PhD - Assessment of Biodiversity in Environmental Systems Analysis

Information about the department and the division
The Department of Energy and Environment conducts excellent research in energy and sustainable development/environment, from a global perspective to perspectives on an industrial, and product scale. One focus is on development, use and evaluation of methodologies for assessment of technical systems and the other on experimental and theoretical research concerning energy technologies. In total, approximately 200 people are active in the five divisions of the department.

The Division of Environmental Systems Analysis conducts research describing technological impacts and exploring ways to transform technical systems to better meet the environmental and resource constraints of humanity. The division has a long engagement in life-cycle assessment, risk assessment and various environmental flow methods. Approaches of flow methods from a social science perspective, innovation systems and transition studies complete the research strategy. Consequently our work requires cross- and transdisciplinary efforts. Our areas of expertise are unified through a common systems-based approach. The division has presently around 30 faculty members, staff and PhD-students covering a broad expertise, including engineers, natural and social scientists. The division also offer courses in areas related to our research on both basic and advanced level.

The research task is part of a larger project also involving researchers at the School of Life Sciences at the University of Skövde and the Swedish Biodiversity Centre at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. The PhD-student will collaborate with these and other environmental researchers with varied disciplinary backgrounds.

The details of the departmental research activities may be found at http://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/ee/research/Pages/.

Major responsibilities
As a doctoral student you will investigate how impacts on biodiversity from land use can be assessed by use of indicators and integrated in environmental systems analyses, preferably life cycle assessment, though multi criteria analysis is an option. The task is part of a larger project also involving researchers at the School of Life Sciences at the University of Skövde and the Swedish Biodiversity Centre at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. You will collaborate with these and other environmental researchers with varied disciplinary backgrounds. As a doctoral student you will, in addition to your own research, take part in the teaching of technology students at the division, as well as take courses as part of your own education to a researcher.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years, during which the requirements of a doctoral degree are expected to be fulfilled.

Qualifications
You hold a MSc degree (or corresponding) in biology. You have knowledge and experience from modeling and statistics within ecology. It’s an advantage if you have worked with geographic information systems (GIS) and if you have a documented interest in or experience from work related to engineering and technology. You create structure with ease and have a reflexive ability. You easily express yourself in oral and written language. Excellent English and good Swedish language skills are a requirement. You enjoy collaboration with other people and you adopt new perspectives with ease. 

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application deadline: 2015-03-25

For questions, please contact:
Professor Anne-Marie TIllman, Environmental Systems Analysis,
E-mail: anne-marie.tillman@chalmers.se, phone: + 46 31-772 21 22

Senior lecturer Ulrika Palme, Environmental Systems Analysis
E-mail: ulrika.palme@chalmers.se, phone: +46 31-772 86 07

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!