Predoctoral Researcher Position at University of Vic, Barcelona (Spain): Effect of pollutants on pond biodiversity across a climate and land use gradients

We are looking to hire a full-time pre-doctoral researcher for 3 years, which will be connected to PRISTIN research project (MINECO) to apply for UVic or Catalan or Spanish pre-doctoral funding.

The project PRISTIN (Effect of pollutants on pond biodiversity across a climate and land use gradients) aims are to determine the effects of chemical pollution (pesticides and other OHCs) on pond biodiversity (phytoplankton, macrophytes, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, amphibian and fish) and pond ecosystem functions and services (pond metabolism, GHG emissions, decomposition of organic matter, etc.), and to understand how climate change may alter the interrelationships between them. PRISTIN project started in September 2023 and lasts for 4 years.

The candidate will deal with, among others, the following tasks:

  • Stratified sampling in ponds from Catalonia (NE Spain), Switzerland, Germany, Denmark and Belgium (Spring 2024)
  • Quantifying ponds zooplankton biodiversity
  • Quantifying pollutant concentrations in zooplankton from the same ponds
  • Data analysis
  • Publishing results in peer-reviewed journals
  • Presenting results at scientific meetings
  • International collaboration and possibility for research stays abroad during the PhD are granted.

We offer a nice and dynamic working environment with intimate and highly personalized research and education experience. The successful candidate will also work closely with other PhD students, postdocs and undergraduates, offering numerous informal teaching and personal development opportunities.

Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in a topic with links to aquatic ecology and/or environmental chemistry
  • Excellent academic record
  • Strong motivation to work in a collaborative environment

If interested, please send your CV to Dr. Mireia Bartrons (mireia.bartrons@uvic.cat).

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The University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (UVic – UCC) is a young and very dynamic university in Central Catalonia, with a special commitment to quality education, innovative research and internationalization. The Aquatic Ecology Group of UVic-UCC is formed by a young team of researchers with several ongoing European and Spanish projects.