PhD position on Pond Ecosystem Functions and Terrestrial-Freshwater Interaction
Full time
Starting date 1 st January 2027
The Department of Ecology and General Change at the Desertification Research Centre (CIDE-CSIC) invites applications for a pre-doctoral research position funded by the DEGENT program of the Generalitat de Valencia.
About the project
The PhD will be part of WaterLand, a project investigating how biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships operate across freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. The project focuses on allochthonous organic matter (i.e., plant‑derived inputs from surrounding terrestrial vegetation) and examines how these subsidies affect soil microbial functioning and shape ecosystem processes in Mediterranean landscapes. Mediterranean regions are biodiversity hotspots but highly vulnerable to global change. Within these landscapes, ponds are abundant and ecologically crucial, contributing to carbon storage, flood regulation, pollination support, and providing habitat for diverse taxa. Despite their importance,



small water bodies remain underrepresented in BEF research, particularly in cross‑ecosystem contexts.
We are looking for creative and dedicated applicants with experience in experimental ecology and enthusiasm for learning about the impacts of global change on freshwater ecosystem functioning, biodiversity, and cross‑ecosystem interactions. The successful candidate will combine experiments and field observations. More information on the project can be found here: https://mariacuenca-cambronero.github.io/WaterLand.html
Your responsibilities
The project will be developed along a transect of sampling points from south of Valencia to north of Catalunya. This will be conducted as an intensive sampling campaign in May 2027, including collection of pond sediments, water samples, biodiversity, ecosystem functions, leaf litter, and terrestrial vegetation biodiversity. We expect the candidate to take the initiative in the sampli

📌 PHD Student (Moncada)
🏢 Universitat de Vic – Universitat Central de Catalunya
📍 Moncada