Post-Doctoral Researcher - quantification of ecosystem service feedbacks within integrated assessment models

We are seeking a curious and multidisciplinary researcher to work with teams at UNEP-WCMC and IIASA to quantify ecosystem service feedbacks within the GLOBIOM integrated assessment model.  This novel and exciting work will form part of the work program of the Trade Hub project – a large multi-disciplinary and international project aiming to help make sustainable trade a positive force in the world. The research will build upon scenarios developed by Leclere and colleagues (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2705-y) investigating how to ‘Bend the Curve’ of biodiversity loss and will assess how ecosystem service feedbacks alter the scenarios to provide improved estimates of biodiversity futures. The PDRA will also work closely with the Natural Capital Project team in the USA to investigate potential GDP outcomes of the refined scenarios.

You will have a PhD in a physical, mathematical, computational, environmental or biological discipline and experience in data analysis. Understanding of IAM or landuse/management models is essential, as is a strong background in code development and a solid understanding of ecosystem service models.

WCMC attaches great importance to addressing safeguarding and ethical considerations in all activities carried out by its staff, including where partner organisations or individuals are part of the delivery of our work. This includes children and vulnerable adults in the community who may be vulnerable to abuse. WCMC act with integrity, are transparent and expect applicants to share the same values.

We will provide you with the challenge of working on a high profile project, where your work really makes a difference to the field of conservation in an area aligned to our strategic aims and broader global initiatives. In addition to training and development opportunities, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including generous pension contributions.

WCMC is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age; race; sex; disability; gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity; religion; faith or belief.

If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging post where you can impress us with your curiosity for identifying sustainable futures for biodiversity, we want to hear from you. Please complete our application form and send it together with your CV and a short covering letter through the link below by 18th January 2021. Applicants must be able to evidence the right to work in the UK. Collaboration with partners overseas is expected to largely take place remotely. However, should Covid travel restrictions permit and the successful applicant wish to, there may be an opportunity for the PDRA to spend time (up to a maximum of several months a year) in Austria, working with the team in IIASA, and to travel to the USA to collaborate with colleagues in the Natural Capital Project. This travel is not obligatory and would be at the discretion of the successful applicant.

The UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) is a global Centre of excellence on biodiversity. The Centre operates as a collaboration between UN Environment Programme and the UK registered charity WCMC.  Together, we are confronting the global crisis facing nature. We do this through our unique position ensuring science, knowledge and insights shape global and national policy, and by collaborating with partners around the world to build capacity and create innovative solutions to environmental challenges. We use our position as respected custodians of powerful and trusted environmental data to create positive impact for people and nature.

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