Post doctoral fellows
We are open to discuss proposals for hosting post doctoral fellows working in the fields of conservation biogeography, climate change, macroecoloy and interdisciplinary projects linking palaeoecology with conservation biology.
Currently, we have no funds for post docs but are happy to discuss potential funding opportunities with highly motivated canditates under the Juan de la Cierva programme, for junior post docs (usually ca. 10 SCI-listed papers; 3 years’ contract), and the Ramon y Cajal programme, for senior post docs (usually > 20 SCI-listed papers; 5 years’ contract). The EC also provides funding for researchers under the 7th research framework “people” programme.
PhD students – POSITIONS CLOSED
Students interested in PhD places in the group should write a very brief outline of their research interests in English. We encourage students to develop their own projects, though we sometimes offer studentships on specific topics of interest. We receive a vast number of applicants and places are very limited – we take on at most one or two students each year. When enquiring about opportunities in the lab make sure your project falls clearly within the scope of our research. Proposals that are too vague or off topic will not be answered.
For PhD students entering the lab , we place a premium on quantitative skills, intellectual creativity, hard work, and independence. We are not interested in students who take a casual, leisurely approach to study or have applied here because they live or would like to live in Madrid. Students in the lab are also expected to speak and write English proficiently; this is the language of science and we expect much of the discussions and writing to be undertaken in English. We are seeking students who are excited about biogeography, conservation planning, and/or macroecology and who will work hard and publish their research in refereed journals. Attitude and commitment are at least as important as academic grades and experience. We are interested in collaborating with you, teaching you the tricks of the business, and helping you to develop independently as a scientist. If this sounds like you, please contact us about opportunities in the lab.
Visiting researchers
The lab can occasionally accomodate visitors with strong links to current research programmes and themes. There is a standard bench fee for visiting researchers of €3,000 per year, which provides desk space, admin support, access to libraries and general Museum facilities. However, the fee can be reduced or even waived depending upon the circumstances and the particular agreement reached.
If you are coming from another European member state there is also the possibility for your expenses to be covered by Synthesis. This is a European Union-funded Integrated Infrastructure Initiative fellowship (usually for visits up to three months) that was set up to promote access of researchers to large-scale facilities available in different European institutions, such as the MNCN. If you are interested, please read the information contained here and fill in the application form.
