PhD Student in Conservation Biology in Finland University of Helsinki: University of Helsinki is offering three-year position for a PhD student in the project “Trait-based prediction of extinction risk”. The student will work in the Finnish Museum of Natural History and enroll in the LUOVA Doctoral Programme in Wildlife Biology Research of the University of Helsinki, Finland. Applicant will be supervised by Pedro Cardoso and Aino Juslén.
The project intends to evaluate the relation between functional traits (e.g. body size, dispersal ability) and extinction risk across a variety of taxa, from bryophytes to mammals, at a global level, allowing the prediction of which species are in peril when current population trends are unknown. Traits will be correlated with extinction risk in both artificial scenarios, using agent-based modelling and empirical data, using literature search.
The Finnish Museum of Natural History is an independent research institution functioning under the University of Helsinki. It is also one of the three central national museums in Finland and responsible for the national collections in its field.
If the degree has been granted by a foreign institution, the applicant must demonstrate proficiency in Finnish, Swedish or English.
Course Level: Position is open for pursuing PhD programme.
Study Subject: Position is available to work in the Finnish Museum of Natural History and enroll in the LUOVA Doctoral Programme in Wildlife Biology Research.
List of Subjects: Conservation Biology
Scholarship Award: The position is available for three years starting June 2016. It is funded by Kone Foundation with a value of 2360€/month x 36 months.
Requirements / Eligibility:
- Applicants are expected to have a Master`s in ecology, biology, geography or related disciplines.
- A strong interest (but not necessarily knowledge) in computer science and statistics is also highly recommended, besides high motivation, enthusiasm for science and ability to work independently and as a member of a research group.
- The post will include extensive literature search, computer programming, data analyses and manuscript (and thesis) writing.
Nationality: Citizens of Finland can apply for this position.
College Admission Requirement
Entrance Requirement: In order to apply for the right to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Helsinki, each applicant must hold a higher academic degree (i.e. a Master’s degree or equivalent) from a higher education institution.
English Language Requirement: If the degree has been granted by a foreign institution, the applicant must demonstrate proficiency in Finnish, Swedish or English
How to Apply for PhD Scholarships: following documents are required for the application –
Supporting Material: The application documents should include:
-Motivation letter explaining why (s)he is interested in the position and an excellent candidate.
-CV including education and prior research experience.
-One-page summary of the MSc thesis and list of relevant publications (if any).
-Name and contact information for two academic referees.
How to Apply: The application should be sent via email to Pedro Cardoso (pedro.cardoso (at) helsinki.fi)
Last date: 29 February, 2016.
