. KAUST King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
PostDoctoral Fellow in Benthic Ecology
Competitive Taxfree Salary
The Saudi Aramco Environmental Research Center at KAUST SAMERCK is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in the area of benthic ecology. Much of our work at SAMERCK is driven by the need to quantify and forecast responses to environmental change. As part of the ecological component of this new Center overall studies aim to understand the major processes driving the structure and function of coastal systems in particular how natural and human disturbances influence the biodiversity patterns and biological production.
We seek applicants to participate in ongoing research about the direct and indirect effects of multiple pressures on diversity and functioning of coastal benthic communities along the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast. The successful candidate should have expertise in areas such as 1 the link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning 2 the relationships between environmental parameters and variability in softsediment assemblages diversity and structure 3 the use of multiple ecological indicators to assess environmental quality of benthic habitats 4 statistical analysis and interpretation of community data biodiversity structure and trophic relationships andor predictive modelling tools to better understand the distribution of speciesassemblages. Collaborations amongst SAMERCK research fields oceanography GIS spatial analysis will be strongly supported.
QualificationsCompetencies
- PhD in Marine Benthic Ecology or other related field and preferably postdoc experiences
- Proven publication record in the field of marine benthic ecology with solid knowledge in macrobenthic species taxonomy
- Documented experience of extensive ecological field surveys
- Competency in applying and interpreting statistical analyses
- Fluent in English both spoken and written
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to produce high quality deliverables on time and to work in a multitasking environment
- Good organizational skills and a strong ability to accomplish tasks independently.
- The successful candidate should be able to identify the most accurate indicators for the assessment of the ecological state of Red Sea benthic habitats as well as to propose the thresholds to be used in future monitoring.
Main tasks- Conduct laboratory and field work
- Collect and process biological and environmental samples
- Manage the laboratory facilities order supplies and maintain equipment
- Conduct data analysis and contribute to the writing of reports manuscripts and projects
- Test several biotic indices and assess their effectiveness on the assessment of the ecological status of Saudi Arabian Red Sea.
- Identifydevelop accurate indicators for the assessment of the ecological state of Red Sea benthic habitats as well as propose the thresholds for future monitoring.
The position is for three years renewal each year depending on performance and includes a competitive taxfree salary and other benefits housing health and life insurances etc..
To apply please submit a single pdf file with a cover letter including a statement of research interests detailed curriculum vitae and the contacts of three references to Susan more...AC