Aarhus University, Department of Agroecology in Foulum, offers a 3 year post-doc position within the implementation of geographically targeted solution scenarios and impact assessment, starting as soon as possible.
Area of work
The research must address the integrated assessment of land use, resource use efficiency and environmental impact mitigation of agricultural production. This includes the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for the development of methods to assess solution scenarios for the agricultural sector; both at national and local/watershed scales, and the linking of agricultural product value chains to the spatially specific land use effects.
The project
A significant part of the work will be carried out in relation to a recently initiated project that will assess the regional environmental and socio-economic consequences of increasing biomass production with a view to bio-refining. In this context, solutions to combine increased biomass production and the related land use changes with reduced environmental impacts, assessed in combination with Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), will be an import focus point. Moreover, work on solution scenarios will be carried out in relation to the http://www.dnmark.org/ multidisciplinary research alliance, including the development of general methods to assess 1) New production chains with more efficient nitrogen utilization and recirculation, 2) Geographically targeted measures based on locally adapted management and planning, and 3) New consumption patterns leading to land use changes and changes in nitrogen cycles.
Especially, the post doc will need to investigate possibilities to conduct geographically targeted implementation of the various solution scenarios regarding regionalized nitrogen losses from agricultural production. Using GIS, databases and appropriate spatial statistical modeling methods the candidate will produce maps with indication of where different solutions could be implemented. There will be a high focus on international publication of results.
The position will be part of the research group Agricultural Systems and Sustainability, based at Research Centre Foulum, with an interdisciplinary research profile – in this case co-operation is foreseen with Dept. of Environmental Science, Bioscience and the other partners of the DNMARK research alliance.
Qualifications
• Successful completion of university studies attested by a degree relevant to the field concerned (e.g. in natural or applied sciences)
• A PhD degree (or equivalent documented qualifications) relating to integrated assessment, Geographical Information Systems/Database management or any related field.
• Profound theoretical understanding and actual experience with land use impact assessment.
• Demonstrated experience with agricultural systems analyses and the management of large database and geospatial datasets will be an advantage.
• Proven record of designing and writing scientific publications
• Collaborative skills
Place of Employment and Place of Work
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Science and Technology, Blichers Alle 20, DK 8830 Tjele, Denmark.
Contact
Further information can be obtained from: Senior Scientist Tommy Dalgaard, tommy.dalgaard@agro.au.dk, Tel: +45 20706132 or Head of Section John E. Hermansen john.hermansen@agro.au.dk, Tel. +45 87158017.
You can read more about Department of Agroecology at http://agro.au.dk/en/
Formalities and salary range
Science and Technology refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.
Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities. (in Danish).
Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Confederation of Professional Associations.
Ansøgningsfrist
Alle ansøgninger skal være lavet online og modtaget senest:
15.01.2015
English