Postdoctoral researcher in Environmental Social Sciences (2024DILIFRUA60)

Job title:

Postdoctoral researcher in Environmental Social Sciences (2024DILIFRUA60)

Company:

Job description

Offer DescriptionJob positionrequirementsThe appointee will be part of a team collecting and analysing environmental, geographic and cultural data from a unique field-based research site in the Bolivian Amazon. The team will gather original, field-based data to assess: (1) long-term changes in the ethnobotanical knowledge systems of Indigenous Peoples; (2) the societal extinction of culturally-important plant species; and (3) the realities of deforestation in different Indigenous territories across the Bolivian Amazon.During the first 6 months, the appointee will undergo an extensive training in Barcelona before leaving to the field with the rest of the team, collectively working on the design and pilot-testing of research protocols for data collection. From June 2025 to May 2026, the team will collect empirical data in the field, in two successive field campaigns of 5 months each. The last 2.5 years will be devoted to data analysis, writing and dissemination.Residence in Barcelona or surroundings is required (except for the fieldwork phase of the project). The appointee is expected to fully participate in the intellectual life of ICTA-UAB by physically attending workshops, seminars, reading groups and away days. Possibilities to carry out short research stays abroad during the course of the project can be arranged, depending on the appointee’s intellectual needs and aspirations and their performance.While the project has pre-defined tasks, there is also room for personal initiative. The appointee will be encouraged to pursue their own research ideas (according to their specific interests and aspirations), besides the data collection required for the project implementation. Collaborations among team members will be actively encouraged. The precise scope of the research project of the PhD student will be decided between the appointee and the PI after the candidate has been appointed.The appointee should have availability to conduct fieldwork in the Bolivian Amazon for 10 full months (June 2025 – May 2026; two field campaigns of 5 months each), and be comfortable with the idea of living in a remote area with limited Internet and phone availability.Required skillsPhD degree in environmental studies, sustainability science, conservation science, geography, or related fields available at the start of the contract.Fluency in Spanish and English.Availability to conduct 10 months of fieldwork in the Bolivian Amazon and to travel for academic conferences.Ability and commitment to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.Commitment to learning from individuals of different worldviews, cultures and representing different epistemic traditions.Demonstratable commitment to socially engaged environmental research in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples.Experience in the application of theory and methods in the social sciences to understand human dimensions of conservation and/or natural resource use.Strong publication record as a lead author.Desirable skillsGood understanding of the social and political landscape and conservation realities in the Amazon and/or Latin America.Accredited experience in the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods in support of conservation.Practical experience synthesizing and communicating social-ecological research to decision-makers at different scales.Basic computing skills including some level of experience in advanced statistic programming languages (e.g., R).Previous fieldwork experience working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities. A previous geographic focus in the Amazon and/or Latin America will be an added advantage.Strong commitment to collaborative, supportive, inclusive and equity-based research ethics.BenefitsFirst and second year: 25.150,44 € according to agreement + 8.849,56 € supplementTotal annual remuneration first and second year: 34.000,00 €Third year: 25.150,44 € according to agreement + 9.849,56 € supplementTotal annual remuneration third year: 35.000,00 €Fourth year: 25.150,44 € according to agreement + 10.849,56 € supplement Total annual remuneration fourth year: 36.000,00 €In addition to this, the following benefits are foreseen:1. An exciting, supportive and caring interdisciplinary research environment.

2. A fully-funded 4-year contract3. All necessary requirements for carrying out high-quality research (i.e., personal office space, computing facilities, access to relevant computer software and bibliographic resources).4. Funds available to cover all field-related expenses (including medical insurance while being in the field) and attendance to at least two scientific conferences over the course of the project.5. Flexible work arrangements, opportunities for homeworking (2 days/week max), 31 natural days of annual leave (excluding bank holidays) and comprehensive family-friendly policies to support well-being and wider needs.6. Integration into a high-standing international academic research lab with plenty of opportunities for research collaboration and training, as well as good prospects for career development.7. Opportunity to conduct in-depth fieldwork among Indigenous communities in the Bolivian Amazon.8. High-quality administrative and technical support at UAB, one of Spain’s leading research universities.9. Being based in Barcelona, one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.10. Opportunities to co-supervise PhD and MSc students.Eligibility criteria:

• Academic record: 20

PhD degree in one of the particular fields: 10; PhD degree in a related area: 5; MSc degree in one of the particular fields: 5; Additional training in the field: 5

• Relevant research experience: 30

• Languages: 20

• Motivation statement: 20

• Interview: 10

Minimum score: 70Selection process:A first phase of curricular evaluation and a second phase of interviewApplications should be submitted online via the recruitment system of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona through this link: . Only applications submitted through this online portal will be considered. The deadline for this application is June 30.Applications should include the following documentation:– DNI (Spanish ID) or passport.– Copies of degree certificates– A two-page application letter, which explains how the candidate meets the general and specific criteria for this position and a motivation statement explaining the applicant’s interest in joining the project.– An updated Curriculum Vitae (5 pages max), including a section attesting knowledge of the languages required for this position.– A sample of scholarly writing (e.g., a recent article, MSc thesis) that best reflects the candidate’s research profile.– Names and contact details of three referees who we could approach if the candidate is eventually shortlisted.All candidates will be directly informed by email about the result of their applications. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within one month of the closing date of this position with instructions for interview procedures (to be conducted virtually). Appointment of candidates will be notified by the end of September 2024.The selection committee reserves the right to not fill this position if no suitable candidate is identified.For further enquiries, please contact Dr. Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares at:RequirementsResearch Field Environmental science » Other Education Level PhD or equivalentResearch Field Geography » Other Education Level PhD or equivalentLanguages ENGLISH Level GoodLanguages SPANISH Level GoodAdditional InformationAdditional commentsReference Offer: 2024DILIFRUA60Programme: European ERC Starting Grant – 101117423You will find the bases of the call in the following link:To validate this request, you must validate the form that is accessed at the URLAny application that is not submitted in this way will not be included in the selection process. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.Work Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute UAB Country Spain State/Province Barcelona City Cerdanyola del Valles – Campus Bellaterra Postal Code 08193 GeofieldWhere to apply WebsiteContact State/ProvinceBarcelona CityCerdanyola del Valles – Barcelona WebsiteStreetCampus Bellaterra – Edifici Rectorat Postal Code08193 E-Mailupac.acces@uab.catSTATUS: EXPIRED

Expected salary

Location

Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona

Job date

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 22:05:46 GMT

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