Post-doctoral fellow in modelling of global forest dyanmics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

What drives the functional composition of the World's forests? How does it interact with forest dynamics and climate change? We are looking for a fellow to join us in pursuit of answers. Our primary research tool is a state-of-the-art global vegetation model, LPJ-GUESS, which is particularly suited to the study of forest dynamics. Recent work has substantially upgraded the capability of LPJ-GUESS to simulate hydraulic stress. We are particularly interested apply in Bayesian statistical approaches to improve model performance in comparison to a range of observations. The fellow will contribute to the on-going further development of these capabilities and their application to the questions above, working at regional and/or global scales.

The fellow will work under the supervision of Thomas Pugh and alongside a wider team of researchers working on forest dynamics and ecosystem modelling at Lund University, in the related TreeMort ERC project and across Europe. They will also become part of the BECC research platform, a collaboration between Lund University and the University of Gothenburg, which brings together over 250 researchers working on the topics related to biodiversity and ecosystem services under a changing climate.

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 fellow will be expected to lead/contribute to research on the topic of global forest dynamics, with a focus on forest functional composition, response to drought and tree mortality. The core component of the work is anticipated to be developing and applying a Bayesian calibration approach to calibrate a new version of the LPJ-GUESS dynamic global vegetation model which includes a state-of-the-art treatment of plant hydraulics. This will require programming of the LPJ-GUESS model, as well as development of appropriate statistical approaches. The fellow will also contribute more broadly to on-going model development work related to the simulation of tree mortality and forest dynamics. Tasks will include the development of experimental protocols, carrying out the related simulations and analysis, and leading writing of peer-reviewed papers based on the results. Exact topics and work plans will be agreed in discussion with their supervisor, but the staff member is expected to contribute substantially to the intellectual development of the work. The staff member will also be expected to contribute to or lead applications for external funding as necessary. Participation in, and/or organisation of, national and international meetings and workshops related to the above is expected, as is carrying out related administration and communication activities.

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.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Substantial prior experience working with dynamic global vegetation models
• Substantial experience of Bayesian approaches
• Documented skills in computer programming, including lower-level languages such as Fortran or C++
• Documented success in leading and contributing to high-quality scientific publications
• PhD in natural sciences

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

Additional assessment criteria:

• Specialist knowledge in forest dynamics or tree ecophysiology, particularly relating to drought response
• Experience with applying and developing dynamic global vegetation models – preferably LPJ-GUESS
• Competency in computer programming - coupling experience between lower-level languages and R an advantage
• Evidence of ability to develop and execute own research ideas, and act upon own initiative
• Strong organisational skills, including ability and willingness to contribute to and coordinate community activities, such as community meetings and model intercomparisons
• Emphasis will be placed on academic achievements as evidence of emerging independence as a researcher and the ability to communicate in scientific and outreach contexts

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 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:

• An application letter detailing your motivation for this position, a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than two pages)
• Résumé/CV, including a list of publications
• Contact information of at least two references
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered