Postdoctoral fellow in Environmental Science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The postdoctoral position is funded by BECC (Biodiversity and Ecosystem services in a Changing Climate), an interdisciplinary strategic research area based on collaboration between more than 250 researchers at the universities of Lund and Gothenburg. BECC develops research that contributes to the visualization and generation of knowledge to predict and manage the combined effect of climate change and land use on biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services. BECC's strength is its existing and successful research leaders from many different disciplines such as biology, political science, geology, mathematics, physical geography and economics that together develop BECC. The Center for Environmental and Climate Research, CEC, hosts BECC. CEC is both a physical and a virtual center at Lund University. CEC conducts research, education and communication about environmental science and climate research.

Forest management practices for climate targets and environmental objectives – adaptive strategies based on novel combinations of ecosystem modelling, policy analysis and visualisation

The forest contribute to human well-being in many ways. To avoid overuse and unintentional ecosystem changes, this multi-functionality has to be addressed when developing forest management strategies and policies. The aim of this transdisciplinary project is to quantify and visualize the contribution of different adaptive management strategies to climate solutions and fulfillment of environmental objectives during the transition towards a fossil-free society. The post doctor will take part in science-stakeholder dialogues, which will build on recognized status of ecosystem services. The post doctor will be the main responsible for compiling information from these dialogues, construct indicators of ecosystem services and analyze ecosystem model data to address conflicts and potential policy development. The working tasks includes writing of scientific articles, based on the stakeholder dialogue and the construction of indicators, and visualization of results to give concrete examples of forest owners’ decision making in relation to climate and environmental goals, dilemma and conflicts. 

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has 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 can have been completed earlier.

The candidate should have: 

• a PhD degree or equivalent related to the fields of physical geography, social science, environmental science, forestry, or ecology
• background knowledge of forest ecology and forest management, and a genuine interest in transdisciplinary research
• Excellent Swedish and English language skills and a will to communicate with stakeholders is a must.

Merits

• includes documented experience in working with stakeholders, policies for climate solutions and ecological applications, and
• experience from working with large data sets and statistics.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008. 

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages)
• contact information of at least two references
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.