The Future Earth Montreal Hub is seeking a Science-based Pathways for Sustainability postdoctoral researcher.

Level: Postdoctoral researcher
Start date: Start immediately
Salary: To be discussed
Duration: 1-year contract
Location: Montreal, Canada
Supervisor: Dr. Amy Luers
Deadline for application: August 21st, 2020

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER
Future Earth is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to be based in Montreal, Canada and cross-appointed with Concordia University. The postdoctoral researcher will be based at Concordia University with Dr. Amy Luers in the Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, and work closely with members of the Future Earth in Montreal team to move forward two initiatives on pathways for biodiversity and sustainability.

The Future Earth Initiative

Future  Earth is  the  international  platform  for  research,  innovation,  and  collaboration  working  to accelerate transformations to global sustainability. With offices all over the world, we harness the experience and reach of thousands of scientists and innovators from across the globe.

Position Description

We are looking for an outstanding postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the development of biodiversity and sustainability pathways through two on-going projects: Science-based Pathways to Sustainability (SBPS) on biodiversity conservation in Canada and on sustainability transitions within the Sustainability in the Digital Age initiative (SDA).

The postdoctoral researcher will lead a new project on integrated pathways to Canada’s post-2020 global biodiversity commitments as part of the SBPS global research project. The objectives of this project are to (i) provide a synthesis on the state of terrestrial biodiversity in Canada and key trends and drivers of change over the past 10 years, (ii) review the effectiveness of Canada’s efforts to meet its 2020 Aichi targets (iii) carry out consultations and a multi-stakeholder workshop with key science, policy and technology stakeholders to identify gaps in current policy approaches and means to reduce trade-offs with commitments to the SDGs. In this process the postdoc will explore opportunities to improve conservation monitoring, effectiveness, and governance through digital technologies by intersecting with relevant local and global organizations (e.g. GEOBON, UNCBD).

The postdoctoral researcher will also provide support to the Research Manager of the Sustainability in the Digital Age initiative to develop and analyse collective risk and foresight surveys to draw out insights on potential sustainability transition pathways. In this role they will be responsible to co- develop survey content, analyse results, and co-produce public-facing reports based on these surveys.

They will also support on-going efforts to explore the role of digital technologies in identifying, fostering, and accelerating pathways to sustainability.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Act as project lead for the SBPS project on Biodiversity in Canada and liaise with the global SBPS team to support global activities and coordination
• Support the Research Manager for SDA to develop and analyze surveys
• Co-produce peer-reviewed publications and public-facing reports
• Oversee students and interns working on related initiatives
• Support research and development of funding opportunities to expand the SBPS and SDA programs in Canada
• Provide support for related initiatives as they emerge

Qualifications & Desired Qualities

• PhD in a relevant discipline in the last three years (e.g. global environmental change, biology, ecology)
• Knowledge of the Canadian biodiversity conservation and science-policy context
• Experience conducting interviews and workshops with key stakeholders
• Quantitative analysis skills using Excel, R, SAS or other software program
• Excellent writing and synthesis skills in English
• Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment
• Ability to engage in networking activities
• Ability to work in French an asset

Application Procedure

As the position is based in Montreal, the applicant requires having a Work Permit for Quebec.

Applicants to this position are requested to submit a curriculum vitae, together with writing samples and a cover letter describing their interest in the position and how their skills and experience would help them meet the requirements of the role. Please also include the name and contact details of two referees. Applications – in one combined PDF file and in English – should be sent via email with “Postdoctoral researcher – Pathways” in the subject line to montrealhub@futureearth.org. The closing date for applications is 21st August 2020.