Background
The deliberate or accidental introduction of species outside their native range is one of the main components of anthropogenic–induced global changes. Biological invasions have been increasing in number and affecting larger areas, with deep reaching impacts on ecosystems, economic activity and human welfare. As a result, invasive species now rank among the top threats to global biodiversity, and annual monetary impacts of invasives are estimated at 120 billion € in the USA and at least €12 billion in Europe. This threat urges global and regional organisations, national governments and local agencies to implement improved and integrated strategies to counter existing invasions and prevent new ones. The successful candidate will integrate a large cohort of researchers working on invasion biology, and will endeavour to model risk of invasions using information on trade and environmental and socio-economic predictors.
Research environment:
The postdoc will be associated with Miguel Araújo Lab (www.maraujolab.uevora.pt), while being physically located at the Rui Nabeiro Biodiversity Research Chair at the University of Évora (MED Institute). The successful candidate will work in the context of a collaboration led by Luís Reino (CIBIO-InBIO) and Pedro Segurado (Instituto Superior de Agronomia. CEF) and involving a cohort of international scientists including Diederik Strubbe (University of Ghent), amongst others.
Required background and skills:
Two alternative profiles are acceptable for this post
Profile 1– PhD in Mathematics or Physics. Solid skills in modelling network-related dynamics. Good programming skills are a must.
Profile 2– PhD in Biology, Ecology, or related fields. Proven experience with environmental modelling, numerical analysis of ecological data, and /or macroecology. Good programming skills are a must.
Language: English as a first or second language is required.
Publication record:Candidates are expected to have a good publication record in internationally refereed journals.
Legislation framework: A fellowship contract will be celebrated according to the regulations defined by FCT “Regulations for Advanced Training and Qualification of Human Resources”, in accordance with Law 40/2004, of 18 August, as amended and republished by Decree-Law No. 202/2012 of 27 August, and as amended by Decree-Law No. 233/2012 of 29 October and by Law No. 12/2013, of 29 January, and Decree-Law No. 89/2013 of 9 July, to Fellowships Regulation of FCT (www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/docs/RegulamentoBolsasFCT2015.pdf).
Duration and Starting date: 24 months starting in October – November 2019.
Stipend: Monthly stipend is €1509,80 according plus social security (stipends are not taxable). Other subsidies: EUR 750 per year to participate in scientific meetings and conferences, EUR 300-600 for inbound and outbound travelling.
Evaluation Methods: Evaluation will be based on academic qualifications (25%), motivation and interest in the project (25%), demonstrated experience and skills in relevant areas (50%). There may be resorting to interviews. The jury reserves the right to not select any candidate, if submitted applications do not meet the required profile.
Application: The competition will open in September (date to be announced soon). Applications should be sent by email to Ana Rita Ferreira (cibioue@uevora.pt). The application must include a cover letter (in English) explaining why you think you are an adequate candidate for the post, a short CV (please no more than 5 pages), external links to five of your most relevant papers, and the names and contacts of two academics that can provide a reference for you.