[Taxacom] post-doc position: comparative methods (fwd)

[Kadri Põldmaa]

Dear colleagues,

please distribute the information below as widely as possible among potential
candidates,

 		yours gratefully,

 				Toomas Tammaru

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Toomas Tammaru
professor of zoology
http://www.ut.ee/~tammarut


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Position in evolutionary ecology available: comparative methods

We wish to recruit a post-doctoral researcher in evolutionary ecology to
undertake research using PHYLOGENETIC COMPARATIVE METHODS. The position
will be
opened at the recently established Centre of Scientific Excellence 'Frontiers
in Biodiversity Research' (FIBIR) at the Institute of Ecology and Earth
Sciences, University of Tartu, Estonia
(http://www.ut.ee/index.aw/set_lang_id=2). The successful candidate will work
in Prof. Toomas Tammaru's (http://www.ut.ee/~tammarut) research group, whose
primary focus is the life history evolution of insects. Having mainly
relied on
experimental methods to date, the group is looking to incorporate
phylogenetically explicit comparative approaches. The strengths of the group
include a rare combination of in-depth knowledge about the taxonomy and
life-history of insects (mainly Lepidoptera), and a productive interest in
various evolutionary biology questions. For the postdoc researcher, we have
particular research questions in mind (see e.g. Snäll et al. Biological
Journal
of the Linnean Society, 92: 241-252), and respective data sets available, but
the work profile is largely flexible. The successful candidate will be
encouraged to collaborate with other research groups, both at FIBIR (other
research directions include, but are not limited to, plant community ecology,
physiological evolutionary ecology of birds, conservation biology and
molecular
systematics of various taxa) and elsewhere.
 	Funding is presently available for 24 months, though there is a strong
possibility that this can be extended, subject to the candidate's
performance.
FIBIR offers an excellent research environment within a modern
infrastructure.
The salary level corresponds to that of European Union framework projects and
is open to negotiation. The position is available from 1st February, 2009,
though the start date is flexible.
 	The successful candidate is expected to have a strong publication
record, and solid experience with various methods of phylogenetic comparative
analysis is essential. Previous experience with insect life history
research is
not necessary. In the case of very strong candidates (excellent publication
record and very good skills in comparative analyses), it would be possible to
transform the post-doctoral position into that of a senior researcher.
 	If interested, please provide your CV, a list of publications and a
cover letter by 30th November, 2008. For this purpose, and for informal
enquiries, please contact Toomas Tammaru at toomas.tammaru at ut.ee.

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