PROJECT TITLE

Understanding the vulnerability and resilience of coral reef ecosystems of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to climate change.

POSITIONS

Applications are invited for the positions of Research Associate (RA) and Junior Research Fellow (JRF)/Project Associate based at the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. This is a collaborative project between Kartik Shanker at IISc (kslab.weebly.com) and Dr. Katell Guizien at CNRS, France, funded by the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA).

ROLE

We seek candidates to conduct novel research on long term ecological processes and interactions in coral reef ecosystems using integrated approaches. Areas of expertise could include (but are not limited to) community ecology, reef ecology, GIS and use of remotely sensed data, molecular techniques, and responses to environmental stresses in the context of global change. The project will provide plenty of opportunities for travel and collaboration.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Coral reefs are increasingly susceptible to climate change-related disturbances. Predicting the impact of climate change on marine biodiversity, and the potential ability of the ecosystem to adapt to this change requires a comprehensive understanding of both individual species behaviours and ecological processes that drive the system. In order to understand the effects and implications of climate change related changes on the reef ecosystems of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a four-pronged approach is proposed.

The project aims to study long-term coral reef ecosystem processes using classical ecological methods based on SCUBA diving, complemented by novel techniques using Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS). Additionally, the effect of anthropogenic disturbance on marine trophic dynamics i.e., presence and relative abundance of apex predators in reef ecosystems, will be studied using Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS). Oceanographic modelling to study dispersal of larvae of key scleractinian coral species will improve our understanding of connectivity between reefs, and hence resilience and vulnerability to global change related disturbance. Lastly, the project proposes to create a framework of co-management within the local community (fishers, local management authority) to ensure collaboration between stakeholders, and capacity building of local management for better monitoring and management of protected areas.

DURATION

The initial appointment will be for one year, and extendable based on the performance and mutual fit. The post is coterminous with the project duration.

FELLOWSHIP

Research Associate (RA): Rs. 47,000 + HRA. Junior Research Fellow (JRF)/Project Associate 1: Rs 31,000 + HRA OR Rs. 25000+HRA (depending on qualification)

QUALIFICATION

1. Research Associate (RA): PhD in any suitable area of marine science with at least one research paper in Science Citation  Indexed  (SCI) journal.

2. Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Post graduate degree in basic science/environmental science or associated field. Candidates who have secured fellowships from the State/Central Government agencies such as CSIR-NET/DBT-JRF/ICMRJRF/UGC-JRF/GATE/DST-INSPIRE/IIT/IISC/IISER etc. will be appointed as JRF, while those without will be appointed as Project Associate 1.

EXPERIENCE

Research Associate (RA): Candidates should have a background in marine biology, ecology or a related discipline. The candidate should have a strong conceptual background and skills in data analysis. The candidate is expected to have commitment towards field work and will need to coordinate field logistics. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with and mentor a team is desired. Certification and experience in SCUBA diving is strongly preferred.

Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Candidates should have a background in marine biology, ecology or a related discipline. The candidate is expected to have commitment towards field work. An ability to undertake interdisciplinary research with approaches applying innovative field, laboratory, or numerical model-based methods (or a combination of approaches) will be necessary. Certification in SCUBA diving is strongly preferred.

HOW TO APPLY

You will need to include the following documents in your application:

• A cover letter expressing your interest in and suitability for the position.

• A CV — including contacts of three referees.

• A research summary of your PhD thesis (for RA position)

Please email your application materials as a single PDF file to kshanker@iisc.ac.in with the subject line “Application for CEFIPRA RA/JRF position”. The last date to apply for the posts is March 25, 2022. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified; therefore, interested individuals are requested to apply immediately. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed online before final selection.