Research assistant - species protection litigation

Department of Ecology
The research assistant position is based at the Department of Ecology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), where we conduct research on populations, communities and ecosystems. We generate knowledge on how land use and climate affect animals, plants, nutrient cycling and greenhouse gas balance, seeking solutions to mitigate climate change, preserve threatened species, benefit biological diversity and ecosystem services in managed landscapes. Active outreach and frequent dialogue with stakeholders are key activities. To generate cutting-edge research and to promote sustainable natural resource management, we build on extensive national and international research collaborations.
Can laws save the natural world?
The research assistant position takes place within Formas-funded project 2019-00927 which proposes to carry out a mapping of legal processes concerning the protection of species of the European Union. The purpose of the research is to develop a theoretical and applied understanding of the interplay between legal and ecological systems and document, analyze, model and improve our understanding of how law and conservation affect each other, with the goal of improving the ability of the law to conserve species.

Tasks:
We are looking for a highly motivated half-time legal research assistant who will help compile a database of species protection rulings by administrative courts of the member states of the European Union. We wish to obtain rulings of administrative court cases concerning protected species, possibly in every European country. The goal is to cover several taxa, e.g. mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles (habitat protection cases are not covered). The database will consist of individual court rulings in electronic format. The task involves data collection, summarizing and coding cases. As it will likely not be possible for a single person to be able to collect all the data, an important part of the work will be to look for and contract country-located legal consultants who will carry the data collection in their own country.

Qualifications:
A postgraduate degree in law or a closely related field (master equivalent), or a law degree plus some professional experience, professional level fluency in English and another European language, and a demonstrated knowledge of administrative law in at least one European country are required. Demonstrated experience and interest in biodiversity conservation or similar issues, demonstrated experience working with databases or information organizing, scholarly publishing, knowledge of additional official languages of the European Union are an advantage. Ability and experience to inform and communicate with diverse stakeholders such as authorities, governments or the European Commission is also a merit. Interpersonal skills will form an important part of the candidate selection.

Place of work:
The place of employment is either Grimsö or Uppsala.

Form of employment:
 Fixed-time employment for 1 year with possible extension.

Extent:
50%.

Starting date:
By agreement.

Application:
We welcome your application no later than April 1st, 2022. Use the link below.

With the application should be attached (1) a statement of scientific interests and motivation for applying to this position (max 1500 words), (2) resume including a complete publication list if any, (3) copies of diplomas, (4) copy of the thesis equivalent to at least 15 ECT, (5) copy of a passport if the applicant is not a European citizen, (6) a list of at least two reference persons and their contact information, and (7) any written work the candidate believes is relevant for the position.

Please observe that applicant/s called for an interview shall hand in certified true copies of certificates, diplomas and transcripts from previous studies at an internationally recognized higher education institution (university or university college) and transcripts in connection to the interview. If the applicant is a foreign citizen we require a certified copy of the page in your passport with your personal data and photography.

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