Readvertisement - Postdoc on dynamic goals in nature management at Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a 2 year 24 month position to commence 15 August 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. 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 aiming to set new evidence based standards for nature conservation and restoration 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 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 project led by Associate professor Jacob Heilmann- Clausen, funded by two private Danish foundations (Aage V. Jensens Naturfond, 15. Juni Fonden). The overall project aims to integrate a dynamic understanding of ecosystems in evidence-based nature conservation, with an overarching goal of improving biodiversity conservation. Notably, 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 that integrate natural dynamics and transitions, 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. At the Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Prof. Carsten Rahbek will act as a co-supervisor of the Postdoc project, but tight collaboration with a PostDoc at Aarhus University is also expected.

As part of the postdoctoral work, a main task will be to review the international scientific literature using systematic review protocols to identify suitable indicators and monitoring approaches suitable for 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) at the GLOBE Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Information on CMEC and the GLOBE Institute can be found at: https: // macroecology.ku.dk/ and https: // globe.ku.dk/. With over 200 early-career researchers at the Globe Institute, we have a large vibrant and international community with many work-related and social activities. University of Copenhagen is the best university in the European Union according to ARWU (Academic Ranking of World Universities 2019) and number 26 in the world. The city of Copenhagen is consistently rated among the most livable cities in the world; it is easy to navigate on a bike, yet international and diverse.

Terms of employment

The employment as postdoc is a full time 37 hours per week and fixed-term position for 2 years 24month. Starting date is 15 August 2024 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 36,400 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; jheilmann- [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:

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.

CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.

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.

A list of publications

Full contact details (Name, address, telephone & email) of two professional references (these will only be contacted if you are short-listed).

Deadline for applications: 5 June 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 https: // 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 week 25 and 26.

University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.