Two-year postdoctoral research fellow on modelling ecosystem stability to drought

Updated: about 2 years ago
Deadline: 25 Feb 2022

The Department of geosciences and natural resource management (IGN) is offering a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in vegetation modelling, Earth Observation and ecosystem science, with a focus on studying drought-induced vegetation mortality.

The position is part of the ‘DRYTIP’ project(2021-2026), financed by the VILLUM FONDEN and lead by Associate Professor Stéphanie Horion (IGN). The project aims at advancing fundamental and technical knowledge related to drought-induced vegetation mortality by coupling insights from Earth observation (EO), Dynamic Vegetation Model and Field ecology.

The postdoctoral research fellow will contribute to improved modeling of ecosystem stability to drought, including advancing the representation of drought impacts and drought-related mortality in ecosystem models. To do so, the postdoc will study a set of historical drought-induced vegetation die-offs in water and temperature limited biomes. The research focus will be on (i) gaining insights in the driving forces of vegetation mortality and recovery, and (ii) contributing to improved understanding and quantification of detrimental thresholds for the different ecosystems studied.

The postdoc’s duties include research and outreach within the field of this call. The post may also include performance of other duties e.g., teaching and student supervision.

The position is open from 01 April 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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

Applicants should hold a PhD degree in Geography, Environmental Sciences, Geoinformatics, or related. We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious individual with good interpersonal and communication skills. Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement. Candidates should have in-depth experience with dynamic modeling techniques and computer programming. As criteria for the assessment, emphasis will also be laid on publications and relevant experience in plant or ecosystem modeling and earth observation data assimilation. Fieldwork experience and experience with studies of vegetation response to drought are an advantage.

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. 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 (max. 4 pages)
  • Complete publication list
  • Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 25 February 2022 23:59 GMT +1.

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/ .

Tentative date for the interview: week 11 2022

Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor, Stephanie Horion ([email protected]).

The Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN) conducts research and education on the past, present and future physical, chemical and biological environments of the Earth and their interactions with societal and human systems to provide graduates and research in support of sustainable future solutions for society. The department has strong experience in interdisciplinary collaboration within and beyond the department. 

More information about IGN can be found at https://ign.ku.dk/english/   


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.



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