Postdoc, PhD and technical positions in
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning Research
Postdoc, 2 PhD and 1 technical positions are
available within the multidisciplinary
Chinese-European DFG Research Unit BEF-China (FOR
891): The role of tree and shrub diversity for
production, erosion control, element cycling, and
species conservation in Chinese subtropical forest ecosystems.
Most of the positions are available for a period
of two years -pending final approval by the DFG-, starting with May 1st, 2014.
Project Description:
BEF-China is a large forest
biodiversityecosystem functioning (BEF)
experiment at the subtropical forest site
Xingangshan in Jiangxi Province, China, and is
the first BEF forest experiment in the highly
species-rich subtropics. The projects aim is to
analyze the influence of tree and shrub species
diversity on ecosystem functions and services.
More than 300 000 individuals of 62 native tree
and shrub species were planted in 566 plots
varying in tree and shrub species richness on
about 50 ha. A range of variables is being
measured to assess community dynamics and its
relation to primary productivity, carbon and
nitrogen storage, nutrient cycling, and
prevention of soil erosion. BEF-China integrates
more than 40 scientific groups from German,
Swiss, and Chinese universities and institutes
involving a variety of disciplines such as
ecology, botany, zoology, mycology, forestry,
soil science, statistics and informatics. The
project was started in 2008 and is now in the
third phase, 2014-2016. For further information
see http:
<http://www.botanik.uni-halle.de/bef-china>www.botanik.uni-halle.de/bef-china.
Open positions are available in the following subprojects:
1. Central project (Z 2), Data Management and Synthesis
Postdoc position in eco-informatics and
ecological statistics in the DFG Research Unit (DFG-Forschergruppe 891)
(University of Leipzig / Botany and Functional Biodiversity Research)
Specific tasks of the post-doc position
The candidate will take a central position in the
German-Chinese consortium and will be responsible
for curating and developing the project database
BEFdata.
(<http://china.befdata.biow.uni-leipzig.de/>http://china.befdata.biow.uni-leipzig.de/).
This includes quality control of data and
metadata, supporting data annotation via
controlled vocabularies as well as improving the
functionalities to conduct complex searches, map
scientific workflow and exchange information with
other repositories and statistical environments.
The candidate will also support biodiversity
synthesis and meta-analysis projects by
generating tailor-made and quality-controlled
synthesis datasets and by conducting his/her own
synthesis projects in close collaboration with
the members of the research unit. The candidate
holds regular workshops for Ph.D. students to
teach BEFdata usage, data-handling and eco-statistics.
Requirements:
The applicants should have a strong background
(Ph.D.) in informatics, biomathematics and
advanced statistics and a keen interest in
biodiversity questions. A Ph.D in Ecology,
Biology or Environmental Sciences is acceptable
if the candidate has proven quantitative skills.
The candidates should be familiar with database
programming (PostgreSQL/Rails or related) and be
proficient users of the statistical language R.
They are excellent team-players, have
successfully published in the past and are fluent
in English; knowledge of Chinese and German
language is desirable but no prerequisite. They
are prepared to travel to China at least once a year.
Application:
Place of employment will be the Institute of
Biology / working group Botany and Functional
Biodiversity Research at the University of
Leipzig. We offer an international and
interdisciplinary research environment. We are
closely linked to the German Centre for
Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv)
Halle-Jena-Leipzig and are members of GFBio
(German Federation for the Curation of Biological Data) funded by DFG.
Payment will be according to the German standard
tariff for public services (TvöD 13-O). Start
date will be the May 1st, 2008. The position is
for two years with the possibility of an
extension for one year. Women are explicitly
encouraged to apply to increase their share in
science and research. The University of Leipzig
is committed to employing more handicapped
individuals and especially encourages them to apply.
For best consideration, please send your
application, including a statement of your
research interests and qualifications, curriculum
vitae, copies of your certificates, and contact
details of two academic referees before March
8th, 2014 to: Prof. Christian Wirth, AG Spezielle
Botanik und Funktionelle Biodiversität,
Universität Leipzig, Johannisallee 21-23, 04103
Leipzig, Germany, or via e-mail as a single
pdf-file to
<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected].
For questions, please contact Prof. Christian Wirth (++49-341-9738591.
