We are inviting applications for a

PhD/ESR position
ESR 02 - Quantification of light pollution as a migration barrier e.g. by applying an ABM) within The European Training Network RIBES “River flow regulation, fish BEhaviour and Status”, funded by the European Commission under the EU Horizon 2020 programme Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Innovative Training Network (Grant no. 860800),

Host Institution: IGB - Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin (Germany)

Doctoral degree: PhD in Biology at the Freie Universität Berlin

Job description: The project will focus on modeling fish migration along rivers. The main objectives are to determine the effects of artificial light on fish migration, and to identify criteria for artificial light management to mitigate detrimental effects on fish. The ideal candidate has a solid understanding of ecological concepts, combining experience in spatial explicit approaches in environmental modelling (e.g. agent-based models) with an interest in confronting ecological theory and models with experimental data. During the secondment period the candidate will be trained on consideration of light pollution effects in environmental modelling, and on signal processing methods. On a later stage the candidate will be involved in a comparative study on interaction between artificial light, noise, and other environmental stressors.

Workplace: The candidate will be provided with the office space at IGB, which includes a personal computer, specialized software, access to library, internet and printers. For potential field works the candidate can use equipment of IGB for light-pollution measurements and river-ecological studies.

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RECRUITMENT

Candidate requirements:

Degree:

MSc in Biology/Environmental Engineering or other related degrees (available by the date of application)

Specific mandatory skills:

Proficiency in English

Specific desirable skills:

Experience in spatial explicit approaches in environmental modelling (e.g. agent-based modelling)
Mathematical and programming background.
Background in (fish-)ecology and in ecological concepts

Specific requirements of the Doctoral School:

A thorough proficiency in English is necessary, i.e. level B2 or equivalent proof six years of English instruction at school (if the language level is not shown on the (school) certificate) IELTS 5.0. The related documentation should be already provided as an attachment to the RIBES application form. However, English proficiency will also be checked by the Selection committee during the interview.

Mobility rule:

Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.