This project will explore the dynamic consequences of species loss from large complex food webs. The project will use patterns in body size, abundance and food web structure for a series of marine food webs with a special focus on Lough Hyne, south west Ireland. The aim of the project will be to use theoretical approaches to investigate the keystoneness of species in a food web context. We are currently recruiting for a post doctoral researcher in theoretical ecology to work on the project. The aim of the project will be to use empirical data describing a range of food webs to explore the process of biodiversity loss and the consequences for ecosystem functioning and secondary extinctions. The prospective candidate should have a background in theoretical ecology, be conversant in mathematics and ideally be familiar with aspects of computational ecology and computer programming. The applicant should be open to multidisciplinary research and be prepared to integrate empirical and theoretical approaches. The post doc salary will be €41k per annum and the post will be for 15 Months.

Interested candidates should send a CV and cover letter to Dr. Mark Emmerson at m.emmerson@ucc.ie (Tel: 00353 21 490 1951), stating why of the position is of interest. Please include the names and email addresses of two academic referees. Closing date for applications is the 7^th June 2009. The project start date is open to negotiation. The Emmerson Lab is a large and dynamic group focussed on the drivers of biodiversity change with a special focus on food web ecology. For more information on the Emmerson Lab at UCC see: http://www.ucc.ie/staff/memmers/emmerson.htm