PhD student position on Aquatic-Terrestrial Ecology: “Impacts of aquatic stressors on pollinators and pollination in a changing climate”
IMDEA Water is a non-profit research Institute, promoted by the Regional Government of Madrid, to carry out research in water technologies. This Institute is part of the IMDEA network, the institutional framework that combines support from both the public and private sectors and harmonizes research with market demand, strengthening the presence of the private sector in science.
It complies with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
A fully funded PhD student position is open for applications to work on an interdisciplinary project on aquatic-terrestrial ecology under the supervision of Dr. Pablo Urrutia-Cordero, and in collaboration with Dr. Björn Klatt (Lund University, and Halmstad University, Sweden). This contract will be funded within the framework of the Madrid Regional Government's Talent Attraction Grant 2022-T1/AMB-24063.
The PhD student will investigate impacts of toxic cyanobacterial blooms on pollinators and pollination in a changing climate, with a specific focus on bee populations in human-impacted landscapes. The successful candidate is expected to conduct laboratory and field experiments that evaluate how exposure to toxic cyanobacteria affects bee health and pollination efficiency under different climatic conditions. Some field studies will also be conducted in Sweden in collaboration with Dr. Björn Klatt (Lund University). The PhD student will be involved in all steps regarding (1) design and performance of experiments and field studies, (2) analysis of samples and data collection, (3) data analyses, and (4) publications. The PhD student is also expected to collaborate with and to communicate results to stakeholders and advisors (e.g., farmers, beekeepers, municipalities).
The candidate should meet the following main qualifications:
- Be in possession of a degree, or a graduate & M. S., in Biology, Environmental Sciences or a similar discipline. EQF Level 7 (MECES 3).
- Holds a M.S. in terrestrial ecology, pollination ecology, aquatic ecology, or a similar discipline.
- Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
- Driving license.
In addition to the main qualifications described above, experience in any of the following areas will be considered as an additional merit:
- Ability for analytical work in the laboratory.
- Practical experience in experimental ecology.
- Practical experience in field work studies.
- Skills in scientific writing.
- Experience on data management and statistics.
- A particular interest in conservation of nature.
- Independence in Spanish language due to the need to interact with stakeholders and administration (farmers, beekeepers, administration)
Candidates must present the following information:
- Curriculum Vitae (English). The CV must be attached using the IMDEA Water template. CVs in any other format will not be accepted.
- Letter of interest (English) summarizing previous experience and interests on the project (1 page). Names and contacts of two references should be included.
- Curriculum vitae
- Suitability of the candidate´s training and experience to the institute´s research lines and open position
- Those candidates with the highest score will be called for an online interview to evaluate their knowledge and attitudes related to the open position
- Employment contract full-time: 37.5 hours/week
- Annual gross salary: 21.500 €
- Incorporation date: March, 2024
IMDEA Water Foundation. Avda. Punto Com 2, 28805 Alcalá de Henares (Spain)
- Cover letter (pdf)
Final decisions will be personally communicated by e-mail to all candidates