Postdoctoral Fellow in the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The postdoctoral position is placed at the Centre for Environmental and Climate Science (CEC, http://www.cec.lu.se) and it is funded by BECC (Biodiversity and Ecosystem services in a Changing Climate), which is hosted by CEC. BECC is an interdisciplinary strategic research area based on collaboration between more than 250 researchers at the universities of Lund and Gothenburg. BECC develops research that contributes to the visualization and generation of knowledge to predict and manage the combined effect of climate change and land use on biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services. BECC's strength is its successful research leaders from various disciplines such as biology, political science, geology, mathematics, physical geography and economics that together develop BECC.

Topic description
Heatwaves induced by climate change constitute an increasing threat to insect communities. Yet, conservation efforts to mitigate the impact of heatwaves on biodiversity and related ecosystem services are still sparse. This project aims to evaluate the potential of modifying microclimates with trees and shrubs as an ecosystem-based climate adaptation to increase the resilience of wild bee communities and crop pollination to heatwaves. As a result, the proposed project will contribute to the development of ecosystem-based climate adaptation actions that enable more climate-change resilient agriculture, society and nature, as well as policies that facilitate their implementation.

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 research project will include:

• Performing a mesocosm study to evaluate how pollination by wild bees under heatwaves is affected by microclimates.
• Conducting a policy study, where we assess the feasibility and economic costs of creating microclimates with trees and shrubs as a climate adaptation action on farmland.
• Using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and field surveys to investigate how microclimates affect the richness and abundance of wild bees in agricultural landscapes, as well as pollination of wild plants and agricultural crops.

The postdoc will through the project develop their skills and knowledge on topics with high scientific and societal relevance, including ecology, biodiversity, pollination, GIS, UAV, conservation policy and economics. In addition, the postdoc will be part of an active and collaborative reserach environment, with opportunities to participate in different collaborations and activities within BECC, CEC and more.

Qualification requirements

• A PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position (e.g., biology, environmental science or physical geography), completed no more than three years before the last date for application. Under special circumstances (e.g., parental leave), the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented experience in handling and statistically analyzing ecological data.

Meriting
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. Specific merits include:

• Experience from planning and conducting ecological field surveys.
• Knowledge on wild bee ecology.
• Experience in assessing conservation actions and policies.
• Experience and knolwedge in analyzing spatial data with GIS and remote sensing.
• Being collaborative, independent, communicative and driven.
• Experienced user of the software R.

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. Start date: as soon as possible according to agreement.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• Résumé/CV, including a list of publications.
• A general description of past research and future research interests (max. 2 pages).
• Contact information for at least two references.
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.