Postdoc Acoustic Biodiversity Monitoring

  • Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
  • € 3.226-5.090 per maand
  • Tijdelijk
  • Voltijds
  • 25 dagen geleden
Offer DescriptionDo you have experience with the analysis of acoustic biodiversity monitoring data? Are you interested in integrating data from digital sensors with observations from traditional monitoring methods? Do you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary academic research setting bridging ecology and computer science?The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics ( ) at the University of Amsterdam is looking for an ambitious and motivated Postdoc in Acoustic Biodiversity Monitoring for a 30-month (2.5 year) position within the European-funded Biodiversa+ project .The central objective of the project TABMON (Towards a Transnational Acoustic Biodiversity MOnitoring Network) is to develop a transnational biodiversity monitoring with autonomous acoustic sensors across a large latitudinal range in Europe, demonstrating how acoustic sensing can complement existing monitoring efforts to fill current gaps in reporting to EU directives and assessing targets of the EU Biodiversity Strategy target. The position is part of an internationally diverse and world-leading team of ecologists, computer scientists, engineers, and stakeholders. It will develop showcases for integrating acoustic observations with traditional monitoring data from structured monitoring schemes, with a focus on Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) of species distributions, population abundance and migration phenology of birds. The showcases will test approaches for model-based data integration with the aim to demonstrate how acoustic observations can complement existing monitoring schemes and how current data gaps can be filled.Your work will be embedded in the Biogeography & Macroecology ( ) lab of the of IBED. It will involve collaborations with other partners from the Netherlands (e.g. SOVON, CBS Statistics Netherlands, Netherlands Institute of Ecology NIOO-KNAW, University of Tilburg, Naturalis Biodiversity Centre) and abroad (Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia in Spain, University of Toulon in France, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research in Norway). It will also connect to other Dutch biodiversity projects such as and the biodiversity monitoring demonstration sites of .What are you going to do?
You will integrate acoustic observations from a cutting-edge, high-throughput and fully autonomous acoustic monitoring system called with data from structured biodiversity monitoring schemes, i.e. conventional surveys with repeatable protocols and/or a stratified sampling design. In this context, you will develop showcases with model-based data integration to demonstrate how acoustic observations can complement existing monitoring schemes and how current data gaps can be filled.You will address some of the future needs for EBV workflows as identified by EuropaBON, i.e., developing an autonomous, network-connected, cloud-based, and transnational acoustic biodiversity monitoring system based on EBV workflows with digital sensors and automated end-to-end data streams. The EBV showcases will focus on birds and include improving species distribution data for inconspicuous or night-active species (e.g. harmonizing and integrating different detection probabilities and encounter rates), outlining statistical tools and models to estimate population abundance (e.g. N-mixture models or indices of vocal activities), and quantification of migration phenology (e.g. migrant bird arrival, departure, or intensity of migration). This will provide a basis for near-real time, harmonized and standardized EBV data.Tasks and responsibilities:
  • Handling, assembling and processing large bioacoustic datasets;
  • Maintaining bioacoustics sensor deployments and their automated data streams;
  • Developing and applying model-based biodiversity data integration tools;
  • Statistical modelling of biodiversity data;
  • Working with ecologists, computer scientists and stakeholders from research institutes; universities, national parks and NGOs;
  • Writing publications in peer-reviewed journals to present the scientific results or developed tools;
  • Applying open science principles (e.g. data papers, open source code, metadata specifications).
What do you have to offer?
Your experience and profile
  • A PhD in ecology, ecological informatics, or a closely related field;
  • Interest, passion and experience with acoustic sensors for biodiversity monitoring;
  • Exceptional quantitative skills and profound experience in scripting/programming (e.g. R, Python) and handling of large and diverse datasets;
  • Willingness to work in a multidisciplinary team (ecology, computer science; software engineering, remote sensing, environmental management);
  • Proficiency in scientific writing;
  • Ability to speak and communicate in English at an academic level;
  • Ability to work independently and self-motivated;
  • Work experience in a European country.
Our offer
We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months, with the possibility to the extend the contract for another 18 months upon a positive evaluation of your performance. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible.The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,226 to € 5,090 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher, level 4 (Post doc Researcher) is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the '30% ruling', may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The is applicable.Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
  • 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
  • multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
  • multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
  • multiple courses on topics such as time management, and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
  • 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
  • partly paid parental leave;
  • the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
  • a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
  • the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
  • help with registration at UvA- Housing for a studio or small apartment when you're moving from abroad.
Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look .About us
The is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.The has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.The is one of eight research institutes of the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. The research at IBED aims to unravel how ecosystems function in all their complexity, and how they change due to natural processes and human activities. At its core lies an integrated systems approach to study biodiversity, ecosystems and the environment. IBED adopts this systems approach to ecosystems, addressing abiotic (soil and water quality) and biotic factors (ecology and evolution of plants, animals, and microorganisms), and the interplay between those. The IBED vision includes research encompassing experimental and theoretical approaches at a wide variety of temporal and spatial scales, i.e. from molecules and microorganisms to patterns and processes occurring at the global scale. The University of Amsterdam has excellent . Furthermore, IBED has a dedicated with specialized knowledge of bioinformatics, (geo)database management and scientific programming. IBED also works with non-academic partners to deliver transdisciplinary science for society.The position is embedded in the Department of Theoretical …RequirementsAdditional InformationWebsite for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute UvA Country Netherlands City Amsterdam Postal Code 1098XH Street Science Park 904Where to apply WebsiteContact CityAmsterdam WebsiteStreetSpui 21 Postal Code1012 WXSTATUS: EXPIRED

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