Postdoctoral position - SLU multisensory Outdoor Laboratory

Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology
The Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology focus on the human environment as a place for work, economic activities, health and well-being.
The department is now looking for a research passionate and aim-driven post doc, who can work both independently and cohesively in an inter-disciplinary team environment, to contribute to the development of the SLU Multisensory Outdoor Laboratory. The post doc will belong to the departments' Environmental Psychology research group, and work closely with the cross departmental steering group of the SLU Multisensory Outdoor Laboratory.

SLU Multisensory Outdoor Laboratory
The SLU Multisensory Outdoor Laboratory is a collaborative initiative between the department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology and the department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management. The laboratory aims to develop cutting-edge research within the broader field of interaction between people and outdoor environment. The technological development in environmental simulation as well as in wearable sensor technology opens up new ways of understanding dynamic and multisensory experience of outdoor environments, by combining traditional laboratory studies with real-time data acquisition of physiological responses and experiences in field settings. The mission of the lab is to advance the research area both in terms of methodological and empirical knowledge, and with applied implications in mind.

A key focus for the involved researchers is the impact of outdoor experiences on human health and wellbeing. The research aims at understanding both the mechanisms involved and what qualities in the environments that promote restorative experiences, preference and improved use of outdoor spaces. The societal relevance of the issues also motivate research on interaction tools and approaches exploring how different groups of actors engage with the environment, using for instance GIS/Geodesign.

The SLU Multisensory Outdoor Laboratory project is both versatile and demanding and require dedication, creativity and strong teamwork within the laboratory research group as well as with other local and international partners.

Work duties
The work duties of this postdoctoral position include research as well as communication and demonstration activities. The post doc is expected to develop, run and publish own experiments as well as take part in collaborative projects and to actively participate in grant writing. The post doc will also be the main contact person for the lab, communicate with potential users and demonstrate equipment.

The SLU Multisensory Outdoor Laboratory offers the post doc opportunities to join existing research avenues of current staff as well as initiating and exploring new lines of research based on the post docs' fields of interests. Therefore, the post doc will have the opportunity to influence the direction of the laboratory, both with regards to technical equipment and research directions.

Qualifications
The following are required qualifications:


• PhD in an area related to the study of people and environment interaction (for example landscape architecture or environmental psychology). As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most
• A basic understanding of physiology and human subjects experimentation
• Documented expertise in statistical analyses
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills, including a record of publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Effective inter- and intrapersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated experience of working cohesively in an inter-disciplinary team environment
• An ability to work independently

The following are desired qualifications:


• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:


• Psychophysiology experimentation
• Working with electronic sensors/biometric sensors/computer hardware
• Spatial analysis
• Programming and simulation



Place of work
SLU Alnarp

Form of employment
Temporary employment, 24 months

Extent
100 %

Starting date
Soon, or according to agreement

Application
We welcome your application no later than 2020-04-08.

The application must include


• Application letter describing your motivation for applying for the position and your research interests, addressing the required and desired qualifications (2 pages)
• CV that includes a list of publications and a sample of your work, (e.g. a journal article)
• Two reference persons
• PhD diploma/certificate
• A proposal in English that addresses suggested avenues of research and development of the lab (2000 words)

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



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture.

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 in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala.

www.slu.se

SLU is an equal opportunity employer.