Applications are invited to fill a graduate research position currently available in the Center for Environmental Biology, University of Lisbon, Portugal (http://cba.fc.ul.pt). The student will participate in a collaborative project funded by the Portuguese Science Foundation (FCT) to investigate the temporal dynamics of fragmentation impacts on Neotropical bats. Field research will be conducted at the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project (BDFFP, http://pdbff.inpa.gov.br) near Manaus, Brazil, the worlds largest and longest-running experimental study of habitat fragmentation. Based on baseline data from a previous study conducted at the BDFFP, this comparative follow-up study aims at providing insights into the longer-term dynamics of fragmentation effects on Neotropical bats. Interested students should hold a M.S. degree in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, or a related field, and have a keen interest in community ecology and fragmentation research. Preference will be given to students wishing to pursue a PhD and to applicants with previous field experience in the tropics and/or working with bats. Candidates should have strong English writing skills and a demonstrated aptitude in data analysis and statistical modeling. Proficiency in a statistical software package (preferably R) and an interest in learning novel analytical approaches is a definite plus. The project involves extensive fieldwork in Brazil and the ability to work long hours at night under harsh field conditions is essential, as is the ability to work well in a team. The ability to communicate in Portuguese is desirable. The Assistantship includes a stipend, renewable each year for up to 3 years, health insurance, as well as research and conference travel support. Interested applicants should email a cover letter outlining their interests and experience, a CV, transcripts, as well as contact information for three references to Dr. Christoph Meyer (cme...@fc.ul.pt). The expected start date is April 2011 (or as soon as possible thereafter). Applications will be considered until March 7th 2011.
Dr. Christoph Meyer Centro de Biologia Ambiental Departamento de Biologia Animal Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa 1749-016 Lisboa Portugal Email: cme...@fc.ul.pt http://cba.fc.ul.pt/members/christoph_meyer.php