2. Nutrient supply, capture and use efficiency
affected by tree diversity in a subtropical tree
diversity experiment (Subproject 5)
Postdoc-position (Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Germany)
Subproject description
This subproject of the BiodiversityEcosystem
Functioning (BEF) experiment (DFG-Forschergruppe
891) studies tree diversity effects on nutrient
cycling, focusing on nitrogen, phosphorus and
cations. It adopts an alternative framework to
study mechanisms behind the tree
diversity-productivity relationship based on the
Production Ecology Equation. Together with the
subproject of the Chinese partners Subproject 5
will thus quantify nutrient supply, nutrient
capture by trees and efficiency of nutrient use
and relate them to experimentally manipulated
diversity of tree species. It will also relate
the spatial distribution of leaf biomass, leaf
display and leaf nutrient concentrations within
canopies to differences in tree diversity.
Specific tasks of the Postdoc-position
The main duty of the Postdoc will be the detailed
preparation and application of the proposed work
programme. He/she will coordinate the work
between German, Swiss and Chinese groups, carry
out field work and advise student helpers and
master students. The duties also include
development of NIRS prediction models, data
analysis and interpretation, as well as
presentation of results at conferences and
publication in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated and
cooperative person with a PhD in Biology/Ecology,
Forestry or Environmental Sciences. He/she will
have demonstrated his/her ability to develop
research questions, carry out the relevant
research and statistical analyses and publish the
results. Applicants should have a strong
background and publication record in plant
ecology or functional biodiversity research.
Excellent statistical background and experience
with appropriate software (R) is expected. The
Postdoc will stay for several months during the
first year at the field sites in China. Fluency in English is indispensable.
Payment will be equivalent to the German standard
tariff (TVL-E13). The start of the project is May
2014. The position is for two years. Women are
explicitly encouraged to apply to increase their
share in science and research.
Application
Applicants should send their CV, a statement on,
and two references to Prof. Dr. Michael Scherer-Lorenzen
Please send your application (comprising a cover
letter, a CV, short statement on motivation for
studying diversity-nutrient cycling
relationships, copies of certificates, and
contact details of two references) by 8 March
2014 in one single PDF-file to
[email protected].
For questions, please contact Prof. Michael
Scherer-Lorenzen ([email protected]).
3. Nutrient supply, capture and use efficiency
affected by tree diversity in a subtropical tree
diversity experiment (Subproject 5)
Technical position TVL E 9, for 20 months, from
01.05.2014 to 31.12.2015 (Chair of Silviculture,
Faculty of Environment and Natural Resource, Freiburg University)
Subproject description
In the forest BiodiversityEcosystem Functioning
(BEF) experiment (DFG-Forschergruppe 891),
subproject 5, together with Chinese partners,
aims to identify how nutrient supply, capture and
use efficiency are being influenced by tree species diversity.
Specific tasks of the technical position
The successful applicant will be responsible for
collection of a large number of samples in the
field in China, their preparation, processing,
and analysis. The technician is responsible for
the reference analyses for the development of
near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) models for soil
and plant tissue samples (P-Hedley fractions,
leaf and litter nutrients, N-mineralisation,
etc.), will conduct ex-situ soil incubation to
determine the nitrogen mineralization potential
of soils, carry out scanning of samples and develop NIRS models. .
Requirements
The applicant is expected to have completed
training as chemical, biological, or agricultural
technician. The position requires a highly
motivated and dynamic person, willing to spend
some time in China. He/she should be experienced
with collection and standard laboratory analysis
of plant and soil samples. Experience with the
analyses of plant and soil samples with
near-infrared spectroscopy is highly appreciated.
He/she should have demonstrated experience in
working with students and be able to manage a
small team of student helpers and workers. The
applicant should be ready to work in the field,
also under difficult conditions, so as enjoying
working in the laboratory and at the computer.
The applicant should be able to plan and
undertake field sampling, and process the samples
in an accurate and strictly reproducible manner.
Fluency in English is indispensable. Place of
employment will be the Chair of Silviculture,
Faculty of Environment and Natural Resource,
Freiburg University. Payment will be according to
the German standard tariff (100% TVL -E9). The
start of the project is May 2014. The position is for 20 months.
Application
Applicants should send their documents including
CV, copies of certificates, and motivation letter
to Prof. Dr. Jürgen Bauhus (Professur für
Waldbau, Universität Freiburg, Tennenbacherstr.
4, D-79106 Freiburg; or via e-mail as a single
pdf-file to
[email protected]) by March,
8th, 2014. For further details contact Prof. Dr.
