Job Description

CREAF is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work in the RESFIRE project (Assessing the potential of REStoring ecological FIRe regimes as Nature-based Solution to extreme wildfires in Mediterranean ecosystems) with ref. PID2023-152690OB-C21 and funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por FEDER, UE, LIFE REINFORCEMENT project (Millora de les capacitats del projecte EuroBirdPortal per potenciar la seva contribució als objectius de la política de la UE sota la Directiva d'Ocells i la Estratègia de Biodiversitat 2030) with ref. LIFE22-PLP-ES-EBP reinforcement and funded european commission/Life Preparatory Projects and BIOAGORA project (Biodiversity Knowledge Agora: Developing the Science Service for European Research and Biodiversity Policymaking) with ref. 101059438 funded by European Commission.

This call seeks an experienced spatial modeller researcher with a strong background in spatial bird modelling and use of scenario projections to work on the future spatial dynamics of ecosystem services derived from bird distributions under different scenarios of disturbance regimes at different spatial scales (from subnational to European). These novel projections will explore IPBES based Nature Positive Futures including rewilding (recovering of natural processes at the system level) which aim at significantly contributing to the core of policy relevant information targeting the implementation of the European Biodiversity Strategy 2030. Together with ICO (Catalan Ornithological Institute, https://ornitologia.org/ca/) and EBCC (European Bird Census Council, https://www.ebcc.info), our group is leading on the development of bird based EBVs and derived indicators (farmland, forest and open habitats) that bridge the gap between informing current global change impacts and the evaluation of future scenarios of change allowing the assessment of current socio-political decisions.

RESFIRE investigates how restoring more ecological fire regimes in Mediterranean landscapes can help reconcile biodiversity conservation with the prevention of extreme wildfires, combining ecological research, fire-regime analysis, and future scenario modelling. LIFE EBP Reinforcement strengthens the EuroBirdPortal by improving the quantity, quality, and geographical coverage of bird data across Europe, with the aim of better supporting implementation of the EU Birds Directive and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. BioAgora focuses on connecting biodiversity research with policy needs through structured dialogue among scientists, knowledge holders, and decision-makers, and is developing a European Science Service for Biodiversity to reinforce the science-policy interface.

A full-time contract is offered (37.5 hours per week) with planned incorporation on 1st November 2026 and a contract duration until 31st August 2027, with the possibility of extension if required and if the budget allows. The contract will be linked to the budgets of the project described above ("scientific-technical activities", according to Law 14/2011). The gross annual salary offered is € 37.033,64 (corresponding to category I3).

MAIN FUNCTIONS

• Coordinate specific activities of the CREAF team related to the scenario development work in the RESFIRE project.
• Work in the use and integration of available scenarios of future land use, disturbances such as fire, climate and vegetation available at the different spatial scales.
• Contribute to the development of IPBES (Nature Future Framework scenarios) at different spatial scales by collaborating with existing initiatives around this topic.
• Contribute to develop state of the art of Mechanistic Species Distribution Models (SDMs) using large scale bird monitoring datasets.
• Unravel, using state of the art modelling, the spatial and temporal changes in bird distributions, the services they provide and explore causal links with underlaying drivers of change.
• Produce robust and credible projections of future changes in bird distributions under different scenarios of global change drivers and management options.
• Translate the acquired knowledge on processes and interactions into operational tools.
• High quality scientific outputs in the form of journal publications and contribution to relevant policy reports.
• Networking with other national and international groups in bird spatial modeling and monitoring.
• Collaborate with a large consortium of scientists to provide the outputs necessary for spatial conservation prioritization.
• High quality scientific outputs in the form of journal publications and contribution to relevant policy reports.

REQUIREMENTS

• A completed PhD on a topic related to the current project description (biodiversity modelling/monitoring/global change).
• Previous experience with the development of advanced bird distribution mechanistic models in a context of land use changes or similar.
• Previous experience on ecological work assessing the services birds provide in terrestrial environments.
• Excellent publication record.
• Expertise in the use of large-scale bird monitoring databases.
• Demonstrated experience in advanced statistic programming languages (such as R).
• Contrasted capacity to lead work and team up with other researchers.
• Advanced knowledge of English.

ASESSABLE CONDITIONS

• Experience in working alongside and/or coordinating large research groups, preferably in an international environment.
• Experience in working with ecosystem services derived from biodiversity.
• Experience in the reporting of biodiversity relevant European legislation and Nature directives.
• Experience in team coordination and management in an academic/professional environment
• Experience in developing successful proposals for competitive project applications.
• Candidates with a certified disability of 33% or more will be prioritized, provided the disability is compatible with the position's responsibilities.

SELECTION PROCES AND CRITERIA

1. Application submission: Interested candidates must apply to the position and attach the required documentation, an English CV, and a cover letter (maximum 500 words) until September 25st, 2026. Applications submitted through any portal other than CREAF’s job board or not following the indicated instructions will not be accepted.
2. Pre-selection: Assessment of compliance with the minimum requirements of the job offer.
3. Selection: Evaluation of shortlisted candidates based on objective criteria, interviews with a short list of candidates, and completion of a proposed exercise.
4. Final decision: If a suitable candidate is identified, they will be formally notified of the selection, and all other participants in the process will be informed by email.

JOB OFFER IN PDF