Postdoctor Political Science, Political Economy of Biodiversity Financing - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Mistra Biopath programme is an interdisciplinary research endeavour that aims to map, assess, co-develop and test existing and novel approaches for integration of biodiversity considerations into financial decision-making, and analyse the institutional and policy implications of potential transition pathways (see https://www.mistrabiopath.se/).

The Department announces one vacant position as a 2-year postdoctoral fellow to analyse the current governance framework of biodiversity financing from public and sectors. The postdoctoral position is fully funded for 2 years and placed at the Department of Political Science. The deadline for application is December 31, 2022. 

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Project description
The postdoctoral position will be part of the 4-year Mistra Biopath research program (https://www.mistrabiopath.se/). Mistra Biopath is a research program with a vision that the generated knowledge and innovations in are widely integrated into decision-making in industry and the financial system, thereby contributing to a transformative change that has turned the financial system into an important driver for halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity. Its research focuses on land-use change and management intensity related to agriculture, forestry, and energy, because land-use is the largest drivers of terrestrial biodiversity loss. In the corresponding work package of this position, the project will critically assess existing governance solutions and analyse the institutional and policy implications of potential transition pathways. The work package is coordinated by Lena Gipperth (Department of Law, Gothenburg University) and Nils Droste (Department of Political Science, Lund University). 

Main responsibilities 
The main responsibility for the postdoctoral fellow is to map and systematize the governance framework of the financial system in Sweden in relation to current multilevel governance frameworks to identify trends, gaps, and potential solutions. The analyses include the landscape of actors, as well as policy instruments, values, and practices that are driving or hindering the finance sector to hedge against biodiversity loss and to invest in restoration of habitats and species. The potential and limitations of purely private approaches shall be considered and the need to complement and steer with public policy is to be assessed. From there, the idea is to initiate pilot policy labs in collaboration with partners from private and public sectors, to explore and innovate potential solutions. 

Qualification requirements
Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria 
This is a merit-based position focused primarily on research. The position is intended as an initial career step and the assessment of applicants will be based primarily on their scientific merit and potential as researchers.

We are looking for candidates with a PhD in political science, environmental and sustainability science, economics, law or related disciplines. Experience in the governance of financial markets, value chains and climate or biodiversity policy is an asset. We are particularly interested in candidates with an interdisciplinary, multi-method background, as the programme combines qualitative and quantitative methods.

Additional merits include the ability to work in an international interdisciplinary research team and to communicate research results to a wider audience outside academia. Candidates must have excellent skills in academic written English.

The degree must have been obtained at the latest before the decision on the appointment is taken, but no later than three years before the closing date for applications. An earlier degree may be accepted in special circumstances. Exceptional circumstances include sick leave, parental leave, trade union duties, military service or other similar circumstances, clinical service or service/assignments relevant to the field of study. 

Terms of employment
The position involves at least two year full-time employment, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances according to the Swedish national agreement Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor. The starting date is at the earliest in February 2023 or as per agreement.

Application
Apply for the position at Lund University's recruitment system Varbi. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.
Please include the following information with your application
•    Your contact details and personal data
•    Your highest degree
•    Your language skills
•    Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents
•    Cover letter
•    CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
•    Research proposal (no more than 3 pages) describing: 
– why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement 
– why and how you wish to complete the project 
– what makes you suitable for the project in question
•    Copy of PhD diploma
•    a single, most important publication of your own in support of your application.