Career - Offer

PhD Position in Ecological Modelling

Type of job: full-time

A position is available within a collaborative research project (FastWood II) at the University of Marburg, Germany.

Topic:

Modelling gene flow to assess the risk of introgression of foreign genes from short rotation plantations into native populations of poplars and willows.

Background:

Environmental pollution, climate change, and the depletion of fossil resources initiated research on renewable ressources. In forestry, short rotation plantations are currently in the focus of research. Apart from breeding new clones, ecological and genetic side effects through massive plantings of a few high-yield clones need to be evaluated. In case of gene flow, this evaluation needs to be addressed beforehand, in order to minimize the risk of introgression of foreign genes into native populations. Therefore simulation models will be developed and used. Within the project we will investigate several factors of flowering and seed set, the effects of long distance dispersal as well as effects of ontogeny and demography. Finally the model shall be applied to choose locations for short rotation plantations within our cultural landscape.

Prerequisites:

The ideal candidate should possess a MSc (or equivalent) with a background in biology or computer science / mathematics and have a high interest in interdisciplinary work. In particular, knowledge in ecological or population genetics and application of simulation models are a plus. Furthermore skills in a higher programming language (like JAVA, C++) and GIS methods are highly appreciated. You should be a team player and be interested in basic and applied research with a focus on conservation issues.