Two PhD positions on functional assisted migration of plant species
Offer DescriptionABOUT FUTURENATUREAccelerating climate change is pushing ecosystems rapidly beyond their historical boundaries. Traditional conservation approaches aimed at maintaining the status quo are no longer effective. Instead of resisting change, we need to guide the transformation of ecosystems towards preferred ecological outcomes. Assisted migration, which involves the deliberate translocation of species to simulate range expansion under climate change, is a widely proposed adaptive management strategy. However, it remains controversial as it challenges long-established views on biological conservation. The focus on risks, while neglecting the potential benefits, has hindered scientific research on assisted migration and stalled necessary conservation innovation. The costs of inaction are too high, and time is running out. In FUTURENATURE, we will take an innovative functional approach to the assisted migration of plant species. Our focus will shift from minimizing the impact of translocated species to maximizing their contribution to the functioning of novel communities. We aim to advance our understanding of how assisted migration can preserve functioning ecosystems by leveraging extensive observational databases, state-of-the-art joint species distribution models, and a pioneering climate change experiment.
POSITIONWe are seeking two PhD researchers to join the FUTURENATURE project. These researchers will work closely with a third PhD researcher, a postdoctoral researcher, and the project PI, Prof. Koenraad Van Meerbeek. The focus of this position is to investigate the potential of assisted migration of plant species to sustain natural ecosystem functions in the future. While there have been initiatives to use assisted migration to protect endangered species from climate change, the effects of these translocations on the functioning of recipient communities remain largely unknown. There is an urgent need for empirical research to address this gap. The primary objectives of the two PhD projects are to draw insights from past assisted migration efforts and to evaluate the performance of novel grassland communities under future climate change scenarios through a pioneering climate change experiment. The findings will guide future assisted migration programs and contribute to developing resilient ecosystems that can maintain their functions amid changing conditions.Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsResearch Field Engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalentLanguages ENGLISH Level GoodResearch Field Biological sciences Years of Research Experience NoneAdditional InformationBenefits
Eligibility criteria
Selection processHow to apply?The application must be in English and include your CV, transcript of records, and a one-page motivation letter explaining how you would approach the position. You can apply for this job via the online application tool
Application deadline?15th of August 2024 | Notification of selection for interview: second half of August 2024 | Interviews (online): End of August and beginning of September 2024
More information?Prof. Koenraad Van Meerbeek | |
You can apply for this job no later than 15/08/2024 via theWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute KU Leuven Country Belgium State/Province Vlaams Brabant City Leuven Postal Code 3000 Street Leuven GeofieldContact State/ProvinceLeuven CityVlaams Brabant StreetLeuven Postal Code3000 E-Mailkoenraad.vanmeerbeek@kuleuven.beSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page
Louvain, Brabant Flamand
Sun, 23 Jun 2024 05:49:09 GMT
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