PhD Position in Biosciences: Join our research campus within the Department of Zoology and contribute to the EU-funded project Bioacoustic AI for wildlife protection. We are offering a fully funded PhD position focused on using vocalizations to estimate the breeding and non-breeding population of a species. This is an exciting opportunity to work on the interface of bioacoustics and AI, collaborating with experts in the field.
Designation: PhD Position
Research Area: Bioacoustics, AI, Ecology, Zoology
Location: University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Eligibility requirements: Candidates of any nationality are welcome to apply.
- Applicants should adhere to the EU’s “mobility rule,” meaning they should not have resided or carried out their main activity in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to starting the PhD. Candidates must not already possess a doctoral degree and should be eligible to work in Czechia and travel/work in other European countries for collaborations and workshops.
- MSc degree in any scientific discipline, including biology, physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering.
- Strong interest in addressing biological questions using quantitative approaches.
- Willingness to learn skills from multiple disciplines, such as computer science and ecology.
- Independence and the ability to proactively develop and implement research ideas.
- Good planning and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within the research group.
- Good interpersonal skills and enthusiasm for working with an international, interdisciplinary team.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Job Description:
PhD Position in Biosciences – FLOATERS: Using Individually Distinct Vocalizations for Population Estimation
Floaters are a critical part of non-breeding populations in many species, serving as a buffer for breeding populations. The project aims to develop automatic methods for fast screening of passive recordings to detect vocalizations of known individuals (breeders) and their interactions with floaters (unknown individuals). Model species will include both common and conservation concern species. The candidate is expected to combine expertise in animal vocal individuality, field audio recording, and machine learning.
What We Offer:
- 3-year position with a possible 1-year extension at the Zoology Department, University of South Bohemia.
- Gross monthly salary of approximately 2000 EUR (ca. 1500 EUR net salary) with additional mobility and family/special needs allowances if eligible.
- Funds for mobility and research material and equipment.
- Close collaboration with AI and biodiversity experts from various European countries.
- Work-life balance in a university city offering options for outdoor, sports, and cultural activities.
- Administration support with relocation and settlement in the Czech Republic.
- Meal allowance and full health insurance.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to apply by October 31, 2023, by sending the following documents to jobs@prf.jcu.cz:
- Letter of motivation/research statement (2-3 pages) addressing essential requirements and desirable experience, along with scientific interests and questions related to the project.
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Academic transcripts for BSc and MSc degrees (English, unofficial at this stage).
- Contact information for 2 personal references.
- Sample of scientific writing (e.g., publication, manuscript in preparation, thesis, term paper, etc.).
For more information about the research part of the position, please contact Dr. Pavel Linhart at linhap00@prf.jcu.cz. For general information about employment at the University of South Bohemia, salaries, and living costs in Czechia, please contact jobs@prf.jcu.cz. General questions can also be addressed to the Bioacoustic AI Project Manager via info@bioacousticai.eu.
Last Date for Apply: October 31, 2023
Disclaimer: This job post is based on information provided by a reliable source. To verify and obtain further details, please visit the official website of the University of South Bohemia or contact the provided email addresses.
