Vacancy: Post-doctoral Researcher, vegetation modelling, LSCE (CEA/CNRS), Gif-sur-Yvette (Saclay Plateau), n'r ParisWe are looking for a post-doctoral research scientist to work on the understanding of environmental change impacts on European vegetation biodiversity. A wide range of observations, experiments, and models suggest that global environmental change has modified, and will continue to modify, biodiversity in important ways. However, model predictions of future responses diverge markedly. The tasks of the post-doc will consist of undertaking model simulations with at least two complex ecosystem models (ORCHIDEE plus one other), interpreting results from both of these, and up to 7 other models (results furnished by other groups), and testing alternative assumptions concerning the processes of ecosystem change (in particular growth, mortality, and so-called 'trailing edge' responses). Modelling approaches included as part of the project range from relatively simple niche-based models, to process-based life history models, and complex carbon economy models running on short timesteps. A significant focus will be on determining the risk that global change will lead to reduced growth, limited reproduction, or death of major tree species in Europe (particularly France). The outcomes will be the relative merits of different modelling approaches, a better understanding of the likely changes in European plant distributions over the coming century, and maps of climate change risks for major tree species at specific sites throughout France. It is expected that new modelling approaches will arise from this work, thereby significantly increasing the reliability of model predictions of tree range shifts over the European continent. This project is a component of the QDIV (Quantifying the effects of global environmental change on terrestrial plant diversity) network (http://www.qdiv.u-psud.fr/news/), funded by the French ANR programme. Potential duration : 2 yr Salary : 2176 euro gross per month Please direct applications and all other enquiries to : Andrew Friend (Andrew.Friend@cea.fr). Deadline for applications, including cover letter and cv : Friday 30 March, 2007 |
Posted: 03-02-2007
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