changes related to climate change. We are particularly interested in
exploring the enormous amounts of data already collected trough
European ringing schemes.
Period of appointment: The appointment is 2 years. Starting time is
negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Ass. Prof. Kasper
Thorup, (e-mail: kth...@snm.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 32 10 51).
THEME 11 - MIGRATION BIOLOGIST / ORNITHOLOGY (PhD applications) to
work on questions related to control of bird migration and dispersal.
Specific PhD profile: We are seeking a graduate student with a
background of natural history and with excellent skills within the
study of migratory animals and preferable with experience with one or
more techniques involving tracking of individuals.
Research area and questions: The appointee should be interested in
working on research questions related to migration and movement as an
important part of the life of many animals. The research program could
be within ecology, behavioral ecology, evolution and /or climate
change and should have an emphasis on individual migrations through
the use of radio/satellite tracking, geolocators and/or molecular
techniques. We are particular interested in the control of individual
migrations and the possible influence on the seasonal distribution of
birds, including potential effects of climate change on future
migration patterns.
Period of appointment: The appointment is 3 years. Starting time is
negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Ass. Prof. Kasper
Thorup, (e-mail: kth...@snm.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 32 10 51).
THEME 12 – MACROECOLOGY OF VECTORBORN DISEASES (Postdoc applications)
to work on questions related to macroecological patterns of vector
born diseases: geographical distribution of ‘species’, richness
patterns and assemblages rules. It could include emphasis on issues
related to climate change and how climatic parameters may affect the
distributions of vector and host species and/or on the geographic
mosaic of the co-evolutionary history between vector and host
species.
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking a scientist with a strong
background in natural history who has excellent analytical, spatial
statistical and modeling skills and who is interested in combining
approaches from host-pathogen evolutionary ecology with those of
community ecology and macroecology.
Research area and questions: The appointee will be expected to design
innovative models of the spatial distribution of disease in one of the
following areas A) does vector-born disease follow general
macroecological patterns with regard to distributions, assemblages and
richness? B) What is the distribution and potential future spread of
vector-borne diseases in light of expected global change in climate
and environment, and how the impact of these diseases be exacerbated
if novel vectors became available in newly invaded areas beyond the
range of traditional vectors? C) Can we reconstruct previous
distributions of human diseases and their vectors and intermediate
hosts from geographical records of historical and contemporary
climate, and can we use these reconstructions to predict how these
diseases might spread and evolve in the future? D) Can genetic and
macroecological analyses of their co-evolutionary history with humans
provide crucial insights about the strong central African affinities
of many major vector-borne diseases?
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 2 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Carsten
Rahbek (e-mail: cra...@bio.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 32 10 30).
THEME 13 – ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMIST (PhD applications) to work on
questions related to the potential economic effects of climate change
on environmental services linked to biodiversity
Specific PhD-student profile: We are seeking a PhD student with a
strong background in environmental economics and strong interest in
biodiversity and its ecosystem value. The PhD student should have a
strong background in one or more relevant approaches such as
environmental valuation, ecosystem services modeling, ecological
economics, resource economics and uncertainty or similar. The PhD-
student should have excellent skills in quantitative methods e.g.
econometrics, mathematical modeling and computational or numerical
methods.
Research area and questions: The person should be interested in
working on research questions related to improving the methods for
valuation of biodiversity and associated ecosystem services in the
context of uncertainty and climate change. The person should analyze
and model the potential economic effects of climate change on
environmental services related to biodiversity. The research should
bring together approaches from ecological and environmental economics
and the modeling of ecosystem services. The person should include
suggestions for addressing the research questions in the application.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 3 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Niels
Strange (e-mail: n...@life.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 33 17 53).
