Three field technical assistants
Job description
About the Position
The Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3) is offering three field technical assistant positions to support the research activities in the context of the European Research Council (ERC) project RECODYN (ID: 101043548), led by Dr. Daniel Montoya. This is a 5-year research project funded by the ERC that will be developed at the ‘Biodiversity, Ecosystems and Global Change’ lab, and within the framework of the Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Line (RL3).
The technicians will participate in the Metatron mesocosm experiment to study experimental ecosystem recovery dynamics. Communities sampled will consist of plants and insects. Several ecosystem functions related to biomass production, respiration, and interaction rates will be sampled, together with various stability properties.
About the Project
The goal of RECODYN is to determine the recovery rates and trajectories of biodiversity, community structure, and ecosystem functioning in complex multitrophic communities, and how climate change and habitat fragmentation – two of the largest threats to biodiversity and ecosystems in terrestrial systems – influence those dynamics. To achieve this, the project will use an integrative approach that combines the development of new theory in ecosystem recovery dynamics in close dialogue with a unique long-term terrestrial mesocosm experiment located in France.
Responsibilities
- Manage the mesocosm experiments in collaboration with the permanent team technician and local technical manager
- Sampling of the mesocosm (mainly grassland plants and insects). Sorting, identification, and processing of field samples in the lab.
- Support the experimental postdocs and the PhD involved in the mesocosm sampling, freeing them up to analyze results, write papers, and disseminate results
- Support the organization of project meetings and outreach activities across the project
Requirements
- Degree in Biology or Environmental Sciences, or similar.
- Previous experience in sampling biological communities, and knowledge of plant-insect communities is desirable but not indispensable
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, as well as good written and oral command of English is required. Good command of French is also desirable, but not indispensable, because the experimental platform is located in France.
- Ability to work collaboratively. Sampling will involve a group of people.
- Willingness to spend several periods of time in a different country (France) to conduct sampling with a research team
We Offer
- Interdisciplinary and inspiring work environment
- Quiet and spacious workspaces
- Possibility of participating in internal training and academic activities of the center
- 35-hour week work calendar
- 30 days of vacation per year
- Combination of office and field work in two neighboring countries (Spain, France)
Term of Contract
Starting in March 2025, the positions will be for 7 months, with a 3-months’ probation period based on performance.
Salary
The position will carry a competitive salary, matching the academic and professional profile of the applicant, and excellent work conditions.
Location
Basque Centre for Climate Change, Leioa, Spain.
As an HR Excellence awarded institution, BC3 is committed to conciliating research-academic requirements and family duties. BC3 is particularly concerned with creating equal opportunities for people independently of gender, culture, and race. Anyone with relevant qualifications is therefore strongly encouraged to apply for the position.
Application Procedure
Fill the form below and upload one PDF document with the following information:
- Letter of application / motivation
- CV
- The names and email addresses of two referees if possible.
Deadline
The deadline for applications is January 2, 2025 (this date might be extended); candidate interviews will start as applications are received.
Informal enquiries can be made to Prof Prof Daniel Montoya ([email protected]) noting in the subject of the message “THREE FIELD TECHNICAL ASSISTANTS”.
Please consider that only applications sent through the form included at the bottom of the BC3 web page will be considered (https://info.bc3research.org/job-offers/).
THIS PROJECT HAS RECEIVED FUNDING FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION HORIZON EUROPE RESEARCH AND INNOVATIONS PROGRAMME UNDER GRANT AGREEMENT Nº 1010435
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