Researcher in environmental science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are looking for a researcher for the project: Mitigating negative effects of land-use intensity in small-scale land-sparing strategies for farmland biodiversity conservation, funded by FORMAS. The research position in environmental science aims to investigate the extent to which the biodiversity conservation value of semi-natural grasslands is affected by the intensity of agricultural land use in surrounding landscapes, and if any negative impact of intensive land use is moderated by local grassland quality and/or landscape structure. In this project, we will explore this using remote sensing as a novel tool to inform conservation of mobile organism that utilize grasslands as well as also complementary resources in the surrounding landscapes.

The project integrates research in biological diversity and natural geography. It is a collaboration between project manager Peter Olsson, Center for Environmental and Climate Science, Johan Ekroos, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Lars Eklundh, Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science and Henrik Smith, Center for Environmental and Climate Science.

Work duties
Work duties mainly include research in landscape ecology and remote sensing, where the main task is to analyze how biological diversity in nature conservation areas relate to productivity in agricultural land and local habitat structure. The work includes leading and participating in a field study collecting biodiversity data on insects, as well as analyzing collected data using statistical modelling and communicating the results in scientific literature. The results should be published in recognized scientific journals. The tasks also include administration linked to the tasks above.

Qualification requirements

• A PhD in ecology, natural geography or equivalent research qualification within the subject of the position
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Good knowledge of statistical modelling in R
• Good knowledge of the Geographical Information System in R
• Experience of ecological field research
• Driving license for passenger car

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

• Relevant publications in scientific journals
• Good ability to develop and carry out high quality research
• Experience using remote sensing
• Documented knowledge of working with land-use data such as the Swedish Board of Agriculture's IACS/block database
• Ability to communicate in Swedish

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
The employment is limited in time to a maximum of 18 months and refers to full-time.

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