9 PhD Positions, iDiv German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Germany (2017)

iDiv, the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research Halle-Jena-Leipzig, invites applications to 9 PhD positions for candidates having
a strong background in biodiversity research and deep interest in interdisciplinary studies.

iDiv (German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research Halle-Jena-Leipzig) is a world-leading institute for integrative biodiversity research with the central mission to promote theory-driven synthesis and data-driven theory. The concept of iDiv encompasses the detection of biodiversity, understanding its emergence, exploring its consequences for ecosystem functions and services, and developing strategies to safeguard biodiversity under global change. iDiv is hosted by Leipzig University (UL) and operates together with Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena (FSU) and Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ). The scientific consortium is further enhanced by the expertise of many research institutes (Max Planck Society, Leibniz Association, Klaus Tschira Foundation). The consortium is highly interdisciplinary and offers a unique opportunity to develop transdisciplinary vision on biodiversity.

As part of an internal initiative to value synergies inside the consortium, iDiv and the three universities offer 9 PhD positions in many fields of biodiversity research, including terrestrial plant diversity, plant species richness, plant functional traits and functional diversity, mycorrhizal / plant herbivore interactions, signaling molecules, rarity and diversity of xylobiont beetles, cross-scale data integration and modeling of alien distributions, influence of land governance on biodiversity.

All position offers are detailed on https://www.idiv.de/about_idiv/career/phd_positions.html

We offer:
- Cutting-edge research projects to be conducted in state-of-the-art facilities
- Working in an integrative research environment offering many networking opportunities
- Individual supervision by iDiv researchers
- An English-speaking program to approach biodiversity research from multiple points of view in an international environment
- Competitive funding provided for international and German students

We seek highly motivated scientists with a strong background in biodiversity research and deep interest in interdisciplinary studies. German skills are not a prerequisite (apart from one position), good command of English is necessary. Applicants must hold a master (or equivalent) degree. Doctoral researchers will graduate from the universities of affiliation of their supervisors; in parallel, they will enrol in the graduate training group yDiv to develop a unique set of skills for academic and professional career.

Further details:
http://www.universitypositions.eu