4-year PhD position at the University of Granada, Spain within the Essential Variables for the rEmote characterisation and monitoRing of mountain EcosystemS along a biogeographical gradienT: from data to decision making (EVEREST) project
Objectives
The goal of EVEREST is to sit together managers and scientists in the co-design, co-production and validation of a common methodological framework to provide scientifically sound and managerially meaningful remote sensing variables, as well as monitoring and modeling capabilities to report on the conservation status of species and habitats (Habitats Directive), on water quality parameters (Water Framework Directive), and on ecosystem recovery and resilience after disturbances and restoration measures (Nature Restoration Law). EVEREST will identify and provide relevant ecosystem compositional, structural and functional attributes for these aims in mountain ecosystems.
Tasks to be performed
Stakeholders engagement; Identification of essential compositional, structural and functional variables and metrics used in reporting obligations and that can be derived from remote sensing; Characterisation of reference dynamics, spatial variability, temporal trends and anomalies of such variables; Mapping species and habitats of community importance and monitoring their conservation status; Monitoring water quality of high-mountain lakes; Monitoring ecosystem recovery after disturbances and evaluation of restoration measurements; Decision support tool for protected area managers; Scientific and social dissemination of project results and reporting.
Education requirements
Any MSc degree in Biological or Environmental Sciences, Data or Computer Sciences, Remote Sensing, Geography or Geographical Information Systems.
Courses on data science, GIS, remote sensing, ecology, ecological modeling, machine learning, multivariate analysis, programming languages, Google Earth Engine, Python, R, JavaScript.
Languages
English (CEFR: C1 or C2), Spanish (CEFR: B2, C1, C2)
Previous professional experience
Collaboration in national and international basic and applied research projects related to environmental monitoring through remote sensors. Experience on reporting obligations on the European Habitats Directive, the European Water Framework Directive, or the European Nature Restoration Law, or equivalent legal obligations in other countries.
The following will also be valued:
- Creativity and Critical thinking
- Publications (research papers, conference proceedings, books or book chapters, reports)
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Academic record
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Motivation letter
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References by established academic researchers
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Grants and research contracts
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Research internships
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Teaching experience
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Driving license
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Fieldwork experience
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Organization of (or participation in) participatory workshops
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Motivation for scientific research and conservation science
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Teamwork and proactive skills
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Availability to travel abroad for conferences and research stays
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Capacity building skills
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Experience on the use of public environmental databases
- Written and oral dissemination and communication skills
- Professionalism/Work Ethic
Contact people:
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