Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light—Life—Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 17.000 students and more than 10.000 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

The German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig explores how biodiversity can be recorded, how it develops in the course of evolution, how it changes, what consequences it has for the functioning of ecosystems and how it can be preserved in the long term. iDiv is jointly funded by the University of Leipzig, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ and will be continued with generous support from the federal states of Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia and Saxony after termination of the DFG funding. More information about iDiv: www.idiv.de.

The advertised position is based in the research group of Prof. Aletta Bonn within the framework of the iDiv funded strategic project 'sMon - Biodiversity Trends in Germany' (https://www.idiv.de/en/smon), in collaboration with Prof. Helge Bruelheide, Prof. Florian Jansen and Dr. Marten Winter. We seek to fill the position of a

Postdoctoral Researcher
Quantitative Biodiversity Data Analysis

full-time (40 hours per week), starting as soon as possible and limited for 2 years, with the possibility for an extension of up to 4 years. The employer will be the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the place of work will be iDiv in Leipzig.

The position is offered to analyze Germany-wide biodiversity data, e.g. from and in collaboration with state authorities, natural history societies, museums and citizen science projects. The work is conducted also in close cooperation with the NFDI4Biodiversity program and other related projects at iDiv and partner institutes.

Your responsibilities:

• You conduct scientific trend analyses of spatio-temporal dynamics of biodiversity patterns for selected taxa using heterogeneous data (e.g., citizen science data) and attribution to drivers
• You carry out scientific analyses of possibilities and limitations of data integration of structured and semi-structured/ opportunistic sampling records (Citizen Science)
• You evaluate the recording methods and databases for the conception of biodiversity monitoring programs
• You actively collaborate with authorities and natural history societies to jointly mobilize, harmonize, integrate and analyze data
• You contribute to the visualization of analysis outputs
• You organize sMon workshops and liaise with data providers
• You create high-quality scientific outputs in the form of journal publications and contributions to relevant high-level policy and practice reports
• You support and coordinate the preparation of national and international third-party funding research proposals

Your profile:

• PhD in biology, ecology or computational science or another relevant subject with a clear reference to biodiversity and with experience in modelling/programming, quantitative analysis, or spatial data management
• Experience in database management and scientific programming (R and/or Python)
• Particular strengths in quantitative, statistical biodiversity analyses
• Experience in writing scientific publications
• Experience in collaboration with natural history societies, state agencies, museums and taxon experts is desirable
• Experience with hierarchical Bayesian models and data integration modelling is desirable
• Experience in data visualization and development of R-Shiny applications is desirable
• High motivation and very good organizational skills, interest and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and to liaise with a variety of stakeholders
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Flexible and independent way of working with a clear focus on science
• Challenged by the opportunity to develop a scientific research program connected to your own academic career

We offer:

• An intellectually stimulating, independent and varied scientific activity with creative opportunities
• Participation in diverse research projects at the interface of science, practice and policy with a strong inter- and transdisciplinary character in an international context
• Participation in our targeted iDiv postdoc program, which offers workshops, coaching, mentoring and networking events on career development for postdocs
• A modern, family-friendly working environment, attractive working conditions (mobile work) and an employer pension scheme
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) up to salary scale E13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week).
In principle, the job is also suitable for part-time employment. The extent to which a part-time request can be granted, in particular with regard to the location and scope of the part-time work, will be assessed on the basis of the needs of the service.

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then please apply by 22.11.2024 using our online application portal at: