The Department of Systems Analysis, Integrated Assessment and Modelling (Siam) is announcing a
Postdoctoral Researcher position in Ecological Modelling (80-100%)
The goal of the PostDoc project is to study the influence of abiotic variables and biotic interactions on the spatial dynamics of a terrestrial avian predator (Grey heron) and its aquatic prey, a migratory fish species (Brown trout), integrating movement and behavioral ecology with predator-prey interactions across ecosystem boundaries. With a focus on modelling, the project will leverage existing multi-year datasets on the spatial distribution and size of bird colonies and camera trap data
on bird foraging behavior, combined with datasets on stream fish abundance, the movement of tagged individual fish and fish tags recovered from bird colonies.
We are looking for a highly motivated and independent person with a solid background in statistical data analysis and/or quantitative ecological modelling and a PhD in ecology, applied statistics or related fields. Fluency in English and programming skills in R or an equivalent coding environment are a requirement. Good communication and writing skills, experience with Bayesian inference and an interest to work across ecosystem and disciplinary boundaries are also appreciated.
The researcher will be expected to develop statistical models that integrate the different available datasets in order to answer questions about the spatial foraging behavior of bird predators and its impact on the migration behavior and size distribution of fish prey, with some flexibility according to
the research interests of the successful candidate. Interest in the spatial dynamics of species interactions, blue-green food webs, or fish migratory behavior are beneficial.
The interdisciplinary project is led by Dr Helen Moor (Siam, Eawag) in close collaboration with Dr Jakob Brodersen (FishEc, Eawag) and Dr Catherine Graham (Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, WSL). The ideal starting date is in January 2023 and the project duration will be 2 years.
Eawag is a modern employer and offers an excellent working environment where staff can contribute their strengths, experience and ways of thinking. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and inclusion. The compatibility of career and family is of central importance to us. For
more information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment.
The closing date for applications is 28 November 2022, interviews are expected to take place in mid December. Please submit your application including a CV (encouraged to contain only work-relevant information and no photograph), a short motivation letter, copies of academic qualifications
and the names and contact information of three references.
We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the link below will take you directly to the application form.