Two Faculty Research Positions: Agent-based Modeling & System Dynamical Modeling

Deadline: Oct 02, 2017

Location: Annapolis, MD

Apply Online: Apply Here
The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) seeks two Assistant Research Scientists, one with expertise in agent based modeling, and the other with expertise in system dynamical modeling. These are two-year, research faculty positions through the University of Maryland. Effort in each will be equally divided between conducting independent synthesis research and contributing to SESYNC’s programs and activities.

Job Duties:
The incumbents will have freedom and responsibility to design and conduct their own independent research program, applying ABM or system dynamics approaches to understand aspects of sustainability and address pressing problems in socio-environmental systems. It is expected that publications in scholarly outlets will result from this research, and the incumbents may apply for grants and generate additional types of scientific products (e.g., databases, models, white papers).  Half of the incumbents’ time will be dedicated to supporting and furthering SESYNC’s institutional goals. This includes activities of both an administrative nature, such as planning, organizing, leading, and managing SESYNC programs and activities, as well as more research-oriented support, such as applying and sharing scientific expertise to assist SESYNC’s scholars and teams when relevant.

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in computational, natural, or social science and peer-reviewed publications in outlets relevant to scholars using ABM or system dynamics approaches, respectively;
  • More than two years work experience in academic, NGO, or governmental research setting;
  • Experience working both independently and as part of a team of researchers;
  • General knowledge of socio–environmental or sustainability literature & research methods;
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to initiate and manage multiple and diverse projects and activities;
  • A professional demeanor and exceptional written and oral communication skills as well as a desire to actively engage with and serve a variety of individuals in various settings.
How to Apply:

Submit cover letter, resume, and the names of three professional references as a single PDF online here. Applicants should specify to which research position (agent-based modeling or system dynamical modeling) they are applying in their cover letter. Cover letter should include a paragraph outlining the direction and goals of the candidate’s research program for the period of the appointment.

 

The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, gender, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, national origin, or political affiliation.  

Minorities and women are strongly encouraged to apply

Wenn Wälder wieder wachsen: ERC Starting Grant für Nachhaltigkeitsforscherin Simone Gingrich

In vielen industrialisierten Ländern wächst der Wald wieder, nachdem lange großflächig abgeholzt wurde. Was auf den ersten Blick positiv für die Umwelt und damit auch für das Klima wirkt, ist nicht notwendigerweise eine Lösung für den Klimaschutz. Simone Gingrich erhält einen renommierten ERC Starting Grant und möchte damit „versteckte Emissionen“ von Wiederbewaldungsprozessen aufzeigen und analysieren.

Weiterlesen

PhD position in technical and non-technical aspects of energy efficiency, Lausanne, Switzerland

Dr Vincent Moreau invites applications for a PhD position in economic analysis of energy efficiency. The successful candidate will be hosted at the Energy Center of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland (http://energycenter.epfl.ch/). The position is part of a Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) project to estimate threshold effects in energy consumption and how to achieve absolute reductions:

PhD position in technical and non-technical aspects of energy efficiency

The research takes place in the context of the energy transition in Europe, with the broad objectives of energy efficiency and decarbonization. It consists in evaluating the main factors influencing energy efficiency at the level of economic activities, in particular contrasting technical improvements in energy usen and non-technical aspects as a result of structural changes in the economy. The research project will quantify direct and indirect energy use, including embodied energy in products (goods and services) to estimate consumption based energy balances.
Specific tasks include: (1) Decomposition of energy efficiency over time at a relatively detailed level. (2) Identification and quantification of possible thresholds in energy consumption per activity. (3) Participation in teaching activities, in particular material and energy flow analysis. (4) Interaction and collaboration with research groups at EPFL, within the Swiss Competence Center for Energy Research (SCCER) and other groups involved in related EU research projects.
The Energy Center provides an excellent collaborative research environment in a world class engineering school with a dynamic and international community. Located along Lake Geneva, the city of Lausanne offers plenty of cultural opportunities and outdoor activities.
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a master level degree in industrial ecology, ecological economics, or related environmental sciences, and a strong interest in energy. Data processing skills and proficiency in Excel and Matlab are necessary, basic knowledge of Input Output Analysis is particularly welcome. The official language at the PhD level is English and good command of French and/or German is an asset. This is a 4-year position starting in January 2018 (or as soon as possible thereafter).
Please send your application, including: (a) a curriculum vita, (b) academic transcript with undergraduate and graduate courses, (c) contact information of 2-3 potential referees and (d) a short description of your research interests and motivations to recruiting [dot] cen [at] epfl [dot] ch. Name all documents as LASTNAME_filename.pdf
Important: candidates must be admitted to the doctoral program in Civil and Environmental Engineering (EDCE) to which they have to apply simultaneously: http://phd.epfl.ch/ Deadline is September 15, 2017.
Questions (no applications) should be sent to Dr. Vincent Moreau by email: https://people.epfl.ch/vincent.moreau

Postdoctoral Research Fellow on Circular Economy in Cornwall, UK

Location: University of Exeter – University of Exeter Business School, Penryn, Cornwall
Salary: £33,943 depending on qualifications and experience.
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

 

Placed on: 3rd August 2017
Closes: 14th September 2017
Job Ref: P55607

This new full time post is available immediately on a fixed term basis until end of September 2018 – based in Penryn (Cornwall)

The starting salary will be from GBP 33,943 on Grade F, depending on qualifications and experience.

The post

The Business School wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work at the University’s Penryn campus – the successful applicant will provide research assistance and leadership for the new, interdisciplinary Centre for Circular Economy.

The post will include a responsibility to:

  • Developing research objectives, projects and proposals for the new, interdisciplinary Centre for Circular Economy.
  • Conducting individual or collaborative research projects on interdisciplinary approaches to the circular economy, with a particular focus on developing social science perspectives of the circular economy.
  • Identifying sources of funding and contributing to the process of securing funds.
  • Extending, transforming and applying knowledge acquired from interdisciplinary scholarship to research and appropriate external activities.
  • Writing or contributing to publications or disseminating research findings with regards to the circular economy; with a particular focus on social science publications.
  • Help to organisationally set up the new, interdisciplinary Centre for Circular Economy.
  • To contribute to teaching and learning programmes in the School and to supervise postgraduate research students.
  • Help to plan, co-ordinate and implement research programme activity.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Key skills/experience also include:

  • PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in the field of circular economy research or a related field of study.
  • Nationally recognised authority in circular economy research or related field, and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies.
  • Interdisciplinary skills and knowledge, and understand circular economy from a range of different social science perspectives.
  • Ability to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.
  • Ability to publish in high-quality, international journals; have excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to communicate complex and conceptual ideas to a range of groups; able to collaborate actively within the Institution and externally to complete research projects and advance thinking and is able to participate in and develop new external networks in circular economy research.

What we can offer you

  • Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research.
  • Exciting opportunity to be part of a new, interdisciplinary research Centre for Circular Economy; which has a particular focus on developing social science perspectives of circularity.
  • Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly.
  • An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development.
  • Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career.
  • A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Cornwall.

For further information please contact Professor Steffen Boehm, e-mail S [dot] Boehm [at] exeter [dot] ac [dot] uk or telephone (01326) 259090.

To view the Job Description and Person Specification document please click here.