CREAF

CREAF is seeking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on the TRACES project (Accounting for TRAit Coordination and Evolutionary history to improve our capacity to predict plant performance under Stress), with ref. PID2021-127452NB-I00 and funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN). 

The project aims at improving our capacity to predict vegetation responses to environmental changes using functional traits, by (i) measuring traits that are more closely connected to relevant physiological processes; (ii) addressing trait coordination at the whole-plant level as well as the evolutionary constraints driving coordination; and (iii) accounting for the environmental context and trait variability at different scales.

The candidate will join a large research team of >20 people working on the effects of environmental changes on vegetation dynamics at scales that range from the individual plant to the region and the globe, and will benefit from the training and career development opportunities offered through our research group, CREAF and UAB, exposure to international research and constant interaction with other groups at CREAF and elsewhere.

A full-time contract is offered (37,5h per week), with planned incorporation in May 2023, with a duration of 18 month. The salary offered is 2.576,66€ gross per month. 

TASKS:

- Compile and analyze global databases of plant functional traits and ecological features.
- Apply advanced data analysis techniques to characterize trait covariation structures and their capacity to explain ecological patterns, including species biogeographical limits and vulnerability to drought-induced mortality. 

REQUIREMENTS:

- Degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences or equivalent.
- A completed PhD on a topic related to the current project description.
- Research experience in functional ecology, as evidenced from prior scientific publications.
- Expertise in managing and analyzing large databases.
- Advanced experience in programming and data analysis using R or equivalent software.
- Advanced knowledge of English.

ASSESSABLE CONDITIONS:

- Experience applying phylogenetic tools and methods in ecology.
- Experience implementing advanced data analysis tools, such as network metrics, structural equation models or causal networks.
- Experience working on plant functional traits.
- International working experience.
- Motivation for research in ecology working in an international environment.

SELECTION PROCES AND CRITERIA:

1. Admission of candidates: applicants must submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter (maximum 500 words) and the questionnaire attached to the offer (filled), by e-mail to laboral@creaf.uab.cat, until 12 March 2023, indicating the reference code of the offer. Applications referred to another portal, other than CREAF job openings section and the instructions included in this, will not be accepted.
2. Pre-selection: determination of compliance with the minimum requirements of the offer.
3. Selection: assessment of the preselected candidates by scoring based on objective criteria.
4. Final decision: in case of finding the suitable person, the election will be formally communicated to him/her, and the identification of the chosen person will be published on CREAF job opening section.