Director of SITES, the Swedish Infrastructure for Ecosystem Science

Are you interested in further developing Sweden’s ecosystem research and the national infrastructure for such research? Welcome to an inspiring and important job, networking in all of Sweden, placed at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

SITES - Swedish Infrastructure for Ecosystem Science


SITES is a national infrastructure for ecosystem research that promotes long-term field-based ecosystem research by offering a unique infrastructure and expertise to both Swedish and international researchers. SITES consists of nine research stations belonging to five different organizations: the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the Universities of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Uppsala, and the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat. SITES promotes high-quality research through long-term measurements and experiments performed in the field at our stations, as well as by making data available (see our data portal). SITES is funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR) and the hosting organizations up to and including 2027. The activities are led by an independent steering group, supported by a scientific advisory board. SLU hosts the central secretariat that coordinates SITES.

Welcome to visit fieldsites.se!

Description:
The director holds the scientific and operational responsibility for SITES, which means leading the development of the infrastructure in accordance with the guidelines established by the steering group and instructions from SLU. The director formally reports to SLU's vice chancellor and is a rapporteur to the steering group. As the steering group, the director shall be independent of VR and the participating hosting organizations.

The role of the director is to run SITES and act as a front figure for SITES. The director will work strategically to continue to develop SITES while maintaining the highest quality of the infrastructure, increase the number of users of both the infrastructure and its data, and develop SITES into a long-term vibrant infrastructure.

The director has the overall responsibility for coordination of the SITES Thematic Programs, as well as for the development of data accessibility and the SITES Data Portal. The director's duties include creating lasting good relationships and actively promoting cooperation between stations. Another important task is to establish successful collaborations with other suitable national and international organizations with the aim of benefiting the development of SITES.

The director is appointed for a period of two years with the possibility of an extension. The assignment covers 50% of a full-time position and is suitably combined with own research, at SLU or at the higher education institution where currently employed. The director will be employed at a department at SLU and be part of the central SITES Secretariat. The work is carried out in collaboration with a deputy director and a coordinator for the SITES Data Management at the central SITES secretariat on SLU's campus in Ultuna. The director is expected to lead the work at the SITES secretariat. The director is appointed by SLU, in consultation with the other hosting organizations, and VR based on recommendations from the steering group.

Qualifications:
We are looking for candidates who hold a doctoral degree in a subject of relevance to SITES and have several years of research experience, preferably with competence as Professor. Experience in research on ecosystems as well as of field measurements is a requirement, as is experience in planning and leading major research activities, preferably at a field research station or other research infrastructure. Further requirements are experience in data management and making data available, as well as in budgeting and financial reporting. Experience in large-scale research collaborations, nationally and internationally, and a broad network of contacts within the research community is highly meriting. Experience with long-term field experiments, especially related to the SITES Thematic Programs, as well as expertise in biodiversity research is meriting. Good ability to express oneself clearly in both written and spoken Swedish and English is a requirement.

Applicants must have the ability to develop the potential of the infrastructure and be a front figure for SITES. You think and work strategically, are action oriented and used to delivering high quality results. You are responsive, enjoy working in teams and have a communicative leadership style. You should be change-oriented and have the ability to use larger perspectives. As a representative of SITES, you must be able to build trust and create sustainable relationships. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Place of work:
Uppsala

Form of employment:
Fixed term employment of 2 years, with possible extension.

Extent:
50 % of full time

Starting date:
1 October 2022, or according to agreement.

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2022-03-28, use the button below.

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.

www.slu.se