Doctoral student in biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Work duties 

This PhD student will together with researchers from different disciplines and stakeholders, develop scenarios for restoration of ecological complexity in case-studies linked to existing Swedish eco parks, i.e., landscapes with forests of high natural values and special conservation ambitions. Terrestrial ecosystems throughout Europe face the intertwined threats of climate change and biodiversity loss. Restoring ecological complexity - rewilding - could be a solution to mitigate negative effects by using natural processes to adapt ecosystems to climate change and support their biodiversity. The European wildE project aims to assess and improve the potential of climate-smart, nature-based ecological restoration. It addresses the links between climate and biodiversity in close association with the socio-economic dimension of large-scale restoration, by comparing scenarios from various land uses, assessing associated risks and opportunities, and exploring new approaches to make ecological restoration a socially and economically viable solution for local actors and communities. The PhD-student in this project, will work transdisciplinarily together with researchers from multiple disciplines, Sweden's largest forest owner and other stakeholders, to generate and evaluate scenarios for restoration of ecological complexity - rewilding - to benefit both biodiversity and social values.

The scenarios will be evaluated for the biodiversity and social benefits, as well as the costs for the land-owner. To this end, the PhD-student will use existing and collect new biodiversity data related to ongoing conservation efforts, develop statistical tools based on monitoring data combined with land-use information including remote sensing, and use that data to evaluate co-developed scenarios for restoration. The PhD-student will also participate in evaluation of the social benefits of the scenarios together with collaborating researchers from the social sciences. Economic consequences are evaluated with the forest owner. The PhD project is placed in an attractive research environment at the Department of Biology, Lund University. 

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses 
and study programmes if he or she: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 
  credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies 
in Biology if he or she has passed an independent project (for example a 
degree project) of at least 30 credits in a relevant subject and have good oral 
and written proficiency in English. 

Additional requirements 

Add any further requirements ( experience and knowledge) deemed necessary for completing the third cycle programme. 

• An MSc in conservation biology, ecology, environmental science, or 
  a closely related area, including a degree project of 30 credits or more).
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Driving license.
• Documented knowledge of biodiversity science and/or conservation 
  biology. 

In addition to the mandatory requirements, documented experience in the 
following areas will be considered as strong merits:

• Knowledge of landscape ecology, animal ecology, and/or forest ecology.
• Previous experience with statistical analyses of large datasets including biodiversity data.
• Knowledge in using GIS and interpreting remotely sensed land-use data.
• Proficiency in Swedish. 

Assessment criteria 

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student's potential to profit 
from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the 
basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention 
is paid to the following: 

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of 
  study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and 
  tackle researchproblems.
• Written and oral communication skills
• Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, for example 
  professional experience. 

Consideration will also be given to strong collaborative skills, drive and 
independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and 
skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing 
the third cycle programe. 

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed toa doctoral 
studentship. Third cycle studies consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A 
doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years 
(including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in 
the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

lnstructions on how to apply 

Applications should be written in English and include a cover letter stating 
the reasons why you are interested in the postgraduate education programme 
and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and 
educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree 
certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered 
(grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of 
recommendation, etcetera).