CREAF is seeking a predoctoral researcher for the SEVERO OCHOA Project, with the reference CEX2023-001340-S with specific ref. PREX2023-00030 funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades and the Agencia Estatal de Investigación/10.13039/501100011033.
The Severo Ochoa award is allowing CREAF to further advance its excellence in research and research management, while contributing to addressing global socio-environmental challenges. The current position is framed within application area 2 of the Severo Ochoa general project: UNDERSTANDING AND FORECASTING THE RISKS TO ECOSYSTEMS: Our goal is to develop cutting-edge scientific research focused on understanding and forecasting short- and long-term changes in ecosystems that put nature at risk, focusing on climate change, biodiversity loss and forest health. We will provide decision-makers with accessible information derived from this research. We aim to investigate how global change drives the adaptation and migration of organisms, including those assisted by humans, and the resulting changes in the structure, composition and function of ecosystems and landscapes, as well as their potential effects on society.
Bee populations have been declining worldwide over the last century, threatening pollinator diversity and pollination services in both natural and crop systems. The drivers of these declines include habitat loss, agricultural intensification, pesticide exposure, parasites and diseases, and climate change. Among these factors, the effects of climate change are arguably the least explored. This thesis will use an ecophysiological approach to investigate the effects of climate change on solitary bees. More specifically, this thesis will explore how different simulated climate change scenarios affect the life cycle of selected species, including effects on developmental rates, diapause development, phenology and voltinism, as well as potential effects on survival and longevity. In addition to climate change, bees are affected by other stressors, such as pesticide exposure. This thesis will also conduct laboratory and semi-field experiments to assess the interactive effects of these two stressors on individual reproductive success and population dynamics. The results of this thesis will contribute to our understanding of the consequences of the rapidly unfolding scenario of global warming on solitary bee phenology, health and population dynamics.
IP garant: Jordi Bosch.
This contract is envisaged to start on 1st January 2027. The salary offered (gross) is established by the RD EPIF (Real Decreto 103/2019, de 1 de marzo, por el que se aprueba el Estatuto del personal investigador predoctoral en formación):
- 1st year (12 months): 56% of € 33.941,46** = € 19.007,22.
- 2nd year (12 months): 60% of € 33.941,46** = € 20.364,88.
- 3rt and 4rt year (24 months): 75% of € 33.941,46** = € 25.456,10 each year.
**Salary from Group 1 (M3) of the salary table from the Convenio colectivo único para el personal laboral de la Administración General del Estado of 2024 (subject to possible salary increases when new salary amounts are approved).
MAIN FUNCTIONS
Rear solitary bee populations under laboratory and field conditions.
Design and execute laboratory and field experiments.
Monitor bee development.
Measure physiological and behavioural parameters.
Monitor bee nesting activity.
Analyse solitary bee nests.
Analyse and write results for publication in scientific journals.
Present results at scientific meetings.
Contribute to the main objectives of the research group, including participation in projects of other team members.
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees related to biology, environmental sciences, or similar.
Experience rearing and handling solitary bee populations.
Experience in bee physiology.
Experience in ecotoxicology.
Experience in flower enhancements.
Experience in pollinator surveys.
Experience programming in R. Good statistical skills will be strongly valued.
Good English level and communication skills.
Car driving license (B2).
Availability to travel for fieldwork, scientific meetings and workshops.
Team working skills.
ASSESSABLE CONDITIONS:
Candidates with a recognized disability equal to or greater than 33% will be prioritized, if the disability is compatible with the proper performance of the job.
SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA:
1. Admission of candidates: 1) CV in English (download CVA template at this link); 2) motivation letter (maximum 1 page); 3) academic transcripts of bachelor’s and master’s degrees (in Spanish or English), until November 20th, 2026 and 4) contact information of two referees. Only applications submitted through the CREAF job board and complying with the instructions provided will be considered.
2. Pre-selection: assessment of compliance with the minimum requirements of the job offer.
3. Selection: evaluation of the pre-selected candidates through scoring based on objective criteria, and interviews with a shortlist of candidates.
4. Final decision: the selected candidate will receive a formal job. Non-selected candidates will be notified by email.