PhD Position: Movement Ecology

Climate change is affecting ecosystems, species, populations and individuals worldwide. This project will link unique long-term individual tracking data with remote sensing products and explore the dependence of waterfowl on small to intermediate water bodies throughout the year, focussing on the availability of freshwater as a key requirement for survival and reproduction.

PhD Position: Movement Ecology

Freshwater availability is a key determinant of life on earth, yet climate change is rapidly altering hydrological systems worldwide. Migratory waterbirds are particularly sensitive to these changes because they depend on water bodies at multiple sites along their flyway. While the role of waterbodies in shaping spring migration of waterbirds is relatively well understood, its importance during breeding, autumn migration and winter periods remains largely unexplored.

The aim of this project is to fill this gap and quantify how changes in freshwater availability influence movements throughout the annual cycle, identifying feedbacks between hydrological conditions and waterbird behaviour. The greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons), one of the most abundant goose species wintering in the Netherlands, will serve as a model species. The project builds on a unique long-term dataset comprising GPS tracks of more than 200 individuals collected since 2013 and which is continuously expanding.

The following research questions are central to this project:

1. How do greater white-fronted geese adjust their movement decisions in relation to snow cover and freshwater availability in their Arctic summer ranges?
2. Which water bodies do greater white-fronted geese use for resting during autumn migration and how is this influenced by water availability and breeding success?
3. What is the effect of yearly temperature changes on freshwater roost availability and the movement of greater white-fronted geese during winter?

You will curate and analyse GPS tracking data, integrate them with remotely sensed environmental datasets, and develop statistical models to understand the ecological processes underlying the year-round movements of geese. You will also participate in BSc and MSc teaching activities. Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your working time.

Does this sound like you?

• You hold a recent MSc degree in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, applied data science or another field related to the project topic.
• You have experience in ecological data collection, are familiar with data analysis and statistics, have experience with large ecological datasets, and enjoy programming in R.
• You have a good command of spoken and written English at C1 level and have experience with writing a scientific manuscript.
• You like collaborating with other people in a cross-disciplinary and international setting.

What we offer you

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (0.8 FTE 5- year contract - 1.0 FTE 4- year contract) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract) or 3.5 years (5-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €3,204 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €4,051 from the fourth year onwards.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Where you will be working

The Department of Ecology is a dynamic, collaborative and interdisciplinary team and is part of the Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES).

We are a young and ambitious group of ecologists committed to preserving and promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health. Our department brings together aquatic and terrestrial ecologists who focus on plants, animals and microorganisms, and their interactions in a changing world. We are dedicated to conducting timely and innovative research that addresses both scientific and societal challenges. Your research will be integrated into ongoing studies in terrestrial ecology and animal movement, with opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across departments and with national and international partners. Dr Andrea Kölzsch will be the main supervisor for the project.

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

You will preferably start your employment as soon as possible.