Jürgen Bauhus +49 761 203 3677.
4. Diversity and composition of soil microbiomes (Subproject 7)
Postdoc position (Helmholtz Centre for
Environmental Research UFZ Leipzig-Halle,
Department of Soil Ecology, Theodor-Lieser-Straße 4, D-06120 Halle, Germany)
Interplay between rhizosphere and coarse wood
decomposing microbiomes with tree species identity and diversity levels
Subproject description
Within the research unit FOR 891, this subproject
aims at characterizing the diversity and
community composition of microbiomes of soils and
coarse wood debries in relation to species
identity and diversity levels in the Main
Experiment of BEF-China. The main goals are (1)
to analyse changes in the diversity and community
composition of the rhizosphere microbiomes of
single tree species along increasing plant
species richness gradients and (2) to study the
impact of tree species identity, wood trait,
decay rate, canopy gap and plant diversity levels
on the microbial communities decomposing coarse
wood debries (CWD) within the frame of the
multi-functionality multi-diversity array (MMA) designed of sub project 10.
Specific tasks of the postdoc position
Specific tasks will be
- to carry out and coordinate field soil and
coarse wood sample collection, processing of
samples in the field laboratory and shipping to
Germany for molecular analysis in close
collaboration with subproject 6, 10 and 13.
- to carry out and coordinate DNA extraction,
conduct next generation sequencing based
microbial (fungal and bacterial) community
analysis of the soil and CWD samples.
- to perform bioinformatics and multivariate
statistics to test the two main objectives,
provide data for further synthesis and joint
publications with other subprojects.
- to prepare reports, presentations and manuscripts.
Requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated and
collaborative person with a PhD degree in biology
or equivalent fields with majors in microbiology,
microbial ecology, molecular biology and ecology
and a deep interest in experimental biodiversity
research. Applicants should have a solid
background in next generation sequencing based
microbial diversity and community analysis, with
solid skills in bioinformatics, metadata analysis
and multivariate statistics. Very good knowledge
of written and spoken English, and the ability to
travel and do field work under subtropical
environmental conditions are required. The
postdoctoral candidate is expected to be a team
player, highly motivated for interdisciplinary
and international scientific cooperation and must
be able to prepare high ranking manuscripts for
international journals independently.
Place of employment will be at the Department of
Soil Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental
Research UFZ, Halle (Saale), Germany. The
candidate will be integrated in the group of Dr.
Wubet and will work in close collaboration with
PhD students working on related topics. Payment
will be according to the German standard tariff
(TVöD-E13). The position will be for two years
with the starting date of April 2014. Women are
explicitly encouraged to apply in order to
increase their share in science and research.
Physically handicapped persons will be favoured if they are equally qualified.
Application
Interested applicants are advised to look at the
official position advertisement no 06/2014. Short
applications should be send by email to Prof Dr.
Francois Buscot
(<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected])
and Dr. Tesfaye Wubet
(<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]),
while a complete application (including a letter
of motivation, CV, complete list of publications,
contact details of two referees) to the Personnel
Department of the Helmholtz-Centre for
Environmental Research UFZ, PO Box 500136,
D-04318 Leipzig, Germany, or by email to
<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected].
Closing date is March, 1st, 2014.
For further details contact Dr. Tesfaye Wubet
(Tel: +49-345-558-5204; [email protected]).
5. Multi-trophic interactions (Subproject 9)
PhD or part-time Postdoc position (65% TVöD-E13
for two years) (Faculty of Environment and
Natural Resources / Chair of Nature Conservation
and Landscape Ecology, University of Freiburg)
The role of tree diversity on multi-trophic
plant-insect networks in subtropical forests
Subproject description
Within the research unit FOR 891, this subproject
aims to understand how species interactions
across trophic levels change in an experimental
tree diversity gradient. The main goals are 1) to
quantify the effects of tree diversity on
multi-trophic interactions, to 2) establish a
long-term monitoring of trophic interactions and
their functions, and 3) to assess how plant
genetic diversity or different forest management
practices affect trophic interactions.
