Jobs
PhD position at the Research Department for Limnology Mondsee (University of Innsbruck) affiliated to the Interreg (Alpine Space) project “Eco-AlpsWater”
PhD Dissertationsstelle am Forschungsinstitut für Limnologie, Mondsee (Universität Innsbruck), im Rahmen des Interreg (Alpine Space) Projektes „Eco-AlpsWater“
The aim of the project Eco-AlpsWater is to improve the traditional monitoring approaches used in the Alpine region (Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC-EU WFD and, in Switzerland, the Water Protection Ordinance-WPO) with advanced and innovative DNA sequencing techniques such as metabarcoding. The new approach will make use of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to analyze environmental DNA in waterbodies (which allow rapid species identification at low costs, from fish to bacteria), and smart technologies (automation in data processing, data storage, information retrieval). Along with the identification of gaps in the monitoring approaches across the Alpine regions, the new technologies will allow to define improved experimental monitoring protocols to be applied in pilot areas partly linked to other ongoing alpine space projects (SPARE, Hymocares) and including large perialpine lakes as well as smaller waterbodies, and rivers.
The position will be financed for 3 years (30 working hours per week, 75 percent appointment) according to the collective labour agreement (Kollektivvertrag) of the Austrian Universities (2096.- Euro monthly salary, 14x per year). We are looking for a person holding a Master degree in Biology with experience in limnology (or comparable qualification), dedicated to apply metabarcoding approaches in fish communities (respectively other organism groups such as planktonic and benthic algae). Parts of the working activities (e.g. sampling and laboratory analysis) will be performed with partner organisations of the project, i.e. in Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany or Slovenia. Further activities will comprise metabarcoding data analysis, report writing, preparation of scientific manuscripts, as well as communication with project partners and observers. The registration of the PhD thesis in Biology at the University of Innsbruck and the administration within the new doctoral programme “Alpine Biology and Global Change” will be expected.
Further Information:
Univ. Doz. Dr. Josef Wanzenböck & Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rainer Kurmayer
Research Department for Limnology, Mondsee, University of Innsbruck
email: josef.wanzenboeck@uibk.ac.at; rainer.kurmayer@uibk.ac.at.
For application please send a motivation letter together with a CV (in English).
