The Louvain Research Institute for Landscape, Architecture and Built Environment (LAB) at the Université Catholique de Louvain is looking for a motivated and qualified post-doctoral research associate in ecological modelling. The research will be supervised by prof. Daniela Perrotti, within the interdisciplinary research team Urban Metabolism lab.
The post-doctoral position is of a duration of 24 months and is part of an interdisciplinary research project funded by the Belgian Research Council F.R.S-FNRS. The main aim of the project is the development of a conceptual meta-framework and integrated model decision system for the study of the metabolism of urban social-ecological systems.
The project involves two postdocs in ecological modelling and philosophy of science who will liaise and work with a range of stakeholders in urban and social ecology.
The work of the postdoc researcher will consist of developing a systematic characterization of state-of-the-art social and urban ecology models and an integrated decision system for model selection and coupling. The researcher will also test the decision system via semi-structured interviews and focus groups with colleagues in social and urban ecology and other disciplines. The research will be performed in close collaboration with the other postdoctoral researcher in philosophy of science (see dedicated post to this position).
Start date: 16 May 2022.
The postdoc researcher will be based at the Brussels campus of the LAB Institute, Rue Henri Wafelaerts 47,1060 Brussels.
Further details about this position can be obtained from prof. Daniela Perrotti, daniela.perrotti@uclouvain.be
Qualifications
Minimum of a PhD in relevant subject area (Environmental Science, Urban Ecology, Industrial Ecology or related fields)
Up to 4-year research experience from PhD
Relevant PhD dissertation topic (urban ecology/urban metabolism)
Relevant experience
Previous experience in ecological modelling (e.g. PhD thesis and follow up research)
Engagement with quantitative and qualitative data collection and management (e.g. PhD thesis and follow up research)
Knowledge of and interest in the Urban Metabolism approach; general Urban Sustainability knowledge
Knowledge of GIS, Python and R is an advantage
Skills
Excellent written English communication skills
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Excellent presentation and oral communication skills
Ability to work independently within agreed guidelines
Commitment to developing internationally competitive publication profile
Benefits
The net monthly salary is of up to 2.700€ after tax (depending on seniority). In addition to the salary, the funding package also covers social benefits, health care and allowance for traveling to and from work. An additional budget of 6.000€ is provided to cover international mobility expenses, IT and other operating costs related to the research.
Selection process
Applications should include (in one single pdf file):
- A cover letter (2 pages max) including an explanation on how your profile matches the research project, Skills/Qualifications and Specific Requirements.
- A full CV including a list of publications as well as contact details of two academic referees.
- A short summary of your PhD thesis.
Please submit your application file to prof. Daniela Perrotti daniela.perrotti@uclouvain.be
Online interviews with short-listed candidates will be held on 21 and 22 April 2022.
Application Deadline: 18th April 2022