PostDoc position: Evaluating sustainable agricultural intensification
Organization
Agroscope
Deadline
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Start Date
Monday, April 1, 2019
Download the job description
Introduction
In the international research project “What is sustainable intensification? Operationalizing sustainable agricultural intensification (SI) pathways in Europe (SIPATH)” we analyze the mechanisms of agricultural development in Europe over the last decades and explore pathways for future SI, accounting for climatic, social and technological developments that are likely to affect the future of agriculture in Europe.
Tasks
- Conduct a review of the recent literature and establish a conceptual framework for Sustainable Intensification
- Derive indicators to evaluate the degree of sustainability of agricultural intensification at plot, farm and landscape scale
- Reconstruct short term agricultural and landscape developments in case study regions in Switzerland, The Netherlands, Germany, Estonia, Norway, Poland, France, Greece, Spain together with local partners and apply the indicator framework
- Evaluate the degree of sustainability of the agricultural developments in the case study regions
- Project the past developments into the future for different scenarios of changing framework conditions
- Present project results at international conferences and in peer-reviewed papers
- Conduct stakeholder consultations in the Swiss case study region
- Translate the findings into recommendations for local stakeholders and for national governments
- Collaborate with WSL (Switzerland), Amsterdam University (The Netherlands) and with local partners in the above mentioned countries
Requirements
- PhD and publication record in Agronomy, Environmental Science, Geography or in a related field
- Strong conceptual and analytical skills
- Expertise in spatial analysis (GIS) and in statistical analysis
- Excellent writing skills
- Interest in stakeholder involvement and policy implications of research
- Achievement-oriented, communicative personality with a capacity for teamwork, international collaboration and a flair for project management
Information on Agroscope
Agroscope is part of the federal administration, and attached to the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER.
The Agroscope Department for Agro-ecology and Environment at Zurich-Reckenholz conducts research for an environmental friendly and competitive agriculture. This Postdoc position will be affiliated to the research group Agricultural Landscapes and Biodiversity.
We offer a varied job in a dynamic work environment, as well as thorough training and a modern research infrastructure. Flexible working hours, good social benefits and a staff restaurant are among the perks of this position.
Contact Name
Dr. Felix Herzog