The DFG-funded Research Training Group (RTG) 2300 ‘Enrichment of European beech forests with conifers: impacts of functional traits on ecosystem functioning’ (EnriCo) at the Georg-August-University Goettingen in Germany is currently inviting applications as “Postdoctoral Researcher” (TV-L E13, 100%)(all genders welcome) starting as soon as possible. The position is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) through September 30, 2026.
The interdisciplinary Research Training Group 2300 (EnriCo) was established in 2017. In eleven closely linked subprojects, PhD students from forest science, soil science, animal ecology, wildlife science, nature conservation, modelling, economics, and applied statistics explore the potential of mixed forest stands for supporting multifunctional silvicultural approaches. More specifically, we focus on European temperate forests dominated by European beech and try to uncover the effect of admixed conifer tree species on ecosystem processes and services of such forests with a special focus on the importance of functional traits.
Our study design includes five stand types composed of European beech (Fagus sylvatica), Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forests and their mixtures. We hypothesize that mixtures of European beech with conifers show higher functional diversity than pure European beech stands, resulting in higher resilience and providing multiple ecosystem services. Preliminary results of the first funding period of EnriCo (2017-2022) suggest a strong effect of abiotic site conditions on many response traits, which turn out to be further modified by tree species identity. The second phase (2022-2026) will focus on ecosystem processes.
The postdoctoral researcher will be associated with the speaker of the RTG 2300, Prof. Dr. Christian Ammer (www.uni-goettingen.de/en/67090.html), but shall develop their own profile. It is expected that the postdoctoral researcher closely collaborates with all groups and leads synthesis work.
The Research Training Group offers a unique interdisciplinary research programme, an inspiring academic environment and a vibrant, collaborative atmosphere. By collaborating with the PhD students, the successful candidate will have access to a large number of data sets that have been and continue to be collected since EnriCo’s establishment in 2017.
They will get the chance to enhance their experience with data management, complement their competences in teaching and supervision and have access to the professional networks of the professors involved. In addition, they may take advantage of various courses, counselling and other career measures for postdocs offered by the research department and the HR development section. A female postdoc will also benefit from the career enhancement program for female members of EnriCo. The postdoctoral researcher will be encouraged to develop their own research ideas and to raise funding for additional projects within the context of the RTG.
The main tasks of the postdoctoral researcher will be:
• to conduct their own research in the context of the RTG and in particular the synthesis and integration of research results from all the different disciplinary research activities within the RTG
• to support the flow of information between the empirical working groups and the RTG members that are specialized in statistical modelling, and to provide an intellectual platform for joint discussions on up- and downscaling approaches
• to counsel subprojects regarding design and analysis of their studies to facilitate their optimal integration into the overall study concept of the RTG, collaboration between subprojects and data synthesis
• to initiate and lead joint publications
• to administer the RTG’s data management platforms
To complete these tasks, an internationally experienced professional with an excellent scientific interdisciplinary profile and a strong background in theoretical ecology or related disciplines is required. The candidate must have a master’s degree and should have completed their PhD examination by the time of employment. They must have an academic record and academic performance to date (i.e. determination, breadth of research activities, academic productivity).
Applicants are expected to have strong analytical skills and experience in data management. Experience working in multinational and interdisciplinary research environments is advantageous. The postdoctoral researcher must be fluent in English; knowledge of German is an asset. We seek an enthusiastic, self-motivated team player with the analytical skills to further enhance EnriCo’s interdisciplinary analyses and syntheses.
The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunity employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as they are underrepresented in the field. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The mission of the University is to employ a greater number of severely disabled persons. Applications from severely disabled persons with equivalent qualifications will be given preference.
To apply for this position, please send your application to grk2300-coordination@forst.uni-goettingen.de. The closing date for applications is September 25, 2022.
Your application must include (in the following order, compiled in one pdf):
• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of publications
• Names and contact details of two references
• Certificates and transcripts
• Additional documents
For questions, please contact our scientific coordinator Dr. Serena Müller (grk2300-coordination@forst.uni-goettingen.de) or our speaker Prof. Christian Ammer (christian.ammer@forst.uni-goettingen.de).
Please note:
With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in accordance with the data-protection law. Further information on the applicable law and data usage is provided in the Hinweisblatt zur Datenschutzgrundverordnung (DSGVO)
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Von:
Serena Müller
Serena Müller, grk2300-coordination@forst.uni-goettingen.de
GRK 2300, Universität Göttingen
Göttingen