Postdoc Spatial dynamics and interactions of terrestrial and aerial predators of ground-breeding birds

RUG; Groningen; In loco; EUR 38.000 - 39.000; Part-time

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Vacation hours 232 per year

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

Holiday allowance 8%

Professional development opportunities

Fixed-term contract 0.8 FTE for 36 mo

Descrizione del lavoro

The University of Groningen (RUG) invites applications for a 3-year postdoc position in Spatial dynamics and interactions of terrestrial and aerial predators of ground-breeding birds. The 0.8 FTE role emphasizes analysis of existing datasets, new data, coordination, and field-work across meadow, arable, and coastal habitats.

The successful candidate holds a PhD in ecology or related fields, has strong skills in spatial analyses, cameratrap and telemetry data, and can write scientifically while

Competenze

• PhD in ecology or equivalent.
• Strong skills in statistical analyses of large (spatial) ecological datasets.
• Experience with camera trap data and telemetry/tracking data.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proven scientific writing skills.

Mansioni

• Analyze existing and new datasets and co-write outputs.
• Coordinate fieldwork with consortium partners.
• Contribute to project management and reporting.

Conoscenze

Statistical analysis

Cameratrap data

Telemetry data

Scientific writing

Independent worker

Team player

Formazione

PhD in ecology or related field

Strumenti

R programming

GIS

Camera trap software

Telemetry software

Descrizione del lavoro

Postdoc Spatial dynamics and interactions of terrestrial and aerial predators of ground-breeding birds

We have a postdoc position open for the period of 3 years (0.8 FTE) within the PREDWEI 2 project. The aim of the project is to improve understanding of the spatial dynamics and shifting interactions among different predator species—both terrestrial and aerial—affecting ground-breeding birds (meadow, arable, and coastal species). The project will produce recommendations for effective management and policy regarding the various predator species, with the aim of increasing chick survival. The research will make an important contribution to knowledge on effective management for the conservation of ground-breeding birds and will identify the remaining knowledge gaps after completion of the study.

Previous PREDWEI studies have provided substantial insight into the important role of various terrestrial predator species and their interactions in relation to ground-breeding birds. At the same time, these studies have revealed important knowledge gaps that are highly relevant for improving the effectiveness of policy and management aimed at protecting ground-breeding birds. This applies to the main landscape types in which these birds occur: meadow, arable, and coastal habitats, each with its own community of terrestrial and aerial predators (mammals and birds of prey).

In each landscape type, a link will be established between nest and chick survival of ground-breeding birds and the occurrence, spatial habitat use, and diet of the various predators. This will be achieved through continued monitoring (predators, nests, and voles), diet studies (eDNA analyses of faeces and/or prey remains), and the expansion of telemetry studies of birds of prey. In this way, PREDWEI 2 builds on previous PREDWEI subprojects, while expanding the research to include the role of birds of prey through tracking studies. PREDWEI 2 will actively collaborate with several partner projects, including the Godwit Chick Survival Project, two arable bird pilot projects, and the Wij en Wadvogels project. The project will also make use of data obtained from various smaller and often fragmented predation studies across the Netherlands.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Postdoc Spatial dynamics and interactions of terrestrial and aerial predators of ground-breeding birds

The Postdoc is expected to primarily contribute to the analysis and writing of the shared output (existing datasets and new data), as well as to the coordination and carrying out of the field-work.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Who are you?

There are several consortium partners involved in the project. Ecosensys, Jasja Dekker, and GKA are mainly responsible for the implementation of the fieldwork and for data collection and management. The postdoctoral researcher is to be appointed at the University of Groningen (RUG) for three years at 0.8 FTE and will be responsible for project coordination, conducting the analyses, writing scientific reports, and, where necessary and desired, supporting the fieldwork activities of the consortium partners. Representatives of various consortium partners (Ecosensys, Jasja Dekker Ecologie, GKA, and RUG) take place in the PREDWEI 2 steering committee, which meets twice a year (before and after the field season) to discuss plans and review results.The Postdoc is expected to primarily contribute to the analysis and writing of the shared output (existing datasets and new data), as well as to the coordination and carrying out of the field-work.

For the Postdoc position, we are looking for a motivated candidate with a PhD degree in the field(s) of ecology or equivalent, and a background and interest in conservation. The ideal candidate has excellent skills in the statistical analyses of large (spatial) ecological datasets, has demonstratable experience with setting up and analyses of data of cameratrap studies and telemetry / tracking data, is able to work independently while being a team player, and has proven scientific writing skills. The candidate will be based in the group of Prof. C. Smit (https://www.rug.nl/staff/c.smit/), for a period of 3 years (0.8 FTE). Ideally, the candidate is available from 1 December 2026 onwards.

What can you expect from us?

• In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 4.251up to a maximum of € 4.422 (salary scale 10.4)gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• A fixed-term contract for the duration of 0.8 FTE for 36 months.

Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

The candidate will be based in the group of Prof. C. Smit (https://www.rug.nl/staff/c.smit/), for a period of 3 years (0.8 FTE).

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about your application process?

When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code.