Predoctoral Researcher For Severo Ochoa Project Long-Term Biodiversity Dynamics Of Island Flora And Fauna (Ref. 26-032-95001)

Description du poste:

CREAF is seeking a predoctoral researcher for the SEVERO OCHOA Project, with the reference CEX2023-001340-S with specific ref. PREX2023-000028 funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades and the Agencia Estatal de Investigación / 10.13039/501100011033.
The Severo Ochoa award will allow CREAF to further advance its excellence in research and research management, while contributing to addressing global socio-environmental challenges. The previous strategic project U-LANDSCAPE provided a first approach to these challenges, contributing to driving CREAF research towards human-altered ecosystems and landscapes, their functioning and threats. This perspective is reinforced in a more comprehensive way through the present proposal "ECO-RESILIENCE 360º: TRANSFORMATIVE ECOLOGY TO MANAGE THE FUTURE OF ECOSYSTEMS AND HUMAN WELLBEING", focusing on three application areas:
(1) ASSESSING THE POTENTIAL OF NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS. Our goal is to conduct research in Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) that benefits local communities, economies, ecosystems, and human health in Spain and globally. We will evaluate how global changes affect the supply and demand of essential ecosystem services (e.g., carbon and nutrient cycling, climate regulation, food and water provision, and recreational opportunities) and their impact on society.
(2) UNDERSTANDING AND FORECASTING THE RISKS TO ECOSYSTEMS. Our goal is to develop cutting-edge scientific research focused on understanding and forecasting short- and long-term changes in ecosystems that put nature at risk, focusing on climate change, biodiversity loss and forest health. We will provide decision-makers with accessible information derived from this research. We aim to investigate how global change drives the adaptation and migration of organisms, including those assisted by humans, and the resulting changes in the structure, composition and function of ecosystems and landscapes, as well as their potential effects on society.
(3) ADAPTING ECOSYSTEMS FOR RESILIENCE: Our goal is to analyze and propose innovative adaptive measures to inform policies in critical areas, such as adaptation to drought, climate extremes, and wildfires. We will evaluate the resilience of key ecosystem functions to significant stress factors and disruptions, including its drivers, such as demographic responses, functional diversity, and biotic interactions. Additionally, we will assess ecosystem malfunctioning and explore management options.
This PhD thesis is directly connected to the 2nd application area, UNDERSTANDING AND FORECASTING THE RISKS TO ECOSYSTEMS', focusing on assessing growth, carbon assimilation and physiological responses of forests across the planet. The thesis will combine tree rings, stable isotopes, climate data, dendrometers, remote sensing and modelling to understand how recent climate changes are impacting forest ecosystems of different biomes such as the boreal and broadleaf forests in North America, the Mediterranean pine forests and forests in South America.
This PhD project will assess radial growth variability and the status of carbon storage of these ecosystems to evaluate how changes in climate, and in particular droughts, impact these ecosystems, while testing the carbon uptake capabilities of these forests under different climate change scenarios.
IP garant: Dr. Laia Andreu Hayles
This contract is envisaged to start in September 1st, 2026. The salary offered (gross) is established in EUR23.382,97 (gross per year) for the first and second years, ensuring that this salary will be above by the RD EPIF (Real Decreto 103/2019, de 1 de marzo, por el que se aprueba el Estatuto del personal investigador predoctoral en formación) standards:
- 1st year (12 months): 56% of EUR 33.941,46** = EUR 19.007,22.
- 2nd year (12 months): 60% of EUR 33.941,46** = EUR 20.364,88.
- 3rt and 4rt year (24 month): 75% of EUR 33.941,46** = EUR 25.456,10 each year.
**Salary from Group 1 (M3) of the salary table from the Convenio colectivo único para el personal laboral de la Administración General del Estado of 2026 (subject to possible salary increases when new salary amounts are approved).

MAIN FUNCTIONS
* Field dendrochronological techniques: collect tree-ring samples and environmental data.
* Lab dendrochronological techniques: mounting, sanding, crossdating and measuring ring-width and blue intensity using the program Coorecorder and validating the crossdating using Cofecha.
* Usage of dendrochronological software such as dplR, treeclim and dendroTools.
* Develop software to optimize dendrochronological analyses and fieldwork.
* Analyses sensor data from dendrometer and climate sensor data to study xylogensis and main limiting factors.
* Write results for publication in scientific journals.
* Present the results in scientific meetings and conferences.
* Contribute to the main objectives of the research group, including participation in projects of other team members.
* Outreach of dendroLab to students and lab visitors.

REQUIREMENTS:
* Bachelor's and Master's degrees related to biology, environmental sciences, or similar.
* Experience in dendrochronological methods (field and laboratory).
* Experience in planning and performing fieldwork campaigns.
* Experience in blue intensity measurements.
* Use of the Cofecha, Coorecorder and CDendro softwares.
* Experience working with datasets like netcdf files, performing advanced statistical analyses like field correlations, model building and evaluation, and descriptive statistics.
* Experience programming in R.
* Good English level, both spoken and written. Catalan and Spanish are highly recommended.
* Experience working on a research project.
* Availability to travel for fieldwork, conferences, and workshops.
* Car driving license (B2) and good driving abilities.

ASSESSABLE CONDITIONS:
* Experience developing functions in R for optimize dendrochronological analyses.
* Experience in oral and/or poster presentations at conferences.
* Having at least one manuscript submitted or published to a peer-review journal.
* Experience programming in R. Good statistical skills will be strongly valued.
* Good English level, both spoken and written.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* Fundamentals in driving 4x4.
* Knowledge of first aid fundamentals.
* Candidates who have a recognized disability will be considered and accredited equal to or greater than 33% will be prioritized, if the disability is compatible with the proper performance of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA:
* Admission of candidates: 1) CVA (please download and complete the document available at the following link) in English, 2) motivation letter (less than 1 page), until June 11th, 2026. Applications submitted to any portal other than the CREAF job board and the instructions included therein will not be accepted.
* Pre-selection: assessment of compliance with the minimum requirements of the job offer.
* Selection: evaluation of the pre-selected candidates through scoring based on objective criteria, interviews with a shortlist of candidates, and a proposed exercise.
* Final decision: if a suitable candidate is identified, they will be formally informed of their selection, and all other participants in the selection process will be notified by email.

Job offer in PDF