A post-doc position at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.

We announce for immediate filling a postdoctoral position to develop research on ecology of biological invasions at the Graduate Program in Ecology of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil. The scholarship is offered by CAPES, which is the granting agency linked to the Brazilian Ministry of Education. The project is coordinated by Prof. Valério Pillar, Department of Ecology at UFRGS.

The project aims to assess community invasiveness and the impacts of invasion by Eragrostis plana (love-grass, or Annoni-grass in Brazil) on native grassland in southern Brazil. The proposed research involves the integration of knowledge at different levels of biological organization to understand the process of invasion and the possibilities to control it.

The post-doctoral profile is of a PhD with experience in research with community ecology, with emphasis on grassland and/or invasive species and/or functional ecology. The candidate should have completed his/her PhD less than five years ago. Command of English and relevant programs for data analysis are essential requirements. She/he should demonstrate ability to work in a team and have an interest in the supervision of undergraduate and graduate students and possibly in the offering of a graduate course related to the project topic. Though proficiency in Portuguese is not a requirement, this is an opportunity to learn the language and to become acquainted with the Brazilian university system.

Eragrostis plana is considered the most invasive species of grassland ecosystems in southern Brazil, with about one million hectares of native grasslands invaded. The species was detected in Brazil for the first time in 1957, was spread across the state of Rio Grande do Sul in the 1970s and has been officially considered invasive since 1979. E. plana has several characteristics that give it high efficiency in resource acquisition. This ongoing project is evaluating by field and greenhouse experiments the effects of manipulation (species removal, resource control) of the resident community on invasiveness, and the effects of the invasive species on the resident community. The results are expected to contribute to the development of theoretical knowledge as well as to have practical value for the management and conservation of native grasslands.

The scholarship monthly amount of R$ 4,100 (free of income tax) will be paid for 20 months by CAPES, plus travel support. Candidates should contact Prof. Valério Pillar ([email protected]).