PHD Student

Universitat de Vic – Universitat Central de Catalunya; Moncada; Presencial; EUR 12.000 - 18.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The Desertification Research Centre (CIDE-CSIC) invites applications for a pre-doctoral research position as part of the WaterLand project, focusing on BEF relationships across freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems in Mediterranean landscapes.

The successful candidate will combine experiments and field observations, with opportunities for international stays and conference participation. The Doctorate program is integrated at the University of Valencia and funded by the Generalitat de Valencia.

Formación

• BSc and MSc in biology or ecology, aquatic or environmental sciences, or related fields.
• Knowledge of aquatic ecology, including impacts of climate change and human pressures on freshwater ecosystems.
• Experience with freshwater biodiversity, including macrophytes, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates or amphibians.
• Knowledge of statistical approaches and R programming.
• Excellent English skills for oral and written communication, and a willingness to learn Spanish.

Responsabilidades

• Develop initiative through laboratory and field campaigns.
• Investigate the BEF interactions in response to Global Change.
• Study the terrestrial-freshwater linkages, focusing on how terrestrial vegetation affects water‑soil bacterial communities.
• Participate in national and international conferences.
• Undertake international research stays to expand technical skills and collaborations.

Conocimientos

Aquatic ecology knowledge

Freshwater biodiversity experience

R programming

Statistical approaches

English language skills

Educación

BSc in biology or ecology

MSc in biology or ecology

Descripción del empleo

PhD position on Pond Ecosystem Functions and Terrestrial-Freshwater Interaction

Full time

Starting date 1 st January 2027

The Department of Ecology and Global Change at the Desertification Research Centre (CIDE-CSIC) invites applications for a pre-doctoral research position funded by the DEGENT program of the Generalitat de Valencia.

About the project

The PhD will be part of WaterLand, a project investigating how biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships operate across freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. The project focuses on allochthonous organic matter (i.e., plant‑derived inputs from surrounding terrestrial vegetation) and examines how these subsidies affect soil microbial functioning and shape ecosystem processes in Mediterranean landscapes. Mediterranean regions are biodiversity hotspots but highly vulnerable to global change. Within these landscapes, ponds are abundant and ecologically crucial, contributing to carbon storage, flood regulation, pollination support, and providing habitat for diverse taxa. Despite their importance, small water bodies remain underrepresented in BEF research, particularly in cross‑ecosystem contexts.

We are looking for creative and dedicated applicants with experience in experimental ecology and enthusiasm for learning about the impacts of global change on freshwater ecosystem functioning, biodiversity, and cross‑ecosystem interactions. The successful candidate will combine experiments and field observations. More information on the project can be found here: https://mariacuenca-cambronero.github.io/WaterLand.html

Your responsibilities

The project will be developed along a transect of sampling points from south of Valencia to north of Catalunya. This will be conducted as an intensive sampling campaign in May 2027, including collection of pond sediments, water samples, biodiversity, ecosystem functions, leaf litter, and terrestrial vegetation biodiversity. We expect the candidate to take the initiative in the sampling campaigns. Additionally, we will run a mesocosm experiment over the course of the PhD program, in which she/he will participate.

We expect that the candidate:

• Develop initiative through laboratory and field campaigns.
• Investigate the BEF interactions in response to Global Change.
• Study the terrestrial-freshwater linkages, focusing on how terrestrial vegetation affects water‑soil bacterial communities.
• Participate in national and international conferences.
• Undertake international research stays to expand technical skills and collaborations.

Your profile (it is not necessary to fulfil all the requirements)

• BSc and MSc in biology or ecology, aquatic or environmental sciences, or related fields.
• Knowledge of aquatic ecology, including impacts of climate change and human pressures on freshwater ecosystems.
• Experience with freshwater biodiversity, including macrophytes, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates or amphibians.
• Experience in zooplankton or macroinvertebrate taxonomy would be a plus.
• Knowledge of statistical approaches and R programming.
• Excellent English skills for oral and written communication, and a willingness to learn Spanish.
• Enthusiasm for collaborating with a team of aquatic and terrestrial scientists at the national and international level.

What we offer

We offer a position in a highly motivated team of international researchers, a friendly work environment, and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure. The CIDE-CSIC centre is located in the Moncada Institute and is projected to move to the Burjassot campus in the coming years. The Doctorate program would be integrated at the University of Valencia (link), which also offers training opportunities for PhD students and a supportive community of PhD students at CIDE-CSIC. The CIDE-CSIC centre is committed to diversity, and we welcome all qualified applications, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, nationality, belief, or disability. To incentivise gender balance, we encourage women to apply.

Valencia is known for its high quality of life and standard of living. The Turia River park offers many outdoor opportunities, and the nearby sea caters to many summer activities. Valencia offers many cultural and gastronomic activities. The city also has an international airport, which is convenient when needed.