We invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher to work with Dr Laura Carugati (UNICA) on meiofaunal ecology and positive species interactions. Find the link below to submit your application!

About the organisation:

The University of Cagliari (UNICA) is one of Sardinia’s largest academic institutions, known for its international collaborations with prestigious universities across Europe and beyond. This postdoc opportunity in marine science is based at the Section of Marine Biology and Ecology in Cagliari, a research hub dedicated to studying marine biodiversity. The successful candidate will work with leading researchers in marine ecology and molecular zoology, gaining valuable experience in marine ecosystem research.

About the project:

The postdoc will be supervised by Dr. Laura Carugati and will join the zoology group at UNICA, working within the ENGAGE Project (link). This initiative, funded by the Italian Ministry of Research PRIN 2022 (grant n. 20223R4FJK), provides a unique chance to collaborate with international project partners and an extensive research network.

Growing evidence suggests that positive interactions with invertebrates are crucial for sustaining seagrass ecosystem functions and resilience. However, these species interactions remain underexplored. This project focuses on two key model systems: (i) Posidonia oceanica and the sponge Chondrilla nucula, and (ii) Cymodocea nodosa and the lucinid bivalve Loripes orbiculatus.

The goal is to determine whether these seagrass-invertebrate associations can mitigate local and regional stressors, alone or in combination with global stressors. Using both in situ and mesocosm experiments, the project will assess how these associations influence the benthic community, meiofauna biodiversity, and sedimentary organic matter composition under varying environmental conditions.

Your qualifications:

The candidate should have MSc degree in Biology, Natural Sciences or equivalent. A PhD degree in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or an equivalent degree is an asset, but not mandatory. The candidate should have strong motivation and scientific independence, ideally with previous experience of laboratory techniques and analysis in marine benthic zoology and ecology. The willingness and capacity to interact in a multidisciplinary team are essential. The candidate should be fluent in spoken and written English.

What we offer:

The position is offered for 12 months, renewable. The salary will be in accordance with the so-called Assegno di Ricerca for a gross total over the one-year period of €19,367.00 (subject to social security contributions).

At UNICA we strive for gender and diversity equality and we encourage and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications and ability to fulfill the responsibilities as outlined for this project.

How to apply:

To apply, please follow this link: https://dirpersonale.unica.it/concorsi/?page=assegni&bando=1381

Please carefully read the excerpt from the announcement, translated in English, provided at this link:

https://dirpersonale.unica.it/concorsi/UserFiles/Files/ASSEGNI_2024/CARUGATI_LAURA_COD_55A/Bando_Inglese_Carugati_Cod.55A.pdf

The application deadline is June 27, 2024. Evaluations are planned shortly thereafter, and interviews will be conducted from remote. We seek to initiate the position by September 2024.

Additional information:

Please contact Dr Laura Carugati (Email: laura.carugati@unica.it) for any informal enquiry.