Postdoctoral Fellow in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
The postdoctoral position is funded by BECC (Biodiversity and Ecosystem services in a Changing Climate), 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 existing and successful research leaders from many different disciplines such as biology, political science, geology, mathematics, physical geography and economics that together develop BECC. This research project entails a close collaboration with Richard Walters and Henrik Smith at Lund University and Lars Gamfeldt at the University of Gothenburg, which will entail a 3-month funded visit to the Department of Marine Science.

Understanding the role of biodiversity loss on ecosystem functions, and services in Sweden’s forests under climate change
Global biodiversity declines are increasingly well documented and predicted to worsen under projected land-use and climate change. This has important implications for the wider society since biodiversity is known to underpin a wide range of ecosystem functions and associated services. However, forecasting the effects of environmental stressors on biodiversity, ecosystem function and ecosystem services is notoriously difficult due to a generally poor understanding of the causal relationships between them. To understand better why certain species respond to a given driver and what the consequences of a given loss could mean for ecosystem function, it is necessary to use trait-based and functional diversity approaches to infer underlying mechanisms.

In this project, the post-doc will make use of long-term time-series data of species abundance for various taxa (primarily forest birds), corresponding trait databases and alternative functional diversity metrics to fully evaluate the potential benefits and limitations of such approaches over traditional taxonomic analyses. The post-doc will explore the consequences of various land-management scenarios under climate change. The work will be performed in interaction with relevant stakeholders (representatives of land-owners and authorities) with respect to the feasibility of management scenarios and reliability and usability of biodiversity indices to evaluate success.

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. 

Detailed description of the work duties, such as: 

• Preparation of large data sets for statistical analyses.
• Implement statistical models to explore the links between biodiversity and ecosystem function using various trait-based approaches and functional diversity metrics.
• Co-design with stakeholders of relevant environmental-management scenarios to investigate consequences of biodiversity loss in Swedish forests across both space and time.

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: 

• Ph.D. in Environmental science/Ecology/Evolution or related field
• Knowledge of ecological processes, community dynamics and biodiversity conservation.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical modelling with experience in programming (coding simulations).
• Proficiency in written and spoken English

The applicant should have experience in statistical modelling, and knowledge of ecological interactions, ecosystem function and services within the wider context of biodiversity conservation.

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: 

• Demonstrable problem-solving skills and ability to transfer knowledge among fields/systems.
• Experience using relevant R packages
• Good communicative and collaborative skills.
• A wider interest in climate change and conservation policy.

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.