Specific tasks for the position
The successful candidate will use two model
systems to study the effects of tree diversity on
multi-trophic interactions in the worldwide
largest tree-diversity experiment. The model
systems are (1) cavity-nesting Hymenoptera and
their parasitoids; (2) trophobioses between
plants, sap-sucking insects, and ants. The
candidate will, in cooperation with Chinese
colleagues, construct, monitor and analyse
trap-nests. Further, the candidate will sample
trophobioses (aphids and ants) of leaves along
the tree diversity gradient. Insect specimens
will be identified in coorporation with taxonomic
experts. Data will be analysed in the
experimental framework of the BEF-China
experiment and prepared for publication in international journals.
Requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated and
collaborative person with a Diploma or Master
degree (or equivalent) or with a PhD in
Biology/Ecology with an emphasis in animal
ecology and trophic interactions. Applicants
should have a solid background in statistical
analyses using R, experience with ecological
field work, and working knowledge in invertebrate
taxonomy, preferably in Hymenoptera. The
successful applicant is expected to carry out
field work under harsh climatic conditions (hot
and humid) for several months a year. Very good
knowledge of written and spoken English is
mandatory, basic knowledge of Chinese would be a
bonus. If the applicant aims for a dissertation,
the PhD thesis will be written as a series of
English manuscripts to be published in international journals.
Place of employment will be at the Faculty of
Environment and Natural Resources / Chair of
Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, University of Freiburg.
The position is available as PhD or Post-doc
position. Payment will be according to the German
standard tariff (65% TVöD-E13). The start of the
project is 1st of May 2014. The position is for
two years and can be extended for another year if
the candidate seeks for a PhD and successfully
carried out the first two years. Women are
explicitly encouraged to apply to increase their
share in science and research.
Application
Applicants should send by March 1st 2014 their
CV, copies of certificates, a statement on
motivation for this project and contact details
for two references to Prof. Dr. Alexandra-Maria
Klein (Faculty of Environment and Natural
Resources / Chair of Nature Conservation and
Landscape Ecology, University of Freiburg,
Tennenbacher Str. 4, 79106 Freiburg, Germany,
<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected];
Tel. ++49.761.203.67770
6. Functional role of the herb layer (Subproject 11)
PhD-position (Institute of Biology / Geobotany
and Botanical Garden, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg)
The role of herb layer characteristics and
productivity for forest ecosystem functioning
Subproject description
Within the research unit FOR 891, this subproject
aims at characterizing mechanisms of herb layer x
tree layer interactions in the Main Experiment of
BEF-China. The main goals are 1) to quantify
feedback effects of the herb layer on the trees
in the Main Experiment, 2) to address the role of
the herb layer for the nutrient balance of all
plots, and 3) to study the effects of the herb layer on tree recruitment.
Specific tasks of the PhD-position
Specific tasks will be
- to carry out the field monitoring in the herb
layer of the Main Experiment and in subtreatments
of the new BEFmod experiment, including biomass
determination and light measurements (PAR)
- to quantify nutrient concentrations and stocks
in the herb layer (P, N, Ca, Mg, K) in
cooperation with the associated technical assistant
- to conduct seed addition experiments and
monitor woody recruitment to test for Janzen Connell effects,
- to analyze the data and to prepare them for presentation.
Requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated and
collaborative person with a Diploma or a Master
degree in Biology, Botany or Ecology and a deep
interest in experimental biodiversity research.
Applicants should have a solid background in
plant taxonomy and morphology, solid skills in
statistics, very good knowledge of written and
spoken English, and the ability to spend long
periods in the field. The doctoral thesis will be
done as a series of English manuscripts to be
published in international journals. The
successful applicant is highly motivated for
scientific work in the field, lab and at the
computer, and for cooperation with the other groups.
Place of employment will be at the Institute of
Biology / Geobotany and Botanical Garden in Halle
/ Saale. The student will participate in the PhD
program yDiv (Young BioDiversity Research
Training Group) of the iDiv (Deutsches Zentrum
für Integrative Biodiversitätsforschung).
Payment will be according to the German standard
tariff (65% TVöD-E13). The start of the project
is April 2014. The position is for two years with
the possibility of extension. Women are
explicitly encouraged to apply to increase their
share in science and research.
Application
Applicants should refer to the official position
advertisement no.: D 484/2014. Applications
including CV, copies of certificates, a statement
on motivation for this project and (contact
details for) two references should be sent to PD
Dr. A. Erfmeier (Institute of Biology / Geobotany
and Botanical Garden, Martin Luther University
Halle-Wittenberg, Am Kirchtor 1, 06108 Halle,
Gemany, [email protected];
Tel. ++49 345 55 26230) by March, 1st, 2014.
