Postdoctoral position in Water Resources Engineering with a focus on Data Research Infrastructure for the Middle East Studies - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The Division of Water Resources Engineering and the Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) announce one vacant position as a 2-year postdoctoral fellow on data research infrastructure development for the Middle east. The postdoctoral position is fully funded for 2 years and placed at the Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies. 

The Division of Water Resources Engineering at the Department of Building and Environmental Technology carries out studies on safe water availability to society. The division hosts over 50 employees including faculty members, postdocs, Ph.D. students, and technical and administrative staff.

The Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) was established in 2007 to support, coordinate and expand on research at Lund University on the Middle East. CMES coordinates the Strategic Research Area (SRA) “The Middle East in the Contemporary World” (MECW) since 2009. The Strategic Research Area includes more than thirty scholars from five different faculties at Lund University.

The Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) coordinates the Strategic Research Area (SRA) “The Middle East in the Contemporary World” (MECW). The research program consists of four research themes: 1) Environment and sustainable development; 2) Security and sustainable peace; 3) Democratization, migration and sustainable socio-economic development; and 4) Religion, identity and culture. For more details about the MECW program: https://www.cmes.lu.se/middle-east-contemporary-world-mecw

Subject description

The overarching aim is to initiate a data research infrastructure project where multidisciplinary data are collected, controlled, analyzed, and stored with a focus on the Middle East region and made available through the internet and computer systems to support research at the CMES and elsewhere. The research will be carried out on the development of high spatio-temporal hydro-climatic datasets using remote sensing and in-situ measurements and AI techniques. The objective is to provide valuable and high-quality data on the MENA region free-of-charge for international researchers and policymakers to utilize, and generate insights that lead to accurate policy decisions in the MENA region and allow for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

The main work duties for the postdoctoral fellow is to conduct research within the project “The Middle East in the Contemporary World” (MECW) in collaboration with other project participants. Research tasks will include the initiation of a database infrastructure for multidisciplinary use regarding the Middle East. The data platform should provide free access to quality-controlled, comprehensive, and integrated information. The responsibilities also include hydro-environmental data analysis and dissemination of results through publications in scholarly journals and conference presentations. Research is concentrated on development in the Middle East. The position consists of 100 percent research. 

Arbetsuppgifterna innefattar även:

• Research within the subject area as above
• Administration related to the tasks specified above

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. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English. 
• Holding a Ph.D. in civil, water, environmental engineering, or data science.
• Strong experience in academic written English. 

Assessment criteria 

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. 

Other qualifications:

 Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills pertaining to the following criteria:

• Advanced data treatment
• Previous experience from database related infrastructure work is a merit
• Ability to work and collaborate in an international research group
• Proven knowledge to analyze interdisciplinary data, e.g., environmental and socioeconomic data
• To communicate research results to decision makers and the public

Consideration will also be given to 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. 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years (preferably 1 January 2024-31 December 2025) and the fellowship is placed at the Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies. 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”).

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee: Work at Lund University

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV including a publication list and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome with your application!