Post-doctoral fellow in environmental science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
New pathways are needed for an efficient alignment of the financial system with the needs of biodiversity. This postdoc links efforts of the research project BIOPATH with aim to assess, co-develop and test existing and novel approaches for integration of biodiversity considerations into financial decision-making with financial actors, and analyse the institutional and policy implications of potential transition pathways. The postdoc will focus on how to develop and adapt life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to assess biodiversity consequences of alternative use of food, forest products and bioenergy. This requires, in parallel, development of more robust quantitative biodiversity threshold values which can be integrated in financial decision-making by enhanced LCA approaches, similar to the inclusion of quantitative carbon footprint values today. To this end, existing LCA methodologies and biodiversity impact models will be used to develop new and innovative approaches able to integrate biodiversity into financial decision.

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 successful candidate will map and evaluate the robustness of existing LCA-based approaches published in various literature which include quantification of biodiversity impacts. In a second step, the candidate will assess the possibilities of integrating enhanced and adapted data-driven biodiversity metrics into developed LCA methodology for different decision contexts. Finally, LCA-based case studies will be performed testing and transforming the approaches mapped in the previous tasks but focusing on biodiversity consequences of alternative uses of bioenergy and food. Here, new biodiversity footprints will be combined with existing carbon footprints utilised in current decision-making, e.g. included in EU and national policy tools.

The work will be carried out with an interdisciplinary project team with expertise in biodiversity and ecological science, environmental systems studies, political science, and more. The postdoc is expected to present results at international conferences, produce high quality scientific papers, and play a role in disseminating the results. Stakeholder interactions are a part of the project. The postdoc is also expected to actively participate in and contribute to the general scientific discussion in the research groups.

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 date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented skills in life cycle assessments
• Knowledge of ecology and biodiversity mapping
• Demonstrated skills in scientific publishing

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:

• Proficiency and experience in life-cycle assessment, in particular related to the use of biomass in different sectors
• Documented knowledge of ecology in general and conservation of biodiversity in particular

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 and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

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.