NEWS & RESOURCES

Applications are invited for a funded PhD studentship associated with the project: Identifying climate change refugia using Iberian mountain butterflies (RTI2018-096739-B-C21).

The project will assess the scope for mountains to act as refugia against the adverse ecological impacts of climate change, using butterfly populations and communities in the mountains of Spain as the model system. Fieldwork and the modelling of habitat and microclimatic conditions for the species and communities studied will be conducted for altitudinal gradients in four mountain field systems, in the Sistema Central (Sierras de Gredos and Guadarrama) and the Sistema Ibérico (Sistema Meridional and Sierra de Javalambre), where between 1967 and 1991 the butterfly communities were sampled at a fine spatial resolution. We aim to test for evidence that variation in microclimate, topography or vegetation have buffered populations and communities against the effects of recent climate warming; and the overarching aim is to examine the possible role of mountains in adapting conservation to climate change.

Applicants with the following skills and experience are especially encouraged to apply:
• Degree or MSc in a relevant subject, including topics related to the project (conservation biology, ecology, entomology, global change).
• Participation in projects with national or international research groups, or with conservation or citizen science organisations.
 Evidence of having written scientific reports or articles.
• Highly motivated, with experience of conducting fieldwork on butterfly ecology.
• Experience of using R for analysis or modelling, and/or of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• High level of spoken and written English.
• Ability to work either independently or as part of a team.
• Driving licence (B).

Interested candidates should send their CV, a cover letter, and the email addresses of two references by 28 October 2019 to the project supervisor (rjwilson@mncn.csic.es).