Bolsa de Investigação: ARDITI-MSIII-2019-002

Job: Researcher to assist in assessing MSFD Descriptor 4 in the Macaronesian subregion in Project Mistic Seas III;

Job/Fellowship Reference: ARDITI-MSIII-2019-002;

Main research field: Environmental science;

Sub research field: n/a;

Job summary:

In the context of Project MISTIC SEAS III, ARDITI is looking for one researcher with knowledge and experience in zooplankton analysis (taxonomy, biomass, energy transfer in the marine food web, etc.). The successful candidate will be contributing to an integrated analysis of trophic and energy flow related studies spanning from basic trophic levels to top predators. Knowledge of MSFD related methodologies is desired.

Job description:

“MISTIC SEAS III – Developing a coordinated approach for assessing Descriptor 4 via its linkage with D1 and other relevant descriptors in the Macaronesian subregion”, is a project financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), through DG Environment (MFSD 2018 call) (MISTICSEAS3_GA.110661/2018/794676/SUB/ENV.C2). The project aims to address the assessment of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) Descriptor 4 (Ecosystems, including food webs) at the Macaronesian sub-regional level following the criteria set up under the new Commission GES Decision 2017/848/EC.

• good working knowledge of zooplankton taxonomy
• MSFD indicators assessment, especially related with basic trophic levels (plankton), preferably in the Macaronesia sub-region;
• trophic and energy flow related studies including zooplankton;

• Assist in the definition and testing of methodologies that allow the identification of trophic guilds (i.e. groups of species that are representative of the basic trophic level) and improvement of monitoring programs of Descriptors 1,3 and 4;
• Do literature reviews (e.g. diversity, abundance, size distribution, productivity), data compilation, organization, processing and analysis related with aims of the project;
• Participate in fieldwork to collect zooplankton samples and other samples to fill gaps relevant for the purpose of the project and perform in the lab work to process and analyze those samples, as well as existing samples;
• Collaborate in the ecosystem modelling exercises focus on trophic linkages;
• Collaborate in writing-up the project’s follow-up reports and technical reports related with tasks in which the researcher is involved;
• Participate in the relevant project meetings to discuss methodologies, protocols, data analysis, management, risk assessment and other related issues;
• Collaborate with other tasks of Project MISTIC SEAS III related with area of the researchers’ expertise and knowledge;

• FS – Final Scores
• QA – Qualifications
• EP – Experience
• ML – Motivation

The Jury may decide to conduct an interview, that happening, will contribute to 40% of the final scores (i.e., the joint score of the CV evaluation and motivation letter will be 60% of the final score).

• 4 points - Experience in zooplankton taxonomy;
• 2 points – Experience in trophic level evaluation, energy flow related analyses and food web assessment within the lower levels (phyto-, zooplankton);
• 2 points – Fieldwork experience in zooplankton sampling at sea and collection and processing of dead stranded cetaceans and fish stomach contents;
• 2 points – Experience in using R software to process spatial (e.g. remote sensing data, distribution data) and other data and to carry out statistical analysis;
• 2 points – Relevant publication record focusing on zooplankton taxonomy, ecology, food webs or related
• 1 point - Experience in international collaborative projects and multidisciplinary workshops;• 1 point – Good knowledge of Portuguese and/or Spanish, as well as English, spoken and written;