Post-doctoral fellow in assessment of global forest dynamics

The world’s forests are changing rapidly around us. Rates of tree mortality are increasing in many regions, growth rates of trees are changing and the enormous sink of carbon that they provide may be under threat. Yet we currently lack consistent and reliable global-scale assessments of how the dynamics of tree growth and death are changing and likely to change in the future. In the TreeChange project, we are combining information on life history traits, derived from field observations, with demographic vegetation modelling in order to understand unpick the future of the world’s forests and the global forest carbon sink.

The fellow will join the TreeChange team at Lund University and work directly with other project nodes in Switzerland and the United Kingdom. They will work under the supervision of Thomas Pugh and alongside a wider team of researchers working on forest dynamics and ecosystem modelling at Lund University. The fellow will develop new methodology utilising the LPJ-GUESS dynamic vegetation model and applying it for assessment of dynamics and carbon cycling in forests around the world. They can expect opportunities to substantially build their professional network, interfacing with a large team of collaborators worldwide. The fellow 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 position is to conduct research. Opportunities for teaching may also be included, but shall constitute a minor part of the role. 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 tree demographic information derived from ground-based inventory plot data and related tasks, as laid out in the TreeChange project description. This will include the planning of model developments, carrying out model developments, preparing and analysing observational datasets, 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 proficiency in computer programming.
• Track record of preparing and publishing high-quality scientific publications.
• PhD in biology, ecology or related numerate scientific disciplines.

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 process-based modelling approaches, especially vegetation modelling.
• Competence in computer programming, with C++ an advantage.
• 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 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,
• 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!