PHD student in modelling future Alpine forest landscapes – EURAC research and Free University of Bolzano-Bozen

The Free University of Bolzano/Bozen in cooperation with EURAC Research invites applications for a PhD position in Modelling, management, and resilience of future Alpine forest landscapes in the frame of the PhD Programme in Mountain Environment and Agriculture. The PhD project will be embedded in the REINFORCE project (Integrated landscape management for resilient mountain forests under global changes; H2020 MSCA-IF, GA 891671).
The position focuses on landscape-scale dynamic vegetation modelling in a case study region in the Eastern Alps, Italy.

The goal of the project is threefold: 1) initialize, calibrate, and further develop a landscape model to simulate forest dynamics under climate change; 2) assess adaptive and integrated management strategies to cope with global change stressors, such as climatic disturbances and land use change; 3) evaluate socio-ecological resilience of management options in relation to stakeholder’s acceptance and future provision of ecosystem services.

The project has a strong link between ecology and natural resource management in mountain environment and contributes to facilitate a transfer of knowledge between science and local decision makers in relation to the forest in global change. The PhD student will be targeting one specific case study landscape within the project, likely in southern South Tyrol or in the Trentino region. The position is for 3 years. The candidate will be integrated in a team of researchers at the Institute of Alpine Environment at EURAC Research (Dr. Marco Mina, Dr. Erich Tasser, Dr. Nikolaus Obojes) and at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (Prof. Giustino Tonon).

Requirements:
– MSc degree in Forest Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Ecology, Forestry, Landscape Ecology, Ecosystem Modelling, or a related field.
– Good knowledge of the ecology, management, and silviculture of European forests.
– Knowledge of the R software, familiarity with computer programming and dynamic modeling techniques is an asset.
– Familiarity with concepts of ecosystem services and socio-ecological research is an asset.
– At least basic knowledge in statistics.
– Motivated to work interdisciplinarily, independently but also with a high level of team spirit.
– Excellent English communication skills (spoken and written). Good command of German and Italian is an advantage.

Applications must be submitted to the university and the candidates will be selected through the regular university procedure for selecting PhD students. When applying, do not forget to select the topic “Modelling, management, and resilience of future Alpine forest landscapes” (n. 18, curriculum 2, in the list of project proposals).

See the complete announcement at the EURAC website. To apply, see the competition announcement at the Free University of Bolzano-Bozen.

For additional information on the project, please contact Marco Mina.

Deadline for applications is June 30 th , 2021.