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.

Exploring synergies between wild pollinators and climate-smart protein production – a mixed methods approach

A suggested way of increasing the sustainability of the EU food sector is to expand national production of protein from leguminous crops, in order to replace meat and imported fodder. The field bean is a major potential meat and protein fodder replacement crop in Europe, but has – due to its yield variability – been a relatively unattractive option for farmers. This interdisciplinary project will use a mixed methods approach to evaluate potential synergies between increased grain legume production and the enhancement of multiple ecosystem services (e.g. insect pollination, increased carbon sequestration) for the promotion of sustainable agriculture. The postdoc will be hosted in an attractive multidisciplinary research environment at the Centre for Environmental and Climate Research in collaboration with the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS).

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. 

The project includes three main tasks:

1. developing agro-ecological production functions that quantify the multiple benefits of increasing the area of field beans,
2. evaluate consequences on farmer welfare and economic constraints facing farmers for increasing the area of leguminous crops, and
3. developing policy scenarios to score and examine model predictions in interaction with stakeholders. The postdoc is expected to present results at international conferences, produce high quality papers for publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and play a driving role in disseminating the results to stakeholders, e.g. through policy briefs and targeted seminars. Continuous interaction with CEC:s stakeholder network is a central part of the project.

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.

We are looking for a candidate with a PhD degree in ecology, agronomy, environmental science or similar, and with documented knowledge of agro-ecology, modelling, and agricultural governance.

Experience with research or analysis in relation to land use in the green sector, demonstrated skills of quantitative methods and computer programming (e.g., in R, MATLAB, ArcGIS, etc.), ecological modelling and stakeholder interactions are meriting.

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.