Project assistant for European forest dynamics assesment - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description
How are Europe’s forest changing? Are we seeing increasing tree mortality? What is the future of these forests likely to look like under changing climate and management? In the ecosystem modelling group at Lund University we are attempting to help answer these questions through a range of national and international projects.

Work duties
This position will contribute to two major aims:

(1) to develop a web application to display and compare the latest data on changing forest dynamics of tree growth, mortality and harvest, coming from forest inventories, satellites and forest modelling.

(2) To develop and apply software for the evaluation of the performance of forest ecosystem models.

This work will improve communication of information on forest dynamics with the wider scientific community and general public, as well as provide a fundamental role in developing improved capacity to model European forest futures. Code development will primarily be in the R language.

The staff member will also lead and/or contribute to writing of peer-reviewed papers based on the results. Exact details of work plans will be agreed in discussion with the supervisor. Participation in national and international meetings and workshops as necessary related to the above is expected, as is carrying out related administration and communication activities. The work will contribute to the EFI-NET project (https://efi.int/efinet), which aims to develop a blueprint for a forest monitoring scheme for Europe, and the CLIMB-Forest project, which aims to understand the climate mitigation potential of European forests. The position is well suited for e.g. recently-graduated Master’s students with experience in computer coding, although more experienced candidates are also very much welcomed to apply.

 Qualification

• Education: Bachelor and Master's degrees in quantitative science or similar.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience in the processing of large datasets.
• Documented skills in computer programming.

Other merits
Specialist knowledge in forest dynamics. Evidence of ability to execute research independently and act upon own initiative. Evidence of development of code in the R language. Strong organisational skills, including ability and willingness to contribute to community activities. 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.

We will place great emphasis on personal suitability. Consideration will also be given to the potential to develop an independent research career in the future, collaboration skills, how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen the administrative work within the unit/department, as well as contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
Fixed-term employment at 100% of full time for a period of 1 year. Preferred starting date, 1st December 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

For further details contact thomas.pugh@nateko.lu.se, stefan.olin@nateko.lu.se

 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 and suitability for this position (no more than one page),
• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• contact information of at least two referees,
• copy of certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.