Researcher in Biogeochemical Modeling of Ecosystem Functioning and Climate Feedbacks in Terrestrial Ecosystems

Submitted by Agnieszka Eljasz on Tue, 10/01/2012 - 11:42

The Biosystems Division at Risø DTU wishes to appoint a Researcher to work with ecosystem modeling within the Ecosystems Programme (ECO). The Biosystems Division focuses specifically on new knowledge production and conversion of biomass to energy and materials.

The ECO programme is one of the leading research groups in the world in conducting field scale manipulative experiments combined with ecosystem modeling. The research in ECO investigates the environmental impacts associated with energy production with particular focus on the interactions between ecosystems, energy production and climate change. The research targets sustainability assessments of energy and industrial production in order to promote general sustainable development. The research in ECO employs a systems oriented approach and is conducted in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment.

Job description
As our new modeler you will be involved in modeling and synthesizing our high profile large CLIMAITE experiment as well as building up an international model toolbox for ecosystem scientists in a European research infrastructure. The work will be targeted towards high profile international publication and is conducted in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment. The following topics are central to the position:

  • Modeling effects of climate change on biogeochemical (C, N) cycling and climate feedback in terrestrial ecosystems
  • Parameterisation and application of plot scale biogeochemical models based on data from ecosystem experiments
  • Guiding model development and improvement
  • Statistical analysis and database work  

The Researcher will contribute to project-based supervision of students at bachelor-, master- and PhD-levels and will contribute to teaching on sustainability assessments of bio-energy technologies.

The Researcher will be given responsibility to manage project activities, and is expected to participate in the development and formulation of new project activities at national and international co-operations, including grant proposal writing.

The work will be carried out in close collaboration with other research groups at DTU and other universities in Denmark and EU.

Qualifications
We seek an energetic candidate with a PhD degree or equivalent and some 4 years of work experience as a Postdoc within areas relevant for the position. 

Particular experience within several of the following topics is required:

  • Application, optimisation and/or development of biogeochemical models to analyse data from ecosystem experiments (preferably experience with models like COUP, DNDC, LPJ, or ORCHIDEE)
  • Data handling and data-model interactions
  • Strong skills in statistical data analysis (preferably with R)
  • Project management and proposal writing
  • International co-operation
  • Supervision of students at bachelor and masters level
  • Good communication skills in English, oral as well as written

Assessment

In the assessment of the candidates consideration will be given to 

  • scientific production, knowledge in quantitative methods and research potential at international level
  • Innovative skills and the ability to generate new ideas
  • the ability to communicate at all levels such as the provision of scientific advice to public sector authorities
  • an all-round experience basis, preferably including international experience
  • the ability to contribute to development of the department’s internal and external cooperation 

 We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contributes to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare of current and future generations. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union. The position is restricted to 3 years with possibilities to become permanent.

Application
We must have your online application in English by 1 February 2012.  Please open the link "apply online" and fill in the application form and attach your application, CV and a list of publications.

Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Head of Programme Claus Beier.   clbe@risoe.dtu.dk and Senior Researcher Andreas Ibrom, anib@risoe.dtu.dk. 

You can read more about DTU and the Ecosystems Programme on 
risoe.dtu.dk/ECO

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