PhD fellowship in conservation science - developing and validating indicators of ecosystem integrity

PhD fellowship in conservation science - developing and validating indicators of ecosystem integrity

Department of Biology, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen

Application deadline May 15, 2024

Start date is (expected to be) Oct 01, 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The overall aim of this PhD project is to develop and validate indicators for naturalness or ecosystem integrity, both in terms of biotic integrity, habitat-generating ecosystem processes and efficiency of legal protection in preventing threats to integrity. Transparent and auditable naturalness indicators are essential in conservation prioritization and in the assessment of goal attainment of area-based restoration actions. As a point of departure, the work will use the Danish Nature Indicator (https://naturindikator.dk/), which is a nation-scale mapping of biotic integrity, legal protection and naturalness of key ecosystem processes. The key focus will be on developing and validating key indicators in an ameliorated nature indicator. This will be carried out through 1) Developing and validating indicators for the naturalness of hydrology and nutrient status from GIS layers and field assessments; 2) Developing and validating a simple indicator for the naturalness of diversification of carbon resources with succession (“ecospace expansion”); 3) Validating an indicator for the strictness and efficiency of legal protection measures and legal obligations that limits natural processes; 4) Validating indicators of ecosystem intactness in relation to reference conditions.

We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of ecology and conservation science. Applicants can have a background from biology, ecology, or a closely-related fields. Applicants should hold a MSc degree or equivalent. As criteria for assessment of your qualifications, emphasis will be put on relevant work experience and previous publications (if any).

We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious individual with good interpersonal and communication skills. Previous experience in field, database and GIS work on biodiversity and ecosystem processes, such as ecohydrology, nutrient dynamics and carbon pools, as well as statistical modelling will be considered assets.

Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement. Ability to communicate seamlessly with practitioners in Danish nature management is necessary.

Get more info and apply at: https://employment.ku.dk/phd/?show=161648