Postdoctoral Researcher on Land Systems and Sustainability Transformations
University Of Bern
Description
The Wyss Academy for Nature at the University of Bern's vision is to achieve a just and sustainable world in which nature conservation and human well-being reinforce each other. We are a place of innovation, where research, business, policymakers, and communities come together to co-design solutions for sustainable futures. Our goal is to research, develop, and implement innovative solutions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, land use change, and rising inequality by connecting technical, social, economic, institutional, and policy innovations at the interface of nature and people. The Wyss Academy comprises four regional hubs, one each in Europe (Switzerland), South America (Peru), East Africa (Kenya), and Southeast Asia (Laos). Please find more information on our website.
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the research team on Land Systems and Sustainability Transformations, led by Prof. Dr. Julie Zähringer. The team is conducting research on telecoupled land system change in space and time, combining methods from the geosciences, environmental sciences, and social sciences. We will produce knowledge that provides a basis for negotiation of conflicting claims on land for conservation, agricultural production, livestock rearing, or mining in biodiverse forest frontier and dryland contexts. Through transdisciplinary co-design processes with diverse stakeholders and research partnerships in East Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, we aim to identify land use options and conservation innovations that will foster co-benefits between biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and human well-being. For the open position, expertise is required in one or more of the following areas: (1) links between land use, ecosystem services, and human well-being; (2) telecoupled land use change; (3) social-ecological impacts of conservation interventions (protected areas, Payment for Ecosystem Services, etc.).
Your tasks:
• Conduct research in one of the areas described above (mainly in Laos and/or Peru) • Present your research at scientific conferences and publish results in international peer-reviewed journals • Engage in interdisciplinary scientific collaborations internationally and within the Wyss Academy • Engage with scientists and stakeholders in the Hub Regions through empirical field research, workshops, etc. • Optionally, contribute to teaching at the University of Bern
Your qualifications:
• PhD in Geography/Environmental Sciences/Sustainable Development or a related field (PhD degree completed or expected to be completed before the start of the position) • Successful publication record • Proven experience in transdisciplinary and intercultural context(s) • Expertise in one or more of the following areas: (1) links between land use, ecosystem services, and human well-being; (2) telecoupled land use change; (3) social-ecological impacts of conservation interventions (protected areas, Payment for Ecosystem Services, etc.) • Mixed methodological skills in spatial data analysis and/or statistical analysis and/or survey methods and/or qualitative interviews and data analysis. Experience with remote sensing is a plus • Very good skills in English (oral and written) are necessary. Spanish is a plus • A demonstrated team player with an ability to deliver high-quality processes and results under tight schedules, and showing enthusiasm for innovations in academia and practice • A reflexive approach and the willingness to critically engage with sensitive topics (such as the decolonization of research)
We offer:
• Opportunity to be part of an agile organization that develops, tests, and scales up innovative solutions to the most urgent problems of our times, exploring new modes of collaboration between science, policy, and practice • Working in a stimulating intercultural, international, multidisciplinary environment with a modern culture of collaboration encompassing four world regions • Integration in the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) at the University of Bern • Employment terms of the University of Bern, Switzerland • Flexible working hours and space for innovative approaches and creative thinking
For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Julie Zähringer at hr@wyssacademy.org. We look forward to receiving your application via theonline portal no later than 21 January 2022. Applications must be written in English and include the following elements: Curriculum Vitae with contact details of two professional referees and a 1-page cover letter explaining your personal motivation to join the Wyss Academy for Nature.
