Postdoc in agricultural/environmental economics

The Department of Food and Resource Economics (IFRO) at the University of Copenhagen invites application for a fixed-term postdoc position (36 months) in the areas of agricultural/environmental economics, with special reference to analysis of advanced field robotic systems. The position is expected to commence on 1 October 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Job Description

Within the Department of Food and Resource Economics, the postdoc position will be placed in the Production, Market and Policy section. The position is funded through a European research project www.robs4crops.eu aiming at developing in-depth understanding of the impact of using autonomous systems and field robots on different sites in Europe. One of the objectives is to conduct an overall integrated economic and environmental impact assessment from the implementation of autonomous systems in four pilot cases in Europe and to develop a webtool to assess the impact of selected robotic systems. Trials at four pilot cases will be conducted in partnership with commercial farms and business leaders from France, Greece, Spain, and Netherlands.

The postdoc will join several other team members in the project to apply and develop appropriate modeling tools to conduct and analyze relevant scenarios for the development of field robots. The tasks include modelling and assessment of the financial and environmental costs and benefits of implementing field robotic systems in different settings and be involved in the development of the webtool. Results from the project are expected to appear in reputable academic journals and to be communicated to key stakeholders in the wider society.

In addition to the research tasks, the postdoc is also expected to contribute to the research environment at the Department, including but not limited to participations in the department’s seminar series, and engaging in scientific discussions with other researchers. Other duties may include co-supervision of bachelor and master’s theses.

Further information on the Department can be found at https://ifro.ku.dk/english/ .

Inquiries about the position can be directed to Associate professor Søren Marcus Pedersen, [email protected] + 45 35 33 68 82

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Formal requirements

The successful candidate should have:

• a PhD degree in applied/agricultural economics or environmental economics or a closely related field;
• strong analytical skills in core economic theory and quantitative methods;
• strong analytical skills in farm management
• analytical skills with statistic methods and farm surveys.
• ability to draft scientific papers in English and effective oral presentation skills.

In addition, the following qualifications/records are highly valued:

• strong knowledge about agronomy and interest to collaborate with software developers
• publication records in reputed international journals in relevant research areas;
• teaching experience in relevant subject areas at university level.

Applications from candidates who are very close to thesis submission and defense by the closing date of this announcement may also be considered. By the time of appointment, the appointee is expected to have submitted his/her PhD thesis.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

The starting salary is currently up to DKK 437.435 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 74.801). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers
• (optional) Documentations about teaching experience at university level

The deadline for applications is 15 August, 2021, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

Interviews is expected to be held on 3 September 2021.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.