Researcher in Environmental Science and Ecotoxicology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Emerging ecotoxicological challenges of mixture effects from pesticide use

Duties:

Pesticides historically had major negative impacts on wildlife, but current regulations have largely eliminated the drastic and directly lethal effects. Instead a major problem with (to large extents unknown) sub-lethal effects has emerged, including effects from exposure to a mixture of pesticides, also interacting with other environmental factors. In addition, species can display differences in their biological responses to toxins, where even closely related species differ in sensitivity to exposure. This poses serious challenges in translating the available laboratory-based risk assessments to decision support for the regulatory agencies.

This project will continue review work that has been performed at CEC in 2019 concerning the current knowledge on links between laboratory assessments of pesticide toxicity and sub-lethal effects in wild populations, to determine the ability to transfer results across the sequence, from laboratory tests over semi-field tests to true field tests. Based on the identified information, we will propose a research agenda for how future ecotoxicological research could uncover and prevent sub-lethal mixture effects.

The work will consist of reviewing the field and compiling relevant available research studies on the topic, and drawing conclusions from the material which could benefit decision processes and directives in the future. The work should result in one or more publications, as peer-reviewed articles or a synthesis reports or. The applicant is welcome to apply for additional external research funding during the work to perform additional synthesis work, lab or field experiments relevant for project. This can be done by collaborating with the researchers at the Centre for Environmental Research (CEC) where the position is placed, or with researchers at departments associated with CEC.

Qualifications

• PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. Particular emphasis will in first hand be placed on the applicant’s scientific competence from the research fields of molecular biology, toxicology, ecology or chemistry, but a background in other research fields could also be considered if relevant for the position
• Very good knowledge of English, in both spoken and written terms
• Good documented ability to develop and perform high quality research, preferably across traditional subject boundaries
• Very good ability to compile and write scientific text
• Experience from work with decision-making bodies / actors is a merit, also having worked with/on issues related to the use of pesticides.

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 CEC, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.