Postdoc opportunity in the EU-Horizon 2020 project: Forest restoration, biodiversity and ecosystem services
In the context of the Horizon 2020 project SUPERB (Systemic solutions for upscaling of ur-gent ecosystem restoration for forest-related biodiversity and ecosystem services), the Chair of Silviculture at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a 4-yr postdoctoral position focusing on the effects of different forest restoration approaches on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Starting date 01.12.2021.
Project description: To reverse the influences of past ecological degradation of European landscapes and to ensure that well-functioning forests can protect biodiversity and provide a wide range of ecosystem services in the face of climate change, restoration and adaptation of forest ecosystems is urgently needed. This has been called for in the European Green Deal and the 2020 EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. The project SUPERB aims at developing and implementing solutions for forest ecosystem restoration in different European settings. In this context, the work package on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management will provide the evi-dence base and best practice guidelines for effective and successful implementation and monitoring of forest ecosystem restoration. The Postdoc working in this work package will:
- in collaboration with stakeholders identify knowledge gaps regarding forest ecosystem restoration and develop portfolios of plausible restoration goals
- conduct systematic reviews to provide a robust knowledge base for different restoration ap-proaches to achieve certain restoration goals
- contribute to inventories of forest structure and biodiversity in different restoration demonstration areas in Europe and the analyses of relationships between ecosystem structure, composition, functions and biodiversity
- analyse relationships between important ecosystem services and forest structure, composition and site factors
- develop options for the important restoration challenges identified in the demo areas
Candidate profile: We are looking for a highly motivated and co-operative person with a strong background in forest ecology, biodiversity, silviculture and forest restoration, forest inventory, or related fields. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated his/her ability to suc-cessfully carry out relevant research including systematic reviews, liaising with stakeholders and communication of the results in scientific papers and to a general public. Experience in project management and supervision on MSc and PhD students is desirable. The applicant should be able to work independently and in a team, coordinate work with other project part-ners, and to plan and undertake field sampling in different locations within Europe. A strong statistical background and experience with R and systematic reviews/meta-analysis are de-sirable. Strong command of English is indispensable. For international candidates, knowledge of German (or a willingness to learn) would be beneficial to enhance the experience of living and working in Germany.
Salary is the German standard for doctoral students (TV-L E13, 100% scientist salary) and a starting date in December 2021 is anticipated. The University of Freiburg is an equal oppor-tunity employer and encourages women to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration. For international candi-dates, the University of Freiburg offers support with the logistics of relocating to Germany (http://www.welcomecenter.uni-freiburg.de).
Founded in 1457, the University of Freiburg is one of the oldest German universities and now one of the nation’s leading research and teaching institutions. Freiburg is a vibrant city at the foot of the Black Forest in close vicinity to France and Switzerland, with a rich cultural and academic life and excellent recreational opportunities.
Your application will consist of a letter of motivation, a CV, publication list, academic tran-scripts (non-official copies are initially acceptable), and contact details of at least two aca-demic referees. Please send your application as a single PDF by email with the subject “Postdoc position in SUPERB” by 20th September 2021 to Ursula Eggert (ursula.eggert@waldbau.uni-freiburg.de). Questions regarding the content of the project can be discussed with Prof. Bauhus (juergen.bauhus@waldbau.uni-freiburg.de).