Postdoc Spatial dynamics and interactions of terrestrial and aerial predators of ground-breeding birds

We have a postdoc position open for the period of 3 years (0.8 FTE) within the PREDWEI 2 project. The aim of the project is to improve understanding of the spatial dynamics and shifting interactions among different predator species—both terrestrial and aerial—affecting ground-breeding birds (meadow, arable, and coastal species). The project will produce recommendations for effective management and policy regarding the various predator species, with the aim of increasing chick survival.

The research will make an important contribution to knowledge on effective management for the conservation of ground-breeding birds and will identify the remaining knowledge gaps after completion of the study.

Previous PREDWEI studies have provided substantial insight into the important role of various terrestrial predator species and their interactions in relation to ground-breeding birds. At the same time, these studies have revealed important knowledge gaps that are highly relevant for improving the effectiveness of policy and management aimed at protecting ground-breeding birds. This applies to the main landscape types in which these birds occur: meadow, arable, and coastal habitats, each with its own community of terrestrial and aerial predators (mammals and birds of prey).

In each landscape type, a link will be established between nest and chick survival of ground-breeding birds and the occurrence, spatial habitat use, and diet of the various predators. This will be achieved through continued monitoring (predators, nests, and voles), diet studies (eDNA analyses of faeces and/or prey remains), and the expansion of telemetry studies of birds of prey. In this way, PREDWEI 2 builds on previous PREDWEI subprojects, while expanding the research to include the role of birds of prey through tracking studies.

PREDWEI 2 will actively collaborate with several partner projects, including the Godwit Chick Survival Project, two arable bird pilot projects, and the Wij en Wadvogels project. The project will also make use of data obtained from various smaller and often fragmented predation studies across the Netherlands.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Postdoc Spatial dynamics and interactions of terrestrial and aerial predators of ground-breeding birds

The Postdoc is expected to primarily contribute to the analysis and writing of the shared output (existing datasets and new data), as well as to the coordination and carrying out of the field-work.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

There are several consortium partners involved in the project. Ecosensys, Jasja Dekker, and GKA are mainly responsible for the implementation of the fieldwork and for data collection and management. The postdoctoral researcher is to be appointed at the University of Groningen (RUG) for three years at 0.8 FTE and will be responsible for project coordination, conducting the analyses, writing scientific reports, and, where necessary and desired, supporting the fieldwork activities of the consortium partners.

Representatives of various consortium partners (Ecosensys, Jasja Dekker Ecologie, GKA, and RUG) take place in the PREDWEI 2 steering committee, which meets twice a year (before and after the field season) to discuss plans and review results.

The Postdoc is expected to primarily contribute to the analysis and writing of the shared output (existing datasets and new data), as well as to the coordination and carrying out of the field-work.

For the Postdoc position, we are looking for a motivated candidate with a PhD degree in the field(s) of ecology or equivalent, and a background and interest in conservation. The ideal candidate…