The School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences at University College Cork is looking to recruit a Post-doctoral researcher. Applications are invited for a biologist with a good understanding of the ecology and conservation of birds, particularly birds of prey and with expertise in ecological data analysis and scientific writing. The candidate should have appropriate research experience and excellent ecological data analysis and communication skills, and be proficient in the use of GIS and ecological data analysis software. Proven experience of high quality scientific writing and ornithological fieldwork skills would also be desirable.
The candidate will lead a research project on ‘Supporting Hen Harrier in Novel Environments’.
This study is linked to on-going ornithological research at the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences (BEES), and is funded by the Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The School of BEES is the leading centre in Ireland for research on Hen Harrier ecology and conservation, and has a strong research profile in this field, including a significant body of work on the interaction between land management and Hen Harrier conservation
https://www.ucc.ie/en/forestecology/research/. This is a joint initiative between University College Cork and BirdWatch Ireland.
The candidate will conduct a programme of research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and will develop contacts to acquire knowledge and understanding of the research project work. The focus of this work will be to investigate Hen Harrier distribution and breeding success in relation to forest habitats, forest management practices and climate change in Ireland with a view to identify pressure and threats and the relationship with forest habitats and management and to examine the potential role of forest management in enhancing habitat quality for Hen Harrier conservation. This project will draw on a large body of existing data and will involve considerable data management and analysis in conjunction with the collection of new research data.
The contract will run until December 2019.
Criteria:
• A PhD qualification in either a biological or environmental science, or in biostatistics.
• Appropriate research experience preferably on bird/habitat interactions.
• Demonstrated fieldwork experience.
• Proficient in carrying out ecological statistical analysis.
• Good knowledge of the statistical program R and a GIS system.
• Good knowledge of conservation and habitat management in upland landscapes.
• Evidence of leading and contributing to peer-reviewed papers.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to interact with stakeholders from a range of disciplines, bodies and landowners/managers.
• Proven abilities for interdisciplinary collaboration will be considered an advantage.
• Appropriate technical competence and accomplishment.
• A capability of working within a project team to
achieve results.
• Good communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.
• A commitment to gaining practical experience working on a research project.
• High level of initiative.
• Please note that Garda vetting and international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
Remuneration: €33,975
Project supervisor: Prof. John O’Halloran
Application: To apply please send a CV, including references, and accompanying letter of application to Sandra Irwin, Research Programme Manager, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UCC at
[email protected]. Deadline March 1st 2017.
