Research assistant – Ecology
About the project:
This job is part of a Ramón y Cajal grant, focused on plant–pollinator interactions, with particular attention to understanding the foraging behavior and ecological roles of wild bumblebees, especially Bombus pascuorum. This species, widespread and abundant across much of Europe, serves as an ideal model to explore how individual- and species-level behavioral responses to environmental variability—such as floral resource availability, landscape structure, and microclimatic conditions—shape interaction patterns and pollination services.
The main aim is to analyze data on plant-animal interactions, pollinator behavior and plant reproductive success and publish a scientific manuscript. Start date will be June 2025 with a duration of 4 months.
Job description:
We are looking for one research assistant to analyze data on plant-animal interactions, pollinator behavior and plant reproductive success and publish a scientific manuscript. The candidates should have a strong background in data analysis, manuscript preparation and results interpretation.
Key responsibilities:
Data analysis of plant–animal interaction networks, including plant–pollinator visitation data, pollinator behavioral observations, and plant reproductive success metrics.
Apply appropriate statistical models (e.g., GLMMs, multivariate analyses, network metrics) to interpret ecological patterns and test hypotheses related to species interactions and ecosystem functioning.
Collaborate closely with the principal investigator and other team members to refine research questions, ensure data quality, and interpret results in the context of current ecological theory.
Take a leading role in the preparation of a scientific manuscript, including writing, figure generation, and integration of feedback during the peer-review process.
Conduct literature reviews to contextualize findings within the broader scientific discourse on pollinator ecology, plant reproduction, and global change impacts.
Maintain detailed documentation of analytical procedures and contribute to the development of reproducible workflows.
Participate in regular lab meetings and contribute to a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment.
Main requirements/skills:
MSc in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field.
Strong quantitative skills, with demonstrated experience in ecological data analysis using R (knowledge of packages for GLMMs, multivariate stats, or network analysis is a plus).
Proven experience in scientific writing and manuscript preparation, ideally with at least one peer-reviewed publication.
Solid understanding of plant–pollinator interactions, pollinator behavior, and/or plant reproductive ecology.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Attention to detail, problem-solving capacity, and a proactive attitude toward data interpretation and scientific synthesis.
Familiarity with reproducible research practices (e.g., version control, documentation, RMarkdown) is an asset.
Desirable skills:
Experience working with ecological network data (e.g., bipartite networks, interaction matrices).
Familiarity with pollinator taxonomy or the ability to identify common European wild bees, especially Bombus spp.
Experience conducting or analyzing behavioral observations of pollinators in the field or lab.
Background in plant reproductive ecology, including measures like seed set, fruit set, or pollen limitation.
Knowledge of geospatial analysis (e.g., GIS, landscape metrics).
Experience with open science practices, such as data sharing, preprints, or open peer review.
Ability to integrate interdisciplinary approaches, including links between biodiversity, ecosystem services, and global change.
Familiarity with scientific project management or previous roles supporting collaborative research projects.
Benefits and work environment:
Interdisciplinary and inspiring work environment.
35-hour week work calendar.
30 days of vacation per year.