Position available PostDoc research position Wildlife Research – Marine Mammals ITAW, Germany The Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation (TiHo) is an interdisciplinary institute aiming to investigate the ecology of wild animals and to manage the impact of anthropogenic activities. Researchers of ITAWs marine section founded marine mammal research in Germany in 1989. Scientists at ITAW have recognised research strengths in abundance estimation, habitat use, bioacoustics, zoology, pathology as well as health monitoring of cetaceans and seals and coordinate the marine mammal stranding and population monitoring in Germany. The ITAW holds an unique position in Europe as researchers of many different disciplines ranging from veterinary research, zoology, marine biology, physics, geography, mathematics to engineering science conduct integrated research on wildlife. Recently, special focus has been put on the designation of marine protected areas and on investigation of the impact of human activities such as marine renewables, fisheries, navy exercises and marine debris. ITAW coordinates a large number of interdisciplinary projects, with funding from the German federal government and states, the German Research Foundation and the EU. ITAW scientists are actively participating in different international meetings and associations since 1990, including several ICES WGs, ASCOBANS, IWC and the Trilateral Seal Expert Group (TSEG) of the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat. Scientists are participating in implementing the EU MSFD, as well as indicators for OSPAR and HELCOM and participated in several EU funded projects such as SCANS and SCANSII. Due to this high-level expertise the network of collaborators is large and research is conducted worldwide, in other European countries as well as in polar regions (esp. the Southern Ocean). For our population assessment team, we are now recruiting an experienced marine mammal ecologist to supervise the harbour porpoise monitoring programme in the North and Baltic Sea. Required knowledge, skills and abilities: - Ph.D. degree in biology or related field; educational background in (marine) biology, zoology or ecology - With demonstrated experience in o Wildlife population assessments, visual survey methods (preferably Distance sampling and aerial or marine mammal survey experience), o Habitat modelling, statistical analyses of survey data, o Conservation and management applications, o Project supervision and fundraising, o Exchange with stakeholders and governmental institutions - Preferred candidates will have o Experience/knowledge of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Habitats Directive and anthropogenic impact assessments, o Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including proven ability in writing of reports and scientific papers, grant proposal preparation, and oral presentations, o Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team, o Ability to work in a small aircraft up to eight hours per day, o Computer competencies, including skills in Microsoft Office, database management, and in statistical packages (preferably R) Appreciated knowledge (but not required): - Background in bioacoustics - Good knowledge of German Description of job duties: - Project supervision, managing project logistics and budget, reporting to funding agencies, - Field work (survey planning, data collection), data and method evaluation, - Analysis of distribution data and abundance estimation - Trend analysis - Spatial modelling - Undertake consultancy work for government agencies - Development of new research opportunities and preparation of funding proposals - Supervision of bachelor, master and PhD students We offer: - 75% position for 2 years, however, an extension and/or top-up benefit is likely given successful grant applications - The salary is according to class 13 TVL of the German tariffs for public employees (75%) - Funds are available to support travel to conferences and workshops - Place of work is at ITAW’s aquatic section in Buesum (northern Germany, North Sea sea side resort) We would like to fill this position by 01 October 2014 (however, the position remains open until a suitable candidate is found); complete applications should be submitted by 17 September 2014. Please submit a letter of interest (max. 2 pages), a current CV and contact information of 3 references to Ursula Siebert (ursula.siebert@tiho-hannover.de<mailto:ursula.siebert@tiho-hannover.de>). Please use the keyword „application“. Postal address: Prof. Dr. Ursula Siebert Institut f. Terrestrische und Aquatische Wildtierforschung (ITAW) Werfstr. 6 25761 Buesum Germany For general information on research at the TiHo and ITAW, see http://www.tiho-hannover.de