4-year PhD position for eMETA-RARE

4-year PhD position at the Elemental Diversity and Macroecology lab for eMETA-RARE (apply until 16/11/2026)

Using elementome-metabolome and biogeochemical-metabolomic niches to investigate common and rare plant characteristics

The eMETA-RARE project aims to understand why some species are abundant whilst others remain rare. The project addresses this by investigating differences in elementomes and biogeochemical niches between abundant and rare species through the elemental ecology framework. By integrating elemental data with metabolome configurations, the project will reveal how elemental composition shifts directly link to metabolism and species functioning across environmental gradients. The central hypothesis posits that abundant and rare species exhibit predictable differences in their elementomes, metabolomes, and corresponding biogeochemical and metabolic niches both at local (individuals and populations) and regional (species) scales. These differences reflect contrasting elemental and metabolic strategies directly linked to species prevalence and ecological roles.

To achieve the main aims of the project, we will conduct vegetation inventories across NE Spain, perform seasonal surveys of several forests over two years and execute laboratory experiments using abundant and rare plants to measure elemental and metabolic flexibility under changing environmental and nutritional constraints. This PhD thesis will contribute substantially to achieving the objectives of the project.

The PhD candidate will develop skills in elemental ecology, analytical chemistry, and metabolomics in the field of ecology. Although a high degree of independence, initiative, and self-directed learning will be expected throughout the PhD, particularly in developing analytical, computational, and quantitative skills, the candidate will progressively build these competencies through hands-on research, specialized training and expert supervision, especially on the most technically demanding aspects of elementome and metabolome analyses. Through this research, the PhD student will gain deep expertise in data processing, statistical modelling, and data integration across environmental gradients, building a strong foundation in the fields of ecological stoichiometry and eco-metabolomics. This PhD thesis will provide the student with cutting-edge interdisciplinary skills to address complex ecological questions and pursue a successful, competitive scientific career.

Apply here: https://creaf.factorial.com/job_posting/predoctoral-researcher-for-emeta-rare-ref-26-058-iv00256-328264?token=300580

Good luck, candidates!

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