PhD Position in Soil Evolutionary Ecology

This fully funded PhD position at IPNA-CSIC in Spain focuses on soil evolutionary ecology, specifically the project METASOILs. The research investigates how historical Quaternary events, ecological traits, habitat structures, and human-mediated species introductions influence soil mesofauna diversity across Europe. The project integrates community DNA metabarcoding, haplotype-level analyses, phylogeography, community ecology, and large-scale spatial modeling. Applicants will conduct original research under the supervision of experienced scientists, contributing to understanding hidden soil biodiversity and its ecological dynamics.

• Conduct fieldwork and collect soil samples across a European latitudinal gradient to study soil mesofauna diversity.
• Perform community DNA metabarcoding and haplotype-level genetic analyses to assess genetic and community-level diversity.
• Apply phylogeographic and community ecology methods to analyze the influence of Quaternary history, ecological traits, and human-mediated introductions.
• Develop and implement large-scale spatial models to visualize and interpret biodiversity patterns.
• Publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals and present results at international conferences.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams to integrate genetic, ecological, and spatial data.
• Participate in project meetings and contribute to project documentation and reporting.