Project assistant in Environmental Science

The position is financed by the collaborative project Extreme-Loss which spans across three of Lund University’s strategic research areas, The Middle East in the Contemporary World (MECW), Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in a Changing Climate (BECC) and ModElling the Regional and Global Earth system (MERGE). The place of work will be at the Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) which supports, coordinates and expands interdisciplinary research on the Middle East at Lund University.
The employment will be at the newly formed Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (MGeo).

Work duties

The project assistant will support the initial phase of the Extreme-Loss pilot study, which investigates the socio-ecological impacts of climate change on agricultural livelihoods in Turkey. Example of work duties can be:

• Identify and collect relevant digital data (e.g., land use, water, economic indicators, migration) for the case study.
• Conduct correlation analyses of the collected data.
• Prepare a literature review to identify research gaps.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team across social and natural sciences.
• Engage with the activities at the Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies (CMES).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in geography, geoinformatics, environmental science, sustainability science, or a related field.
• Experience in data analysis using scripting languages such as Matlab, Python, and R.
• Experience working with earth observation data and visualisation of data in maps and charts.
• Demonstrated experience in Remote Sensing, GIS tools, and spatio-temporal analysis.
• Excellent command of English.
• Ability and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks independently.

Other merits

• Experience in academic writing and contributing to research papers as part of collaborative projects.
• Experience with climate change, agriculture, or migration-related research.
• Experience in working on Turkey and/or the Middle East.
• Knowledge of Turkish.

We will place great emphasis on personal suitability. Consideration will also be given to i.e. good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen the administrative work within the unit/department, as well as contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment

Fixed term employment, 6 months.

Full time, 100%.

Contact persons:

Co-PI: Yann Clough, yann.clough@cec.lu.se

PI: Pinar Dinc, pinar.dinc@svet.lu.se

The advertised position will be located the newly formed Department of Environmental and Earth Sciences within the faculty of science.

By merging the Centre for Environmental and Climate Science, the Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science and the Department of Geology in a joint and co-located organisation, the new department will strengthen the link between different research fields, develop new educational programmes and promote collaboration with society.

Instructions on how to apply

• Cover letter in English (max. 2 pages) stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and how the employment corresponds to your qualifications.
• Bachelor degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.).
• CV including a list of publications (max. 3 pages).
• Writing sample in English (e.g., course assignment, thesis chapter, published article, or other academic/professional text).
• Evidence of data analysis experience: one sample of your work demonstrating your ability to analyze spatial or temporal data using Remote Sensing and GIS tools (e.g., thesis section, coursework, project report, or technical note).
• Names and contact information for two references.