The Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences (IBU) at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg invites applications for

PhD position on the Ecology of Tropical Epiphytes
(salary 65%, TV-L E13, m/f/d)

starting preferentially at February 1, 2025 for a period of three years (36 months).

This position is part of the project „Attachment of vascular epiphytes through ontogeny and across taxonomic groups”, funded by the DFG, in the Functional Ecology Lab, under the supervision of Dr. Jessica Tay and Prof. Gerhard Zotz. This project includes close collaborations with the Functional Morphology and Biomechanics group in Kiel (Prof. Stanislav Gorb) and Fundamentals of Turbulence and Complex Systems group in Oldenburg (Prof. Kerstin Avila).

Background: Epiphytes are a key-element of tropical diversity. Being structurally dependent on their host, a secure attachment to their host is vital for these non-parasitic organisms, because the chances of survival on the ground are low. Therefore, epiphytes face a major mechanical challenge to attach securely to their host throughout all ontogenetic stages. Firstly, propagules must obtain initial contact to the host and avoid subsequent removal. Secondly, secured propagules need to germinate and develop roots for attachment to the host and lastly, growing plants must maintain their attachment despite increasing size, as well as withstand numerous sources of mechanical disturbances by intense rainfall, wind, or arboreal animals. Therefore, this project is divided into several work packages around the central goal of the research: What is the role of attachment of different ontogenetic stages of an epiphyte across different taxonomic groups?

Your tasks: We are looking for an independent and open-minded candidate who is creative and highly interested in ecological and biomechanical questions. The PhD position is based in Oldenburg (northern Germany), but it includes 1-2 months of fieldwork in Panama per year for propagule collection. You are expected to plan and execute the different work packages within our team, e.g., field work in Panama, experiments in the wind tunnel with Prof. Avila group to investigate propagule dispersal and attachment mechanism, lab work in Kiel with Prof. Gorb group to characterise the attachment mechanism of propagules and roots to their substrates.

Requirements:

• Qualifying academic university degree (Master or Diploma), preferentially with a background
• in plant ecology, physics, or engineering.
• An analytical and critical mindset
• Willingness and physical fitness to do field work in the tropics
• Hands-on experience with statistical analyses (modelling experience is advantageous)
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential
• Capacity for collaborative work in an international context
• Some knowledge of German and Spanish is advantageous
• Knowledge of accessing the forest canopy with ropes would be advantageous

Applications must include:

• Cover letter with clear statements of your motivation and how you fit to the project
• Detailed CV
• Relevant certificates
• Contact details of two referees (at least one of whom should be in academia)

All applications should be sent as a single PDF by email to Dr. Jessica Tay () by 1 October 2024. For further information, please refer to the working group webpage or contact Dr. Jessica Tay.

The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to an increased proportion of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance with Lower Saxony regulations (§ 21 Section 3 NHG) female candidates with equal qualifications will be considered preferentially. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.