The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) in Berlin is Germany’s premier wildlife research institute, one of seven research institutes in the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V., a member of the Leibniz Association and jointly funded by the German federal and state governments. The IZW focuses on the life histories and mechanisms of evolutionary adaptations of mammals and birds, their limits and their conservation in natural and anthropogenically influenced environments. The institute operates within the fields of evolutionary ecology, ecological dynamics, evolutionary genetics, wildlife diseases, reproduction biology and reproduction management. For its Department of Ecological Dynamics, the IZW is seeking (beginning: 01.08.2023, or as soon as a qualified candidate is available) to appoint an
ecological modeller, biostatistician
in full time (100 %)
We seek a highly motivated scientist for the development and implementation of statistical and mathematical modelling on the persistence and transmission of antibiotic resistance in wildlife. You will work closely with bioinformaticians (a postdoctoral scientist appointed in the group of Sofia Forslund, Max Delbruck Center [MDC]) and with a second postdoctoral scientist appointed to promote transdisciplinary work between disease modelling and molecular computational biology. You will also interact closely with members of the group of Emanuel Heitlinger (IZW/ HU) on specifics of the main study system (wild rodent populations). You will participate in project meetings and prepare shared as well as independent publications. We maintain an open and inclusive perspective within and beyond our project group, so you will have the opportunity to interact with additional experts around the world.
Specific tasks include
- Develop and apply geospatial statistical models to predict the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in rodent microbiomes; main responsibility for generation and integration of geographical measurements (e.g. from satellite imagery) into those models.
- Skills in multivariate data analysis and redundancy techniques for multidimensional data.
- Integrate knowledge and measurements derived from multiple levels of biological organisation, from geographical to molecular level, into those models.
- Refinement of models in collaboration with bioinformaticians and molecular computational biologists.
- Mathematical modelling of persistence and transmission based on knowledge derived from the statistical models.
- Preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements
- PhD in Ecology, Biostatistics, Computer Science, or related areas.
- Good knowledge of English (ability to work in English, written and spoken).
- Prior experience with statistical and mathematical modelling.
- Previous experience with quality management of coding, especially with tools enhancing reproducibility, code sharing and version control.
- Good programming skills, ideally in R and/or Python.
- Interest and ability to work with a diverse community of scientists.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Knowledge of agent-based modelling is an asset.
- Experience in modelling of infectious disease transmission and wildlife systems is highly desirable.
We offer state-of-the-art methodology and a stimulating research environment with an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach.
The position will start earliest in August 1st, 2023 and is limited to 1 year. Working hours comprise 39 hours per week (100 %), with salary according to TVöD (Bund).
As a member of the Leibniz Association, the IZW is an equal opportunity employer, determined to increase the proportion of women in successful scientific careers and particularly encourages women to apply. We welcome applications regardless of gender, origin, sexual orientation and religion. Disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in case of equal suitability. We promote diversity, so please convince us with your quality and competence. The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research is "Total-E-Quality" certified, promotes equality and actively supports work-life balance.
Enquiries or questions should be directed to Prof. Stephanie Kramer-Schadt (030/5168-714, kramer@izw-berlin.de).
Please upload complete application documents including a letter of motivation, CV, list of publications, copies of relevant degrees and names and contact details of three referees as soon as possible, but no later than May 15th, 2023 via the IZW’s (www.izw-berlin.de) online job-application facility (button “Apply online”). Interviews will be conducted during June 2023.
We are looking forward to your application!
