PhD Position (f/m/d) Indicators for sustainable landscape transformations

The Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER) in Dresden is looking forward to fulfil the following position – subject to the final approval of the funding agency – according to the German law on fixed-term contracts in science (WissZeitVG) to be filled from 01.01.2023 onwards:

PhD Position (f/m/d) Indicators for sustainable landscape transformations

TV-L E 13, Part time 75% with 30 working hours per week, fixed-term work contract for three years

The Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development is a non-university research institute in the field of the spatial sciences and a member of the Leibniz- Association. Our subject is the sustainable development and transformation of cities and regions in the context of the global human-ecological crisis. Sustainable land use and spatial structure are of particular importance in this context. To answer the related questions, small-scale data, analyses, simulations, scenarios and assessments are needed for research purposes and to support decision-making in various contexts. This is why the IOER plans to develop an integrated IOER Research Data Centre (IOER-FDZ) from 01.01.2023, building on its established research data infrastructure "Monitor of Settlement andSpatial Development (IOER Monitor)".

The advertised position is to contribute to developing advanced methods of data collection, analysis, interpretation and result visualisation, and to complementing research data sets. The position is assigned to the research area "Landscape, Ecosystems and Biodiversity" and works in a cross-departmental team that is building up the IÖR-FDZ.

Job description

In order to achieve a sustainable transformation of landscapes, factors such as agriculture and forestry, urbanisation, resource consumption and energy production, changing land use as well as changing ideas of environmental protection and nature conservation are examined in a national framework as well as in an international comparative context. their effects for landscape, ecosystem and biodiversity development will be investigated and presented.

For this purpose, landscapes or natural areas and/or ecosystems are to be analysed quantitatively and cartographically with their extents, characteristics, services and meanings. On this basis, the biological diversity and ecological functionality as well as the quality of life (health, identity, freedom of choice) or aspects of landscape justice for people are to be evaluated. For this purpose, a suitable indicator system is to be developed, including subjective indicators if necessary. The results will be used to support decision-making or to develop suitable strategies and instruments for the sustainable transformation of landscapes.

An independent scientific question is to be developed within the framework of the described task in order to supplement and update the data stocks and tools of the IÖR-FDZ for the quantitative description and evaluation of landscape transformations by means of indicators and time series. The preparation of a dissertation, publication of the research results in relevant journals and participation in the structured IÖR doctoral programme are expected.