We are looking for a candidate to APPLY for a scholarship/pre-doctoral research contract from La Caixa Foundation, to carry out the doctoral thesis in the Ecology Area of the University of Zaragoza (Huesca Campus), within the Ecological Restoration group of the Government of Aragon.
Three topics are proposed to be selected by the candidate:
«Role of seed functional traits in ecosystem restoration: a multiscale approach».
The establishment of new species is fundamental in spontaneous regeneration and restoration processes of degraded ecosystems. The success of this first stage of revegetation depends crucially on seeds. However, the role of seed functional traits in this stage is not well understood. In this thesis, seed functional traits and their effects on restoration success will be studied at different levels and their interaction with the soil: from individual species to communities and metacommunities.
«Seed germination in Mediterranean ecosystems, the soil-seed interface».
The seed germination process is complex and is influenced by both temperature and soil water availability. But there is still much to be said about this latter factor, especially about the imbibition process and the relationship between the hydraulic properties of the seeds and those of the soil. This thesis would study the soil/seed relationship during the process of imbibition using innovative techniques developed by the research team.
«Renaturalization of Photovoltaic Plants»
Currently, within the context of the transition to renewable energy, there is a significant expansion of photovoltaic plants (PV plants). However, this expansion cannot come at the expense of biodiversity loss or natural heritage. This thesis will investigate the effects of photovoltaic plants on ecosystems and the functioning of the new ecosystems that are formed within these plants. The research will be conducted at different levels, including soil, plants, arthropods, and birds.
We offer:
– Joining a group with extensive experience in ecosystem restoration, plant ecology, ecohydrology, and soil physics.
– A positive working environment within a multidisciplinary team.
– Diverse work that includes fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and desk research. Depending on the chosen research topic. This may involve:
– Germination experiments in the laboratory and greenhouse.
– Germination modeling.
– Seed collection in the field.
– Field sowing experiments.
– Flora and fauna field inventories.
– Measurement and modeling of soil properties, including temperature, humidity, and structure.
– Living in a welcoming city that is cost-effective and offers all necessary services. The city is very close to the Pyrenees and the Sierra de Guara and is well connected by high-speed train to other cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Zaragoza.
– The ability to decide on research topics within the proposal’s boundaries.
– The opportunity to carry out research stays with an international network of collaborators.
We are looking for a candidate who:
– Holds a degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences, Agronomy, Forestry, or a related field.
– Has completed or is about to complete a Master’s degree.
– Is independent and initiative-driven.
– Enjoys fieldwork and is capable of working in various environmental conditions, sometimes under challenging circumstances.
– Holds a valid driver’s license.
– Has prior experience with or is willing to learn how to use R (a statistical programming language).
– Has a minimum average academic performance of 7.5/10.
If you meet these requirements and are interested in joining our research group, we invite you to submit your application.
Potential PhD advisors:
«Interested candidates should send their CV (including Master’s and Bachelor’s degree qualifications) and a brief letter of motivation before November 31, 2023, to jtormo@unizar.es.
We kindly request maximum dissemination.
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