Post-doc Position as Scientific Coordinator of a Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning project in China

The newly established Chinese-European DFG Research Unit "BEF China" (FOR 891) seeks to set up a new forest Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning (BEF) experiment in subtropical forests in China. The objective of this experiment is to analyze the influence of tree and shrub species diversity on ecosystem functioning and services in one of the most prominent diversity hotspots in the northern hemisphere. For further information see http: www.botanik.uni-halle.de/bef-china.

Specific tasks of the Post-doc Position

Administrative tasks of the Scientific Coordinator include the coordination of activities to establish the experiment (such as documentation and supervision of the nursery supervision of the planting procedure, supervision of Chinese and German technicians, organization of accommodation and transport, preparation of workshops) and management of communication within the Consortium as well as outreach. The scientific responsibilities comprise supervision of undergraduate and graduate students who will be working in the comparative and experimental plots, and the collection of data (e.g.recording of vegetation, collection of plant and soil data) and participation in the final synthesis of results).

Requirements:

The candidate should hold a Ph.D. Degree in Ecology, Biology, Botany, Biodiversity Studies or a similar discipline and should have a very good publication record. The successful candidate should further have experience in biodiversity research and community ecology, profound taxonomic knowledge of plant species, solid skills in statistics and experimental design, excellent communication and organizational skills and fluency in English; knowledge of Chinese and German language is desirable but no prerequisite. The person must be very mobile and willing to to spend long periods in the field.

Place of employment will be the Institute of Biology / Geobotany and Botanical Garden in Halle / Saale. Payment will be according to the German standard tariff for public services (TvöD 13-O, between 2700 € and 3800 € gross salary per month, depending on previous job experience). Start date will be the 1st of May, 2008. The position is for three years. Women are explicitly encouraged to apply to increase their share in science and research.

Application:

Candidates should send the following documents to Prof. Dr. Helge Bruelheide (Institute of Biology / Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg, Am Kirchtor 1, 06108 Halle; Germany; helge.bruelheide@botanik.uni-halle.de; Tel. ++49-345-55-26222) by March, 15^th, 2008.

Applicants should send their CV, a statement on motivation for biodiversity research (short summary of research interests, experiences, key skills, qualifications for the position), copies of certificates, list of publications, name and address (including email) of two referees.