CREAF is seeking a predoctoral researcher for the ECO-FUN project (Ecological shifts, internet-of-things and functional responses of forests under increasing global warming pressures) with reference PID2023-151488OB-I00 funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, the Agencia Estatal de Investigación and FEDER, MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.
The design and implementation of networks of automated sensors monitoring key ecosystemic functions and their relationships with microclimatic variability stands as an open research frontier. Using innovate internet-of things (IoT) technologies, the project EcoFun Will allow an improved assessment of the functional responses of Mediterranean forests to increased global warming pressures and novel regimes of extreme events.
More specifically, the project will implement parallel measures of multiple ecosystem functions at the tree level, applying real time IoT approaches in unique long-term ecological research sites. These measurements will allow the characterization and modelling of threshold responses linking ecosystemic functions, increasing soil drought and heat stress. Finally, the network of automated sensors will establish a real-time monitoring and early warning system for the assessment of forest vulnerability.
This contract is envisaged to start in January 2025*. The salary offered (gross) is established by the RD EPIF (Real Decreto 103/2019, de 1 de marzo, por el que se aprueba el Estatuto del personal investigador predoctoral en formación):
- 1st year (12 months): 60% of €32.465,02** = €19.479,01 gross per year.
- 2on,3rd and 4rt years (36 months): 75% of €32.465,02** = €24.348,76 gross per year (each year)
*The start of the contract will depend on the final resolution of the project, not coming into force until it’s resolved and it’s possible to allocate expenses to it.
**Salary from Group 1 (M3) of the salary table from the Convenio colectivo único para el personal laboral de la Administración General del Estado of 2024 (subject to possible salary increases when new salary amounts are approved during the years of contract).
TASKS:
- Organize and run field campaigns at the experimental sites in Catalunya.
- Coordinate field work with the technician dedicated to the project.
- Lead in the collection and analysis of the field and IoT data.
- Liaise with the principal investigator of the project to determine programs and schedules.
- Write scientific articles according to the objectives.
- Contribute to the main objectives of the research team, including field work and projects of other members.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Geography or equivalent.
- Master's degree in the fields of environmental, biological sciences, forest science or IoT engineering.
- Theoretical and research knowledge in ecology and data analysis.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Proficiency in English.
- Extensive experience in conducting field work in ecology, biology or environmental sciences.
- Valid EU driving license (Type B).
ASSESSABLE CONDITIONS:
- Participation in scientific publications (first-authored publications will be strongly valued).
- Ability to work as a team and independently
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Mean BSc and MSc score above 8 (out of 10). If you are a non-Spanish student, please, calculate your equivalent grades following the information in these webpages (some only in Spanish, sorry): To do so, please, visit these webpages:
-https://universidades.sede.gob.es/pagina/index/directorio/Equivalencia_notas_medias/language/en
- https://www.universidades.gob.es/equivalencia-de-notas-medias-de-estudios-universitarios-realizados-en-centros-extranjeros
- https://www.universidades.gob.es/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Guia_informativa_Declaracion_Equivalencia_Nota_Media_2022.pdf
- https://www.universidades.gob.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ANEXO_II_INSTRUCCIONES.pdf
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Availability to travel for field work.
Name and email addresses of one or two professional reference
- Candidates who have a recognized disability will be considered and accredited equal to or greater than 33% will be prioritized, as long as the disability is compatible with the proper performance of the job.
SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA:
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Applicants should submit: 1) CV in English, 2) motivation letter (less than 1 page), 3) academic transcripts of bachelor’s and master’s degrees (in Spanish or English) until October 27th, 2024.
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Pre-selection: determination of compliance with the minimum requirements of the offer.
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Selection: preselected candidates will be scored based on objective criteria. The candidates presenting the highest scores will be invited to a physical or remote interview (depending on country of residence).
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Final decision: the decision will be communicated to the candidate with subsequent publication in the CREAF job openings section.
For informal enquiries, please, contact Dr. Jofre Carnicer: (j.carnicer@ub.edu)
