Postdoc Funded Position in Monitoring Arthropod and Plant Diversity in Austria via an Environmental DNA Approach [Salary: €4158/month]

 Postdoc Funded Position in Monitoring Arthropod and Plant Diversity in Austria via an Environmental DNA Approach [Salary: €4158/month]

Postdoc Funded Position in Monitoring Arthropod and Plant Diversity in Austria via an Environmental DNA Approach; This postdoc position in the GeMonA+ project: Development of a genetic module for biodiversity monitoring in Austria,

Project Description; The efficient and informative monitoring of biodiversity is imperative to recognize changes in species communities and as such, a key component of the EU and Austrian biodiversity strategy 2030+. The project GeMonA+ aims to optimize a molecular toolbox for biodiversity monitoring in Austria relying on malaise trap catches, sweep-netting and environmental DNA obtained from plant surfaces.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with a burning interest for contributing to biodiversity monitoring and the optimization of molecular tools to join our research team as a postdoc. Within the project, the postdoc will play a key role for comparing the applicability of eDNA collection and analysis from plant surfaces to data obtained via sweep-netting and consecutive molecular analysis of the collected arthropods. Key components of this process will be the metabarcoding of eDNA samples obtained from flower-washing and arthropod bulk samples obtained via sweep-netting followed by bioinformatic processing and taxonomic assignment of the obtained raw data and comparative statistical analysis with a focus on temporal and spatial biodiversity patterns across Austria.

Qualifications & Competences; The applicant should hold a PhD in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or a similar field. The successful applicant will be part of a large Austria-wide research team. Hence, they should have the ability to work both as part of a larger team and independently. Additionally, they will co-supervise bachelor and master students in work related to this project. Previous experience with arthropod diversity data, the use of eDNA-based methods (specifically metabarcoding), and modelling plant-arthropod interactions over time and space will be highly merited. Candidates should have previous experience with bioinformatic and statistical analyses of DNA-based data (in a Linux environment and using R or Python) and academic writing. German speaking skills are not mandatory, however, excellent written and spoken English is a requirement.

Place of Employment & Work; The Applied Animal Ecology (AAE) Research Unit focuses on the analysis of trace amount of DNA in environmental samples to answer ecological questions related to biodiversity and trophic interactions. With our research we investigate how animals in natural and managed ecosystems interact with their environment and apply this knowledge to real world problems. We work in terrestrial and aquatic environments on arthropods, plants, and vertebrates. The postdoc will become an integral part of the AAE team and will have the opportunity for manifold collaborations within the GeMona+ consortium.

Formalities and salary; Applications must be in English and include:

Cover letter (max 2 pages) stating the motivation for your application, relevant experience, and research interests,

Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications,

contact information of a previous academic supervisor. Please send your application and enquiries for further information to Bettina.Thalinger@uibk.ac.at

Deadline; Review of applications will begin on the 21st March 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.Please note that further information might be requested from shortlisted applicants which will be invited to attend an interview.Please send your application and enquiries for further information to Bettina.Thalinger@uibk.ac.at

This 18-month position is fully funded by the Biodiversitätsfonds Österreich with a monthly gross salary of € 4 158 (the approximate net salary can be calculated at https://bruttonetto.arbeiterkammer.at/ ). Position available from 1st May 2024. Duration: 18 months. Workload: 35 h/week

“The University of Innsbruck embraces diversity: people, ideas, life aspirations, opinions, and methods, which we promote by striving for (gender) equality, inclusion and facilitating a balance between work, education, and life commitments. This diversity is a pre-requisite for insightful and inspiring higher education, academic excellence, and social recognition.” We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants regardless of their personal background.