Eurizon.eu

Organization: Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Location: South East England

Field: Environmental Sciences

Requirements:

The successful candidate should have a science degree and a PhD or equivalent in ecological science and postdoctoral research experience or a similar level of knowledge. You will require a strong track record of research and a developing publication record in plant population or community ecology. A good understanding of the ecology of plants is essential, ideally with good plant identification skills. The ability to undertake statistical analyses of large scale and long term datasets is also required, and experience of manipulative field experimentation would be beneficial. The candidate will be expected eventually to identify lines of research and attract research funding. Experience of team leadership and project management would also be valuable and you should be able to communicate across ecological disciplines and also to liaise effectively with volunteer recording communities and external partners. We are looking for an ecologist who has the potential to become a leader in this field. Experience of writing tenders and grant proposals would be an advantage.

Abstract:

The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is the UK's Centre of Excellence for research in the terrestrial and freshwater environmental sciences.

Description:

Programmes / project group Information
CEH's research underpins our understanding of the environment and the processes that support life on Earth. We undertake large-scale monitoring and experimentation to detect and predict the causes and consequences of environmental change. Our science is managed and delivered through three integrated science programmes: Biodiversity, Water and Biogeochemistry (http://www.ceh.ac.uk/science/index.html). Study of the abundance and distribution of plants, and their interactions with their environment are central to all these areas of science.
We are looking for an experienced post-doctoral scientist with a proven knowledge of plant population and community ecology to join a team of 30 ecologists working on solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
Main Duties
We are seeking an enthusiastic and innovative scientist to initiate and lead research employing large-scale surveys, experimentation, statistical analysis and modelling to detect and understand the drivers of biodiversity loss, including habitat degradation, pollution, climate change and alien species. Further research opportunities include the restoration and management of ecosystems to manipulate plant populations and communities. You will play a key role in the development of volunteer-led monitoring of plants within the Biological Records Centre and co-ordination of a new 5 year research project to improve the effectiveness of management prescriptions to conserve rare arable plant species under the UK agri-environment schemes. The post will involve liaison with national recording schemes (e.g. BSBI, BBS, Lichen Society and Plantlife), policy makers and conservation practitioners.
Ref S29
Salary & Benefits
The salary for this post is £26,180 progressing to £29,410 per annum. In addition NERC offer a public sector pension scheme, 30 days' annual leave and 10½ days' public and privilege holiday per annum. We offer a flexible and supportive working environment and will encourage your continuing professional development as part of our career support.
Application is by application form plus a CV and an up to date publication list. Please send these to the Recruitment Team, People & Skills Section, CEH Wallingford, Maclean Building, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB Email: cehpersonnel@ceh.ac.uk 

Deadline: 09-03-2011

Contacts:

Email: cehpersonnel@ceh.ac.uk

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