Postdoc on dynamic goals for nature management at Center for Macroecology, Globe Institute

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic person two-year [24 month] position as postdoc to commence 1 May 2024 or as soon as possible after.

The position will be based at the Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate (CMEC) at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen. The Institute’s main purpose is to address basic and applied scientific questions through interdisciplinary approaches. The institute operates at the intersection of natural, and medical sciences and the humanities. Information on the department can be found at: www.macroecology.ku.dk and www.globe.ku.dk.

Our group and research
You will be part of a research-team focused on evidence-based nature conservation and management of terrestrial habitats in temperate Europe. We seek to impact practical conservation, by bridging between state of the art in science and practical nature management. In this work, we combine primary field based research, scientific reviews and collaborations with nature managers in the public and private sector. We emphasize teamwork and collaborations both inside CMEC and with a global network of close collaborators. We strive to maintain a supportive and inclusive group where the experiences and skills of everyone help to build a productive, synergetic, and friendly culture and working environment.

CMEC is a center of excellence with a cross-disciplinary research program. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment addressing fundamental questions on the origin, maintenance, conservation, and future of life and biological diversity on Earth. The 40+ researchers at CMEC currently represent 14 different nationalities and the working language is English. The center juxtaposes faculty staff scientists from the fields of macroecology, historical biogeography, conservation science, oceanography, evolutionary biology, community ecology, population biology, climate change research, and environmental economics.

Your job
The position is part of a larger grant led by Associate professor Jacob Heilmann-Clausen and funded by two private Danish foundations (Aage V. Jensens Naturfond and 15. Juni Fonden). The aim of the overall project is to explore how a dynamic understanding of ecosystem can be integrated in evidence-based nature conservation. In the project, we intend to expand from traditional fixed conservation goals (e.g. specific target species or well-defined EU habitat types) to dynamic, “open-ended” goals without losing objectivity and measurability. The project is a collaboration with the Center for Sustainable Landscapes under Global Change, led by Prof. Signe Normand at University of Aarhus. From Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Prof. Carsten Rahbek will be co-supervisor at the Postdoc project.

As part of the postdoctoral work, we will review the international scientific literature using systematic review protocols to identify suitable indicators and monitoring approaches suitable for such a dynamic approach to nature restoration. You will have the main responsibility for conducting this review, but will also have the opportunity to shape your own research within the scope of the grant. Based on this, you will be expected to lead the development of one or more papers for publication in international peer-reviewed journals. You will also have the opportunity to gain experience in teaching and supervise MSc and BSc student thesis projects.

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in conservation science, ecology, biology, or other environmental sciences.
• You have published first-author papers in international peer-reviewed journals
• You have a deep understanding of ecosystem dynamics in temperate terrestrial ecosystems
• Experience with monitoring of biodiversity, including field-based assessment of habitat structures and biodiversity
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience in teaching and supervising undergraduate and MSc students
• Experience in statistical analysis (for example Mixed-Effects models and/or process-based models).
• Experience with multitaxa biodiversity data
• Experience with systematic reviews or perspective papers on habitat restoration
• Experience with remote sensing
• Experience with corporate nature projects and the EU-taxonomy

Place of employment
The place of employment is at Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate (CMEC) located at Universitetsparken 15. DK-2100 Copenhagen K, Denmark. http://macroecology.ku.dk/

About Globe Institute
The Globe Institute is part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. The Institute’s main purpose is to address basic scientific questions through interdisciplinary approaches. The institute operates at the intersection of natural and medical sciences and the humanities. Information on the institute can be found at: http://www.globe.ku.dk/.

The Globe Institute is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment where employees and students can belong and thrive. See website for more information. All qualified applicants will receive full consideration. Candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, contribute to diversity and competencies of our Institute are encouraged to apply. The University of Copenhagen strives to offer a family friendly and flexible working environment with a sustainable balance between work- and private life, including parental leave schemes (up to 47 weeks for both parents) and up to six weeks of paid holidays per year. Researchers that have not been tax liable in Denmark for the last 10 years can apply for a special (reduced) tax scheme. The university offers a variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families.

Terms of employment

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2 years. The starting date is 1 May 2024, or as soon as possible here after.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 36,410 DKK/approx. 4,880 EUR (October 2023 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information please contact Jacob Heilmann-Clausen; [email protected].

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Letter of application including a short description of previous research experience and a research plan outlining how the project could be carried out (max. two pages). Project description is used only for evaluating the applicant.
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. A list of publications
5. Full contact details (Name, address, telephone & email) of two professional references (these will only be contacted if you are short-listed).

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 7 February 2024, 23.59pm CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held in the period of week 9 till week 12.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.

Kilde: Jobnet.dk