Analysis of global patterns in interaction network structure using a data collation approach
A highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher is sought to explore the shifts that occur in network structure along natural and anthropogenic environmental gradients. The successful candidate will join the LifeWebs project (www.lifewebs.net), which seeks to understand broad-scale network ecology through collation and analyses of existing published and unpublished datasets. They will be responsible for collating additional network datasets through searches of published literature and requests to authors, management of the database and analyses of network patterns. We are particularly interested in changes in network structure in relation to latitude, elevation, anthropogenic habitat degradation, and habitat fragmentation. The work will span a range of terrestrial interaction network types, including insect-parasitoid, animal-parasite, plant-animal pollinator (including vertebrates), ant-plant mutualism, plant-herbivore, plant-seed disperser, insect-fungus, and vertebrate predation datasets. The position purely analytical, and there is not a field component to the work. There will be substantial opportunities to develop the project in an analytical direction of the postdoc’s own choosing.
If successful, the applicant will join the Ant Research Group (http://antscience.com/) at the Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, under the supervision of Tom Fayle (http://www.tomfayle.com/index.htm), one of the LifeWebs project PIs. The Ant Research Group is a dynamic, multinational group studying ant ecology, evolution and biogeography, and is embedded within the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, a world-class centre for interaction network research with regular publications in Science, Nature and other leading journals. The position allows the successful candidate to apply for standard research grants from the main Czech grant agency (GACR) to eventually expand the project. The deadline for applications is 31st August 2020, with a start date of 1st January 2021, and the appointment lasting until 31st December 2023 (24 months). Applicants from all countries are eligible. Salary for this full time position is CZK 36,000 per month (approx. EUR 1400 pre-tax). Note that living costs in Czech Republic are substantially lower than in many other European countries and the salary is competitive for such position (e.g. http://bit.ly/1NCkQKJ).
Required
- A PhD degree in network ecology or a related field.
- No more than two years of research experience since being awarded PhD degree.
- Experience of use of databases, or evidence of ability and interest to learn.
- Good publication record for career stage.
- Experience in the use of ecological statistical analyses, preferably with a focus on network analyses.
Desirable
- Previous work using a data collation and meta-analytical approach.
- A strong publication record in ecological modelling and/or analysis of biological interactions.
- Experience of managing small teams or supervising students for research projects.
To apply please send a CV with a brief covering email stating qualifications, previous work and motivation to Tom Fayle (tmfayle@gmail.com). Note that one candidate from those applying will be chosen to apply in competition with others for the PPLZ funding. This funding is held by Czech Academy of Sciences, and is not currently assigned specifically to this project.