PostDoc in Environmental Science with focus on arctic ecosystems - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Centre for Environmental and Climate Research, CEC, is a center at Lund University. CEC conducts research, education and communication on environmental science and climate research, read more here http://www.cec.lu.se/. A central part of the CEC is the coordination of the strategic research area Biodiversity in a Changing Climate (BECC).

BECC is a strategic research area that brings together over 200 researchers at Lund University and the University of Gothenburg. BECC brings together scientists from the natural and social sciences to perform research essential in understanding the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem services on local, regional, national and global scales, to provide a scientific basis for the sustainable management of ecosystems and biodiversity. We examine how human influence on climate and ecosystems affects biodiversity and ecosystem services from local to global scales and how this knowledge can be integrated into decisions on mitigation or adaptation to these changes. Read more here www.becc.lu.se. 

Filling in critical knowledge gaps of ecosystem properties across the Arctic

The Arctic is a critical biome for biodiversity, biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem services but most research in the region is strongly clustered around a few locations. This means that scientific understanding of Arctic processes, which guide both predictive models and policy debates, probably disproportionately influence by only a few locations with environmental conditions that may or may not be representative of the biome as a whole. This project will use a unique map of Arctic scientific research to identify six sites representing the least studied regions of the Arctic then perform a wide-ranging, rapid field survey of key environmental properties at each site. These results will be compared with matching surveys at two of the most intensively studied Arctic sites. The results will provide key insights into the full range of environmental variation across the Arctic, thereby helping to improve predictions and models of whole-Arctic processes and conditions under climate change.

Contact person: Daniel Metcalfe, + 46 (0) 72 205 2795, dan.metcalfe@nateko.lu.se

Web address to contact person: http://www.nateko.lu.se/dan-metcalfe

Deliverables

• First field data on key environmental variables from the most under-sampled areas and environments of the terrestrial Arctic.
• Comparison of environmental properties and processes of these under-sampled areas with the same data from more well sampled sites (e.g. Toolik Lake, Abisko).
• Evaluation of the underlying mechanisms regulating observed differences in ecosystems sampled.

Integrative Output

An improved picture of whole-Arctic means and ranges in values for key environmental properties and processes

Qualifications - requirements

• PhD in environmental sciences, ecology, soil science, physical geography or ecophysiology.
• The candidate must be excellent in spoken and written English.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively and spend long periods of time doing fieldwork.
• Driving license.

Merits

• Experience of fieldwork in remote sites.
• Experience of quantitative analysis, particularly statistics.
• Experience of scientific publication, especially in English.
• Experience with applying for and winning grants or other awards.
• Documented experience of basic medical emergency training.
• Experience of working independently & organizing own work schedule to achieve a specific goal.
• Experience of working successfully within a team.
• Experience of managing and leading a team.
• Experience of and an interest in interdisciplinary work.

The postdocs main duty will be to carry out research in an active research environment including several postdocs, PhD students, and thesis students investigating research questions in similar themes, with generous opportunity for collaborative work. The postdoc is also expected to actively participate in the BECC environment, by e.g. participating, initiating and contributing to seminars, workshops and thematic research meetings. The postdoc may also participate in teaching on a limited basis.

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant have a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree could have been completed earlier.

The most important criterion for evaluating the applicants will be scientific skill. Emphasis will also be on the extent to which the applicant can contribute to the general development of the strategic research area BECC.

Attachments

CV, cover letter and at least two references to former employees/supervisors.

Personal suitability for the project will be of importance.

Terms

The University applies individual payroll. Please enter salary claims in your application