Master's thesis on "Impacts of beavers on biodiversity along the human disturbance gradient" - #2766349

The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) in the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V., a part of the Leibniz Association, aims to understand and, where possible, ‘improve’ the adaptive capacity of wild animals to cope with global change. To this end, it focuses on the diversity of lifestyles, diseases and mechanisms of evolutionary adaptation of mammals and birds, on the limits of these mechanisms in natural and anthropogenically influenced environments, and on conservation strategies that take these into account. The Institute fulfils this mission through long-term, application-oriented, interdisciplinary basic research in evolutionary ecology, ecological dynamics, evolutionary genetics, wildlife diseases, reproductive biology and reproductive management.

For our Department of Ecological Dynamics, we are offering a joint master's thesis project entitled

“Impacts of beavers on biodiversity along the human disturbance gradient”

Beavers are well-known as ecosystem engineers who by modifying abiotic environments construct new habitats and thus contribute to restructuring the communities inhabiting them. Although diverse aspects of beavers’ effects on biodiversity were studied, we do not know to what extent beavers can moderate negative effects of human disturbances on biodiversity. In other words, we do not know whether water bodies with beavers have higher biodiversity compared to those without, given they are similarly disturbed. Further, while previous research on beavers focused on their effects on compositional diversity, we have very limited knowledge about the effects on functional diversity, although it directly underlies ecosystem functions.

We propose several MSc topics focusing on diversity of different communities: plants, freshwater invertebrates, insects and birds. These projects will measure biodiversity of the above-mentioned communities in water bodies with and without beavers, along the gradient of human disturbance gradient in Berlin-Brandenburg region. Invertebrates will be identified using DNA metabarcoding and invertebrate functional diversity will be measured by picture analysis of the collected samples. Plant diversity will be studied by taking vegetation relevees, followed by plant trait measurements. Automatic acoustic recorders will be used to monitor bird communities; bird morphometric traits will be measured on trapped individuals. In addition to monitoring effects on biodiversity, all projects will record water chemistry and composition. The field work will take place in spring 2027.

Responsibilities/ Task:

• Field work to monitor biodiversity of a specific community (invertebrates, birds, plants or amphibians);
• Lab work (if the focus is on invertebrates) to identify taxa by means of metabarcoding;
• Analyses of the collected data, interpretation of the results and writing up of the Thesis.
  
  

Requirements:

• Completed Bachelor degree in Ecology, Biotechnology, Conservation, Biology or comparable;
• Enrolled at German University at a master’s or comparable degree programme;
• Driving license category B.
  
  

Desirable knowledge and skills:

• Species identification skills – relevant to the community you chose;
• High motivation, flexibility and ability to work in an international team;
• Interest in the field work;
• Strong command of English (written and spoken).
  
  

The master’s thesis can be started iimmediately. An extension would be possible, taking into account the respective study and examination regulations. Unfortunately, we cannot offer any remuneration.

These projects will be co-supervised by Dr Viktoriia Radchuk (she/her; IZW), Prof Ralph Tiedemann (he/him; Universität Potsdam) and Prof Boris Schröder-Esselbach (he/him; Technische Universität Berlin).

We welcome applications regardless of gender, origin, sexual orientation and religion. Disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in case of equal suitability. The IZW lives the principles enshrined by the German “Charta of Diversity” (Charta der Vielfalt), has a diversity and inclusion strategy, is "Total-E-Quality" certified, promotes equality and actively supports a work-life balance. We promote diversity, so please convince us with your quality and competence.

Are you interested?

Please apply exclusively via our recruiting portal (button “Apply online”) and upload the following application documents there:

• Letter of motivation stating the desired time period for the thesis
• Resume
• Current certificate of enrolment
• Proof of thesis writing in accordance with the study and examination regulations of your university
• All relevant certificates
  
  

Applications are reviewed on rolling basis until the positions are filled. At the same time, we are keen to fill these positions, so our current deadline is 1 February 2027. We are looking forward to your application!