Postdoc

The architecture of community structure, functional traits and trophic networks across blue-green ecosystems

The position is for a period of 1 year, but it is possible that it can be extended beyond that.

Classically, biodiversity dynamics have been studied based on species richness. More recently, studies mostly focusing on bipartite networks have started to look at structural changes in ecological networks, highlighting the importance of interaction networks and their effects on species persistence and ecosystem functions. However, to date, virtually no study has evaluated how both species richness and network structure vary across paired sites in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

In this project, you will analyse the architecture of community structure, functional trait diversity and trophic networks across spatially coupled blue and green ecosystems at two spatial scales, where you will study similarities and differences in the structure of aquatic and terrestrial food webs. The analysis will be done based on already existing datasets. Goals of the Postdoc project are:

1) Based on existing data, build networks of potential species interactions for focal groups (aquatic invertebrates, fish, terrestrial plants, butterflies and moths) within aquatic and terrestrial Systems.
2) Analyse these networks with respect to redundancy, nestedness, and modularity along their spatial/environmental position in landscape networks.
3) Publish a paper on the architecture of trophic community structure, functional traits and trophic networks across blue and green ecosystems in a major ecological journal.

The postdoctoral fellow will use extensive existing dataset within our groups and the collaborators on the projects (these are, next to Prof. Altermatt and Prof. Pellissier, Prof. Ole Seehausen, Dr. Jakob Brodersen (both Eawag), and Dr. Martin Gossner, Prof. Catherine Graham and Prof. Niklaus E. Zimmermann(both WSL)). Project funded by the Blue-Green Biodiversity initiative of Eawag and WSL.

Competitive applicants have extensive experience in analysis of ecological data and a proven track record in community ecology. Strong expertise in ecological networks/species interactions, spatial ecology, or biodiversity sciences and statistics is desired. Applicants will be highly motivated, enthusiastic and independent scientists. They must have a good conceptual understanding of ecological theory. Excellent communicational and writing skills in English, experiences with publishing scientific articles, good work ethics, and creative thinking are a must.

To apply, you must have a PhD degree in Ecology, Biology or a related science field (e.g. Physics). The successful applicant will be based in the group of Prof. Dr. Florian Altermatt (www.altermattlab.ch) at Eawag, Dübendorf, but will also spend time at WSL in Birmensdorf. The position is initially for a period of one year. Depending on the performance, opportunities for a prolongation for another year exist. The position should start as soon as possible, the latest in fall 2020.

We are Looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and independent person with a passion for science to join our highly international team. The greater Zurich area hosts many other research groups in ecology and biodiversity research, and is among the world’s leading cities in terms of science, culture and quality of life. Applications from women are especially welcome.

For further information about the position please consult www.altermattlab.ch or contact Prof. Dr. Florian Altermatt.

The evaluation of applications will begin by July 1st 2020 but the position will remain open until filled. Your application should include a letter of motivation, a complete CV, relevant diplomas, and names and contact information for three references.

We look forward to receiving your application through this webpage. Any other way of applying will not be considered. Please click on the button below, this will take you directly to the application form.