Postdoctoral Researcher For The Projectes Resfire, Biodiversa+ And Observatori Coordinacio Oficina Tecnica (Ref. 26-028-38896)

Description du poste:

CREAF is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work in the RESFIRE project (Assessing the potential of REStoring ecological FIRe regimes as Nature-based Solution to extreme wildfires in Mediterranean ecosystems) with ref. PID2023-152690OB-C21 and funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033; in the BIODIVERSA+ (BIODIVERSA-PLUS) project with ref. 101052342 and the OBSERVATORI COORDINACIO OFICINA TECNICA (OPNB) with ref. 90053 both funded by Departament de Territori, Habitatge i Transició Ecològica de la Generalitat de Catalunya.
This call seeks an experienced ecology researcher with a strong background in spatial modelling, ecological theory and experience in spatial planning to work on the future assessment of spatial dynamics of biodiversity under different scenarios of disturbance regimes at different spatial scales. These novel projections will explore IPBES based Nature Positive Futures including rewilding (recovering of natural processes at the system level) which aim at significantly contributing to the core of policy relevant information targeting the implementation of the European Biodiversity Strategy 2030. Together with ICO (Catalan Ornithological Institute, https://ornitologia.org/ca/) and EBCC (European Bird Census Council, https://www.ebcc.info), our group is leading on the development of bird based EBVs and derived indicators (farmland, forest and open habitats) that bridge the gap between informing current global change impacts and the evaluation of future scenarios of change allowing the assessment of current socio-political decisions.
RESFIRE investigates how restoring more ecological fire regimes in Mediterranean landscapes can help reconcile biodiversity conservation with the prevention of extreme wildfires, combining ecological research, fire-regime analysis, and future scenario modelling. The person hired will also participate on different activities promoted by the Observatory in collaboration with various European organisations. These activities will focus on the development of a biodiversity observation and monitoring system coordinated at European level. Coordination activities with Biodiversa+ will be carried out within the broader framework of the joint development of the different OPNB projects related to biodiversity monitoring and conservation planning.
BIODIVERSA+ (https://www.biodiversa.eu/) is a European partnership that promotes biodiversity research with social and policy impact. It is co-funded by the EU and brings together 81 institutions working on biodiversity research and conservation, with the aim of strengthening the scientific basis of the European Biodiversity Strategy. The mobilisation and harmonisation of biodiversity information is key to monitoring and assessing the objectives of this strategy and has become one of Biodiversa+'s priority objectives.
The OPNB aims to become a reference point in Catalonia for guiding decision-making on all matters related to nature. Its mission is to organise, integrate, process and disseminate all available information on Catalonia's natural heritage; to become a forum for meeting and participation among organisations conducting scientific research in this field; and to provide access to this knowledge for individuals and groups who need it to carry out their activities. The management of the OPNB, structured through its Technical Office, is the responsibility of technical staff from the Directorate-General responsible for environmental policies and the natural environment, the Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia (CTFC), and the Centre for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF).

A full-time contract is offered (37.5 hours per week) with immediate start. The initial duration will be 4 months, with the possibility of extension if required and if the budget allows. The contract will be linked to the budgets of the project described above ("scientific-technical activities", according to Law 14/2011). The gross annual salary offered is EUR 34.126,49 (corresponding to category I4).

MAIN FUNCTIONS
* Participate in specific activities of the CREAF team related to the scenario development work in the RESFIRE project.
* Work in the use and integration of available scenarios of future land use, disturbances such as fire, climate and vegetation available at the different spatial scales.
* Contribute to the development of IPBES (Nature Future Framework scenarios) at different spatial scales by collaborating with existing initiatives around this topic.
* Develop spatial planning methodologies to be applied in different scenarios of future environmental change.
* Translate the acquired knowledge on processes and interactions into operational tools.
* High quality scientific outputs in the form of journal publications and contribution to relevant policy reports.
* Networking with other national and international groups in bird spatial modeling and monitoring.
* Collaborate with a large consortium of scientists to provide the outputs necessary for spatial conservation prioritization.
* High quality scientific outputs in the form of journal publications and contribution to relevant policy reports.

REQUIREMENTS
* A completed PhD on a topic related to the current project description (biodiversity modelling/monitoring/global change).
* Previous experience with the development of advanced species distribution models in a context of land use changes, disturbance dynamics such as fire, dynamic vegetation models or similar.
* Previous experience on ecological work with disturbances in terrestrial or freshwater environments.
* Proven experience in applied spatial planning exercises in the biodiversity domain
* Proven experience in working with public administrations.
* Demonstrated experience in advanced statistic programming languages (such as R).
* Contrasted capacity to lead work and team up with other researchers.
* Advanced knowledge of English.

ASESSABLE CONDITIONS
* Experience in working alongside and/or coordinating large research groups, preferably in an international environment.
* Experience in the reporting of biodiversity relevant European legislation and Nature directives.
* Experience in team coordination and management in an academic/professional environment
* Experience in developing successful proposals for competitive project applications.
* Candidates with a certified disability of 33% or more will be prioritized, provided the disability is compatible with the position's responsibilities.

SELECTION PROCES AND CRITERIA
* Application submission: Interested candidates must apply to the position and attach the required documentation, an English CV, and a cover letter (maximum 500 words) until May 31st, 2026. Applications submitted through any portal other than CREAF's job board or not following the indicated instructions will not be accepted.
* Pre-selection: Assessment of compliance with the minimum requirements of the job offer.
* Selection: Evaluation of shortlisted candidates based on objective criteria, interviews with a short list of candidates, and completion of a proposed exercise.
* Final decision: If a suitable candidate is identified, they will be formally notified of the selection, and all other participants in the process will be informed by email.

JOB OFFER IN PDF