New PhD Position on the Conservation Biogeography of Reptiles and Amphibians in South America Dry Forests

We are excited to invite applications for a new PhD position on the Conservation Biogeography of Reptiles and Amphibians in South America dry forests.

The successful applicant will study how reptiles and amphibians are affected by land-use change in tropical dry forests in South America, with a regional focus on the Gran Chaco and Chiquitania. Both ecoregions are global hotspots of deforestation and defaunation but the impacts on the herpetofauna remain weakly understood. In this context, the successful candidate will assess the distributions and diversity patterns of amphibians and reptiles, how recent land-use change impacts these taxa, and where priority areas for their conservation are located. The candidate will consolidate existing biogeographical data and, if needed, collect additional data (e.g., using audiorecorders) and use them in biogeographical models, threat assessments, and for conservation planning applications. The candidate will join the research team working on our project SystemShift, funded by the European Research Council (ERC).

Join us at the Conservation and Biogeography Lab of Humboldt-University Berlin. We seek to carry out cutting-edge research to understand where and why land use is changing, how these changes impact biodiversity, and which strategies can effectively balance conservation goals with land use. Our research approach brings together concepts and methodologies from geography, spatial ecology, social science, conservation planning, econometrics, and remote sensing. We collaborate intensively with researchers and research institutions worldwide, and we are active contributors to a range of international science networks such as FutureEarth’s Global Land Programme or different IUCN initiatives. We strive to collaborate closely with local conservation organizations and stakeholders. We do this in the hope of producing a scientific basis that can inform policy making, conservation planning, and action to help navigate land systems towards sustainable futures. The working language of the group is English.

We seek a candidate with an above-average MSc (or equivalent degree) in ecology, biogeography, conservation, or related fields. We expect a passion for research and a strong interest in biodiversity conservation, land use and sustainability. A sound background in biogeography, ecology, and herpetology, very good skills in spatial data handling and statistical models (using GIS and R), as well as Spanish language skills are required. We expect excellent command of the English language, good communication skills, and readiness to work in an international research team. Desired skills include field experience in herpetological assessments, regional experience, knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., GDAL, Python) and experience in translating science to conservation practice.

Full English description here.
Full Spanish description here.

Application deadline: 12th April 2023.