PostDoc - Biodiversity observation systems

Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources

Porto, Portugal

Description

CIBIO is a young and highly dynamic Research Centre located close to Porto, in the north of Portugal, which aims to be an international Centre of Excellence in the fields of Biodiversity and Evolution, offering great opportunities for multidisciplinary and stimulating research. The Centre is part of InBIO, a Portuguese Associate Laboratory, occupies recently-built facilities, and has more than 130 researchers holding a PhD degree, as well as more than 100 MSc and PhD students, and people from many different countries. Researchers are organized in 17 research groups. The working atmosphere is vibrant and enthusiastic, and CIBIO is regularly visited by many scientists from abroad. Porto is a world-heritage town, capital of Port wine, and the Northern region of Portugal provides rich cultural and outdoor activities. The Centre has fully equipped molecular laboratories (multiple PCR rooms, automated sequencers, real-time PCR machines, etc), as well as technicians and administrative staff, and the necessary equipment for fieldwork.

A 30-month post-doctoral fellowship is open at CIBIO for the Biodiversity and Conservation group to develop applied ecological research focused on biodiversity observation systems and supporting computational tools. The fellowship holder will collaborate actively in the development of statistical and computational tools to support the design and optimization of monitoring programs for habitats and several groups of flora and fauna. Research will focus on the specification of monitoring programs, on the statistical and spatial design of optimized sampling networks for species and habitats under environmental and social-ecological change scenarios, on the development of modelling and simulation algorithms, on the development of supporting computational tools for data management, and on the development of quality control routines. The grant holder will participate actively in several research activities and is expected to pursue scientific communication of results in international high-impact journals

Requirements

The successful candidate should hold a Ph.D. degree in biological, environmental, mathematical or computer sciences, and have a relevant scientific CV demonstrating experience in scientific research and international communication of results. Significant experience in the use of statistical and spatial analysis tools will be highly valued, particularly in the context of ecological or environmental modelling. Knowledge of plant or animal ecology and/or diversity and experience in biodiversity surveys will be additional selection factors. The candidate should be a good communicator and speak and write fluent English. The ranking of candidates will result from a global appreciation of the Curriculum vitae, possibly followed by a job interview.

More information and applications

The grant will correspond to 1450 € per month (12 months). Applications including a detailed CV, a statement of research interests and motivation, as well as the emails of at least three referees will start immediately and be accepted until February 21th, 2013. However, the committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue until the position is filled. The position is expected to start in March 1st, 2013. Informal inquiries and applications should be addressed to:

Dra. Sara Ferreira
Gestora de Ciência e Tecnologia
CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos
Campus Agrário de Vairão, Universidade do Porto
Email: cibio.up@cibio.up.pt

Reference: Post Doc Positions ON2