Academic position

PhD Position in Theoretical Ecology

The Department of Eco-Evolutionary Modelling at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart (Germany) seeks a PhD student in Theoretical Ecology (m/f/d). Preferred starting date is 1 October 2024, for a duration of three years. Salary and conditions are according to public service positions in Germany (TV-L E13; 65%; see https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tv-l/allg/). Availability of this position is subject to a positive funding decision by the German Research Foundation (DFG, decision expected in April 2024).

The PhD student will investigate the role of biotic interactions for eco-evolutionary dynamics of biodiversity and interaction networks. The project is led by Dr. Korinna Allhoff (Theoretical Ecology) and Prof. Dr. Frank Schurr (Landscape Ecology). It is part of the joint research group FLINT that investigates fitness consequences of biotic interactions in various systems from both a theoretical and empirical perspective (see https://ecology.uni-hohenheim.de/flint for more information). Students will benefit from the diverse expertise of 12 PIs and from being part of a cohort of 5 PhD students that collaborate within FLINT. Our project focuses on ecological network models, where nodes represent species or individual organisms and links represent biotic interactions between them. The PhD student will address fundamental questions about the link between biotic interactions and biodiversity dynamics. To this end the PhD student will develop a new eco-evolutionary modelling framework, based on fitness landscapes of biotic interactions, that facilitates theory-based synthesis across empirical study systems and interaction types.

Main tasks:

• Development of the eco-evolutionary modelling framework

• Dissemination of results at national and international conferences

• Publication of results in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals

• Active participation in meetings, research seminars and workshops of the working group on fitness landscapes of biotic interactions

Requirements:

• Very good MSc (or equivalent) degree in biology, ecology, physics, mathematics or a related discipline

• Strong interest in ecological and/or evolutionary theory

• Prior experience in mathematical modelling (e.g. dynamical systems theory, bifurcation theory, Adaptive Dynamics)

• Good programming skills (preferably in Python)

• Good oral and written communication skills in English (knowledge of German is not mandatory)

Working environment:

The University of Hohenheim is located on a beautiful campus situated in the Southern German city of Stuttgart, which offers a rich cultural life and attractive surroundings (Swabian Alb, Black Forest). The Department of Eco-Evolutionary Modelling (chaired by Dr. Korinna Allhoff) aims at understanding the relation between structure and stability of complex interaction networks, their eco-evolutionary emergence, as well as their long-term responses to disturbances and changing environmental conditions. We address our research questions from a theoretical perspective using a mix of tools, including individual-based modelling, dynamical systems theory and Adaptive Dynamics (see https://eco-evolutionary-modelling.uni-hohenheim.de/en/english)

Application deadline : 05.05.2024

Please attach the following documents to your application:

Applications should include a motivation letter, CV, certificates and the names and contact details of two potential referees in a single PDF document. The University of Hohenheim seeks to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and strongly encourages qualified female scientists to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to candidates with disabilities. For further information please contact Dr. Korinna Allhoff (korinna.allhoff@uni-hohenheim.de).

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