Expires on: 04/17/2024
Description
2 Two PhD Fully Funded Positions in Forest Plant Biodiversity at Forest & Nature Lab, Ghent University in Belgium; Vacancy for two PhD positions (4 years) Forest & Nature Lab, Ghent University (Belgium) Novel light regimes and drought effects on temperate forest plant biodiversity (CanopyChange) ERC Consolidator Grant project.
Tree canopies are one of the most recognizable features of forests, providing shelter from external influences to a myriad of species that live in the understorey. Canopy disturbances are now accelerating across European forests, and climate-change induced drought is a key driver. These disturbances are opening the canopy and exposing forest biodiversity to no-analog light regimes and drought – light and drought levels they have never been exposed to before. As the majority of forest plant species occur in the shade below tree canopies, the combination of altered light regimes and intensifying droughts can strongly impact forest biodiversity.
The successful candidate will be based, along with the rest of the CanopyChange team, at the Forest & Nature Lab (www.fornalab.ugent.be) of Ghent University, Belgium. ForNaLab consists of 30 staff members and is headed by professors Kris Verheyen, Lander Baeten, Jan Mertens and Pieter De Frenne. The research group is part of the Department of Environment at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University.
Requirements
- You have a Masters, or Honours, degree in Bioscience Engineering, Biology, Ecology or equivalent degree in Life or Mathematical Sciences with background in Ecology. Also candidates that will obtain their degree in the summer of 2024 are invited to apply.
- You have excellent study grades.
- You have a strong interest in forests, ecology, and climate change.
- You have good knowledge of both the biotic and abiotic components and processes in temperate forest ecosystems.
- You are highly motivated to perform scientific research that involves field work, quantitative data analyses as well as writing scientific publications.
- You are a team player with good communication skills, you like to write and discuss ideas. An excellent knowledge of the English language is required.
- You are highly motivated to work in a collaborative project with other PhD students, postdocs and technical assistants.
Application
Please send us your CV, transcript of records, and a one-page cover letter explaining how you would approach the position to Pieter.DeFrenne@ugent.be by 17 April 2024 (all documents should be merged together into one single PDF file). You can also specify in which position (WP1, WP2, or both) you are most interested. The interviews with selected applicants will be organised in May 2024.