THEME 14 – CONSERVATION ECOLOGIST/COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGIST (Postdoc
applications) to work on questions related to dynamic (adaptive)
nature management, dynamic reserve site selection and socio-economics
Specific postdoc profile: We are seeking a scientist with a strong
background in ecology and uncertainty analysis (e.g. climate change,
socio-economic/-political factors), who has excellent computer
modeling and programming skills (e.g. stochastic dynamic programming,
heuristic dynamic modeling) and experience in working with predictive
modeling, simulation modeling, and species distribution data.
Research area and questions: The person should be interested in
working on research questions related to dynamic conservation
management, uncertainty and climate change. The person should analyze
the potential effects of such changes from static conservation area
management to dynamic management and consider mitigating options as
well as adaptive land and ocean management strategies. We are
particular interested in investigating how present designations of
area for biodiversity could depend on the future conservation values
(biological/economic) caused by, for example, climate change or land
use, rather than current values. The testing of the hypotheses applies
to large-scale patterns of species distribution, species assemblages,
species richness and life-history traits using vast quantitative
databases on species distribution with phylogenetic information in
association with climatologic, geophysical, geological, and ecological
information, combined with socio-economic data.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 2 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Niels
Strange (e-mail: n...@life.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 33 17 53).
THEME 15 - NATURE RESERVE SCIENTIST (Postdoc applications) to work on
Danish Nature Conservation and specifically the management of the
reserves owned and managed by the Å. V. Jensens Foundation in Denmark.
Specific Postdoc profile: We are seeking a scientist to work on issues
related to the management of the network of reserved that are owned
and managed by the Å. V. Jensens Foundation in Denmark. The person to
be employed will have excellent understanding of reserve management in
Europe, most likely in Denmark but it could also be relevant from the
Netherlands, Germany or the UK. The ability to speak Danish is
required.
Research area and questions: The candidate should be prepared to
address the following questions related to the management of the Å. V.
Jensens reserve network, and to further develop a targeted research
program leading to the scientific management of these reserves,
potentially in comparison with similar reserve networks in Denmark and
elsewhere in northern Europe. Initial questions to be addressed are
as follows: a) To scientifically assess the conservation management
and conservation needs within the network of reserves owned and
managed by the Å. V. Jensens Foundation in Denmark, b) To
scientifically assess the management plans so far developed for the
reserves in Denmark and make recommendations on how they could be
improved to better serve the function of managing the species and
habitats of particular concern within the reserve network, c) To
undertake and coordinate targeted research that addresses issues of
particular concern for the better management of the set of reserves
owned by the Å. V. Jensens foundation, d) To use the results of
scientific research to provide the Å. V. Jensens foundation with
advice on the better management of the habitats in their set of nature
reserves.
Period of appointment: The appointment is for 5 years. Starting time
is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Neil
Burgess, (e-mail: ndbu...@bio.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 32 13 03).
THEME 16 - CONSERVATION SCIENTIST (PhD applications) to work on issues
related to international conservation
Specific PhD profile: We are seeking a Masters level conservation
scientist with some experience of GIS and statistical analysis to
undertake a PhD program within the areas of protected area
effectiveness and conservation outcomes, or assessing range changes in
red listed species at different spatial scales.
Research area and questions: Candidates are requested to respond to
one of two potential PhD questions: A) Relationship between measures
of protected area management effectiveness and the conservation
outcomes of the protected area concerned, which could be species
trends, habitat cover trends, or habitat condition trends. This PhD
would use the management effectiveness database that has been compiled
by WCPA and UNEP-WCMC and would also work in collaboration with the
University of Oxford. B) Developing and testing models of
distributions of species affected by climate change due to particular
life history traits with broad scale analyses at the scale of Africa
and Europe, and finer scale analysis at the scale of Tanzania
(especially Eastern Arc Mountains) and Denmark. This PhD would
utilize the available data on species distributions compiled by the
IUCN SSC and would build upon the work being undertaken at the IUCN
offices in Cambridge.
Period of appointment: The appointment is 3 years. Starting time is
negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.
Contact person for more information and questions: Professor Neil
Burgess, (e-mail: ndbu...@bio.ku.dk; phone: +45 35 32 13 03).
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