Postdoc in assessment of global forest dynamics

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked as one of the world's leading universities. It has around 46,000 students and 8,500 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our endeavor to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of human life. Lund University welcomes applicants from different backgrounds and experiences. Equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles for all parts of our operations. Research and education at the Department of Environmental Science and Geosciences (MGeo) address fundamental and applied questions regarding the Earth's past, present, and future climate and environment, including human interaction with nature and consequences for human well-being. MGeo develops and applies pioneering methods, models, and techniques within environmental science, Quaternary and bedrock geology, paleontology, physical geography, biodiversity and ecosystem science, remote sensing, geographic information science (GIS), and computational science within environment and health to study processes ranging from the microscopic to the planetary, across all timescales. The postdoc will be part of the TreeChange group at Lund University and collaborate directly with the project's research groups in Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The work is conducted under the supervision of Thomas Pugh and together with a broader group of researchers in forest dynamics and ecosystem modeling at Lund University. The postdoc will develop new methods using the dynamic vegetation model LPJ-GUESS and apply them to analyze forest dynamics and carbon turnover in forests worldwide. The employment provides excellent opportunities to develop an extensive professional network through collaboration with a large number of researchers internationally. The postdoc will also become part of the research platform BECC, a collaboration between Lund University and Gothenburg University that brings together over 250 researchers in biodiversity and ecosystem services in a changing climate. Duties The postdoc is expected to lead/contribute to research that connects vegetation modeling with LPJ-GUESS and tree demographic information based on data from field-based inventories on sample plots, as well as perform related tasks according to the project description for TreeChange. This includes planning and implementing model development, preparing and analyzing observational data, designing experimental protocols, conducting associated simulations and analyses, as well as leading the work of writing scientific articles based on the results for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The postdoc is expected to contribute significantly to the scientific and conceptual development of the work. Participation in national and international meetings and workshops related to the above is expected, as well as the performance of associated administrative tasks and communication activities. Eligibility requirements For employment as a postdoc, the applicant must have a doctoral degree, or a foreign degree assessed to correspond to a doctoral degree, within the subject area of the employment. The degree must have been awarded no more than three years before the date of the employment decision. If there are special reasons, the doctoral degree may have been awarded earlier. Other requirements: Very good knowledge of English, both oral and written. Documented skills in computer programming. Documented experience in writing and publishing high-quality scientific publications. A doctoral degree in biology, ecology, or related natural science subjects with a quantitative focus.

Assessment criteria and other merits This is a merit-based position primarily focused on research. The employment is intended as a first step in a career, and the assessment of applicants will primarily be based on their scientific merits and potential as researchers. Special emphasis will be placed on scientific skill within the subject area. When hiring a postdoc, the following shall constitute the assessment criteria: Good ability to develop and conduct high-quality research. Pedagogical skill.

Other assessment criteria: In-depth knowledge of forest ecological processes. Experience working with process-based modeling methods, especially vegetation modeling. Competence in computer programming, where knowledge of C++ is meritorious. Documented ability to develop and implement own research ideas as well as to take own initiatives. Organizational ability, including the ability and willingness to contribute to and coordinate joint activities within the research community, such as model comparisons. Weight will be given to the quality and number of scientific publications as well as other academic merits that demonstrate growing independence as a researcher.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, and independence, how the applicant's experience and competence complement and strengthen the ongoing research at the department, and how these can contribute to its future development. Terms of employment The employment is a fixed-term full-time position for two years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the "Agreement on fixed-term employment as postdoc" between Lund University, Saco-S, and OFR/S, dated February 1, 2022. Application procedure The application must be written in English and compiled into a PDF file containing: CV including publication list. A cover letter describing your motivation for the position as well as providing an overview of your previous research and your future research interests, at most one page. Contact details for at least two references. A copy of the doctoral degree certificate as well as other certificates and transcripts that you wish to invoke.

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