ESR 14 advert

PhD scholarship on Economic value of biodiversity & ecosystem services, mapping ecosystem services & estimations of the economic value of soil biodiversity

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

ESR11, 3 years starting 01-07-2012 to 31-06-2015

Deadline for applications 31-05-2012

Soil is characterised by many microbial habitats with hundreds of thousands of different microbial species in a few grams and it is a vital component contributing to Ecosystem services. Microbial functions are at the base of soil function is determined by the biodiversity of the soil microorganisms involved. This project will develop of a synthetic index of soil quality that may be applied to evaluation of ecosystem services. The candidate will undertake mapping of ecosystem services and estimations of the economic value of soil biodiversity. The candidate will then apply quantitative methods in order to gain knowledge of both theoretical and empirical tools necessary to address the research question. Subsequently, the ESR will develop an econometric model for the estimation of the value of biodiversity. Data will be gathered and compiled by the ESR. Main source for the data will be other network partners plus already existing data base from Europe and Africa, of which the latter are already available at the LSE.

The position is funded for 3 years through the project approved by the European Commission “Support for training and career development of researchers” TRAINBIODIVERSE - FP7 Marie Curie Initial Training Network. The project will be carried out at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Department of Geography & Environment.

We are looking for one expert with the following qualifications.

• M.Sc. in applied environmental development or similar relevant discipline.

• Experience of standardised applied environmental economic methods.

• Documented experience econometric models.

• Documented experience of natural resource managment.

• Fluency in English.

• You will be able to engage in teamwork within the group and our collaborators

Recruiting is in accordance with the European rules for Marie Curie Initial Training Networks. Early-stage researchers can be of any nationality. They must be, at the time of recruitment by the host organisation, in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. This is measured from the date when they obtained the degree which would formally entitle them to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate is envisaged.
Furthermore, at the time of recruitment by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date. Short stays such as holidays and/or compulsory national service are not taken into account.

An assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the applications. The final selection of two successful candidates will be made by Dr Salvatore Di Falco, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee. The selected candidates will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the LSE Department of Geography & Environment.

Terms of appointment and payment are in accordance with the European regulations and with the Grant Agreement Number 289949 “Support for training and career development of researchers” TRAINBIODIVERSE.

The salary will be specified in the employment contract taking into account the personal status of the selected candidates with reference to their family charges and family mobility allowance. Researchers will be appointed under an employment contract with full social security coverage under national applicable legislation.

LSE wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

The post is expected to commence on 01-07-2012.

Documentation must be in English language.
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The application must contain:

• Motivated letter of application

• Curriculum vitae

• List of publications

• Transcript of university examinations (in English)

• Contact details of 2 persons for references.

The application, together with appendices requested should be e-mailed as a single PDF-file to Salvatore Di Falco s.difalco@lse.ac.uk Please include in the subject field "your name - Economic value of biodiversity & ecosystem services, mapping ecosystem services & estimations of the economic value of soil biodiversity ". In addition, a signed hardcopy of the application must be posted to Dr Salvatore Di Falco, London School of Economics, Department of Geography and Environment, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom LSE Room: K204 Kings Chambers. UK. The deadline for applications is 31-05-2012 at 12:00 noon CET.

Eligibility criteria of Marie Curie Initial Training Networks apply. Only applicants who comply with these conditions will be considered. Details can be found on http://www.trainbiodiverse.com/eligibility-criteria

Applications received after the deadline, or with insufficient documentation or otherwise not complying with the above requirements, may not be considered. It is expected that the selected candidates will be enrolled at the PhD School London School of Economics as soon as possible and no later than the 01-07-2012.

For further information please contact Dr Salvatore Di Falco s.difalco@lse.ac.uk