Postdoctor in assessments of global forest dynamics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The fellow will work on assessment of global forest dynamics and carbon cycling, combining observational datasets, particularly from ground-based inventory plots, with dynamic global vegetation modelling. The fellow will work on the Tree2Globe project under the supervision of Thomas Pugh and alongside a wider team of researchers working on forest dynamics and ecosystem modelling at Lund University. They will also become part of the BECC research platform, a collaboration between Lund University and the University of Gothenburg, which brings together over 250 researchers working on the topics related to biodiversity and ecosystem services under a changing climate. 

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 fellow will be expected to lead/contribute to research linking vegetation modelling with the LPJ-GUESS model with ground-based inventory plot data and related tasks, as laid out in the Tree2Globe project description. This will include the planning of model developments, carrying out model developments, preparing and analysing observational dataset, designing experimental protocols, carrying out the related simulations and analysis, and leading writing of peer-reviewed papers based on the results. The fellow is expected to contribute substantially to the intellectual development of the work. Participation in national and international meetings and workshops related to the above is expected, as is carrying out related administration and communication activities.

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 computer programming such as R.
• Prior experience working with large forest inventory datasets.
• Track record of preparing and publishing high-quality scientific publications.
• PhD in ecology.

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:

• Depth of knowledge of forest ecological processes.
• Level of experience in working with large forest inventory databases
• Competency in computer programming.
• Evidence of ability to develop and execute own research ideas, and act upon own initiative.
• Organisational skills, including ability and willingness to contribute to and coordinate community activities, such as model intercomparisons.
• Emphasis will be placed on the quality and quantity of scientific publications and other academic achievements indicative of emerging independence as a researcher.

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 a maximum of 3 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,
• an application letter detailing your motivation for this position, a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than one page),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.

Welcome to apply!