The Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach is a non-profit foundation supported by the public and works on a wide range of research topics on wild birds within and beyond Switzerland. We aim at acquiring the scientific basis for a deeper understanding of biological systems and for the conservation of birds and their habitats.
The population biology research group is currently a team of five persons that aims to study avian population dynamics and to develop statistical methodology needed in this field. In a project that is fully sponsored by the Swiss National Science Foundation, we are looking for
a post-doctoral researcher in population ecology (100%)
Your tasks
The main goal of the project is to advance landscape demography, i.e., to make progress in our understanding of how local demographic processes combine and scale up to govern population changes at larger spatial scales. You will develop spatial integrated population models (IPMs) that merge recent developments in spatial statistics with contemporary non-spatial IPMs to analyze demographic and population data sampled at many sites. These spatial IPMs should allow predictions of demographic rates and population densities over any spatial domain of interest. They will be developed and tested by simulation and applied to existing, large-scale data sets of white stork or kestrel. You will closely collaborate with a PhD student working in the same project.
Your profile
We expect a completed PhD in ecology, wildlife science, statistics, or a related field. The ideal candidate has a thorough understanding of population models (including capture-recapture, matrix population models), spatial statistical models, computation with R, Python or Julia, and Bayesian modeling software (e.g., JAGS, NIMBLE or Stan), as well as a proven desire and ability to publish excellent papers.
We offer
The position is offered initially for 2 years, with the possibility of an extension of 2 years. Salary is according to the regulations of the Swiss Ornithological Institute and includes social benefits. Starting date is 1 January 2024 or by agreement. Working place is Sempach, Switzerland.
Are youinterested?
The Swiss Ornithological Institute is committed to promoting diversity and looks forward to receiving applications from as many qualified individuals as possible. For more details on the position, please contact Michael Schaub, head of the Population Biology unit (reachable from 1st of August).
We look forward to receiving your online application by 31 August 2023. Please upload your application documents (cover letter with statement of motivation, CV, list of publications, copies of diplomas, and contact details of three references) in a single pdf file on our online application-tool. Interviews are expected to take place from 18 to 20 September 2023.
