A Call is being published for the provision of full-time expert services in the field of coralligenous assemblages and maerl studies, for a maximum duration of 3 months, within the ambit of the Interreg Italia-Malta 2014-2020 HARMONY project.

1. Applications are invited for an external expert to work on HARMONY (Armonizzazione Italo-Maltese per un buono stato dell’ambiente: integrità dei fondali ed interazione con le specie invasive per preservare il funzionamento degli ecosistemi marini), a project financed by the InterregV-A Programme in which the Department of Geosciences at the University of Malta is a partner, besides the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DFA) and the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA).
   
   
2. The awardee will be required to: (i) sieve and sort the maerl samples collected from sampled benthos within the Maltese MT105 Natura 2000 site, (ii) characterise the rhodolith attributes of the examined samples; (iii) identify any Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) recorded within the same samples and (iv) assist Prof. Alan Deidun in the formulation and compilation of drafts of documents destined for HARMONY project reporting purposes and of scientific manuscripts destined for eventual journal publication.
   
   
3. The awardee will work mostly at the laboratory facilities of the University of Malta (Msida)
   
   
4. The ideal candidate needs to have at least a first degree in Biology or a related discipline, as well as a post doc (e.g. Masters or PhD level) degree in a field relevant to benthic ecology/taxonomy. A demonstrated capacity to work both independently and in a team in a lab setting, experience in sorting and identification techniques and/or previous experience in rhodolith investigation and participation in research projects will be considered positively.
   
   
5. The engagement will last for a maximum of three (3) months from receipt of appointment letter, preferably commencing soon after 1 September 2020, with the selected candidate expected to invest a minimum of 400 logged hours over the same period. The candidate needs to log the hours spent within the University of Malta’s laboratories on a monthly basis within time-sheet templates provided by the University of Malta. 50% of the total payment by the University of Malta will be made after the first full month of work, against the provision of VAT receipts by the same candidate, whilst the remaining 50% of the payment will be made upon full completion of commissioned tasks and duties and upon the submission of a final administrative report of activities conducted by the awardee.
   
   
6. Total remuneration for the engagement is that of 10,000 euros, exclusive of 18% VAT.

To get to know more and to apply contact Prof. Alan Deidun.