JOB VACANCIES

 

 

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES  - "Carbon budgets in forest ecosystems'

Re-advertised due to a delay in funding confirmation.

The Environmental Change Institute, Oxford University's principal centre for organising  and promoting research and teaching on the environment is developing a new research theme on the Earth's carbon  cycle.   Using the synergy of both Synthetic Aperture Radar and Optical/Near  Infra-red remote sensing, together with  climate and physical data, this  research, funded under a NERC/BNSC LINK programme, will advance existing  methodologies for estimating carbon storage in forest ecosystems.

In  particular, the primary aims of this proposal  are:  (1) To investigate the capability of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)  remote sensing to estimate and monitor  temporal change in biomass density of managed conifer plantations and evaluate biomass density in a semi-natural mixed deciduous forest, and  (2) To investigate the complimentary use of optical and near infrared remote sensing for constraining and characterising forest ecosystem models for estimating Net Primary Productivity and evaluate models of carbon partitioning. 

This research project, in collaboration with the University of Swansea, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology and industrial partners, is expected to start in November 1999. Applicants are sought for the following research positions: Post-Doctoral Research Scientist Supporting aim (1), you will be expected to have a proven track record in environmental remote sensing and preferably experience in the  application of SAR data.  Salary will be on scale RS1A from £16,286 to  £24,479 per annum. The position is available for 2 years. D.Phil.  studentship Supporting aim (2), you should have a post-graduate degree in an  environmental sciences discipline and   strong analytical skills. The student will be co-supervised by Dr Terry Dawson of the ECU and Dr. Ronny Milne,  Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Bush Estate, Penicuik and it is expected  that the student will spend between 6-12  months at the ITE station in Scotland. The studentship covers University and College fees plus an annual   stipend of £6,700 per annum for 3 years. 

Start date for both positions is as soon as possible. Further details for the   post-doctoral research scientist available from  enquiries@ecu.ox.ac.uk (Tel: 01865 281180)  Applications, including   CV and names of two referees, should be sent ASAP to the  Administrator, Environmental Change Unit, 5 South  Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3UB. The proposed interview date for the post-doc position is March 15th 2000.

 

Post-doctoral fellow in integrated water resource assessment

The Environmental Change Institute seeks to appoint a post-doctoral fellow in integrated water resource assessment for three years, beginning 1 March 2000. The project will use interdisciplinary approaches to address the links between hydrology, socio-economic change, and resource management. The fellow will work on the EU-funded FIRMA project (currently under contract negotiation). The fellow is likely to have a PhD in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience, skills in modelling (especially agent-based social simulation), and knowledge of water resource issues in Europe and southern England. The ECI is coordinating an integrated assessment in the Thames region, with close collaboration with other research institutes and stakeholders in the region.

The salary scale is likely to be the post-doctoral scale (1a), in the range of UKPnds 16,286-24,479, depending on qualifications.

Further details

To apply, please send a letter of application stating your qualifications, the names, addresses and email contacts of three references, and a full CV to: Administrator, Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, 5 South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3TB, Tel: +44 1865 281180, Fax: +44 1865 281202, Email: enquiries@eci.ox.ac.uk. Applications will be reviewed until the post is filled, however applications submitted by 11 February will guarantee consideration.

 

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE INSTITUTE, UK CLIMATE IMPACTS PROGRAMME

The UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) was established in April 1997. The Programme is funded by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions currently until March 2002. UKCIP is supporting a stakeholder-led, integrated impacts assessment and works with organisations to prepare adaptation strategies for climate change. This new post of Communications Manager is intended to extend the capacity of this high profile Programme to communicate the results of scientific studies to a wide range of audiences and to increase the effectiveness of associated events (workshops and conferences).

We are looking for an outstanding, energetic, creative individual with qualifications in communications or environmental science and at least 5 years experience in communications. You will need good team skills and be able to work with a wide range of public and private sector organisations. You will have a proven track record in writing and publication design. An understanding of climate change would be advantageous. The appointment is initially for a fixed term to 31 March 2002 on the RS1a scale, from £19,869 to £24,479.

To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to the Administrator, Environmental Change Institute, 5 South Parks rd, Oxford, OX1 3UB, email: jo.hunter@eci.ox.ac.uk. Further details can be obtained from the Administrator.

Closing date: Monday 7 February 2000.