Postdoctoral Researcher in Land Use Change Modelling

Vacancy Ref: : 012323 Closing Date : 02-May-2013
Contact Person : Professor Mark Rounsevell
Contact Email : mark.rounsevell@ed.ac.uk

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of Land Use Change Modelling for a period of 2 years. Based within the School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, you will join a team of researchers studying the effects of environmental change on land use at multiple temporal and spatial scales using simulation modelling, futures analysis and social survey to explore land use change in the past, present and future. We aim to improve understanding of the effects of individual and social decision processes on land use change that are underpinned by human behaviour, preferences and attitudes.

You will contribute to the European Commission (Framework 7 Programme) VOLANTE project (Visions Of LANd use Transitions in Europe; www.volante-project.eu), which aims to advance theories and model representations of human behaviour and decisional processes. VOLANTE is developing, testing and applying Agent-Based Models (ABM) of land use change to explore the consequences of environmental change futures in Europe.

You will have expertise in, or aptitude for, land use change assessment through environmental modelling especially in the area of complexity science. Knowledge of land use change processes is advantageous as is proficiency in GIS techniques and/or in the handling of social survey data. You will contribute to publications arising from the research and take day-to-day responsibility for model development and data analysis.

This is a fixed term post for 2 years starting on 1 September 2013 or at another mutually agreed date.

1. Job Details
   Job title: Postdoctoral Researcher
   School/Support Department: GeoSciences
   Unit: Institute of Geography & the Lived Environment
   Line manager: Prof Mark Rounsevell
   Start date and duration: 1 September 2013 for 2 years

2. Job Purpose

The successful candidate will contribute to the European Commission (Framework 7 Programme) projects entitled VOLANTE (Visions Of LANd use Transitions in Europe; www.volante-project.eu) and OPERAs (Operationalizing Ecosystem Research Applications). The focus of the research is on the development, testing and application of Agent-Based Models (ABM) of land use change at multiple scales and their use in the exploration of environmental change futures. The successful candidate will contribute to the research aims through model construction and the development of better theories and formal representations of human decisional and behavioural processes. The work will be undertaken in cooperation with other team members, and we seek candidates with expertise and research interests that are complementary to the existing team.

1. Main Responsibilities
   • Contribute to the development and testing of agent-based models.
   • Develop and test new conceptualisations of human decision processes.
   • Undertake model uncertainty analysis.
   • Contribute to/lead (as appropriate) the writing of academic publications and further research proposals in collaboration with the PIs.
   • Disseminate research findings through academic conferences, workshops, community events, web page development, and other outlets.
   • Liaise with the immediate research team and more widely in the School of Geosciences
   • Liaise with key stakeholders including research funders, data custodians and media representatives.
   • Represent the team at meetings with external research collaborators and other interested parties.
   • Undertake other duties as may be required within the general role.

2. Knowledge, Skills and Experience Needed for the Job

Essential:
• A PhD (or a PhD close to completion), or equivalent, in a relevant field, or equivalent experience. Potentially this includes a wide range of possible disciplines such as computer science, environmental science or geography.
• Experience of model development and testing.
• Research interest in environmental issues.
• Proven ability to work independently and efficiently.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Excellent skills in writing for academic and/or other audiences.
• Peer reviewed publications in a relevant field.
• Proven ability to work as a member of a team.

Desirable
• Experience in model uncertainty analysis.
• Relevant postdoctoral experience.
• Experience of preparing funding proposals.

For more details and application procedure, please visit:
https://www.vacancies.ed.ac.uk/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobspec?p_id=012323