Postdoc position in the areas of agricultural/environmental economics

The Department of Food and Resource Economics (IFRO) at the University of Copenhagen invites applicants for a fixed-term postdoc position (36 months) in the areas of agricultural/environmental economics, with special reference to the analysis of advanced field robotic systems. The position is expected to commence on 1 October 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.

About the Role

Within the Department of Food and Resource Economics, the postdoc position will be placed in the Production, Market and Policy section. The position is funded through a European research project Robs4Crops aiming at developing an in-depth understanding of the impact of using autonomous systems and field robots on different sites in Europe. One of the objectives is to conduct an overall integrated economic and environmental impact assessment from the implementation of autonomous systems in four pilot cases in Europe and to develop a web tool to assess the impact of selected robotic systems. Trials at four pilot cases will be conducted in partnership with commercial farms and business leaders from France, Greece, Spain, and Netherlands.

The postdoc will join several other team members in the project to apply and develop appropriate modelling tools to conduct and analyze relevant scenarios for the development of field robots. The tasks include modelling and assessment of the financial and environmental costs and benefits of implementing field robotic systems in different settings and be involved in the development of the webtool. Results from the project are expected to appear in reputable academic journals and to be communicated to key stakeholders in the wider society.

In addition to the research tasks, the postdoc is also expected to contribute to the research environment at the Department, including but not limited to participation in the department’s seminar series, and engaging in scientific discussions with other researchers. Other duties may include co-supervision of bachelor and master’s theses.

Your Qualifications

The successful candidate should have:

• a PhD degree in applied/agricultural economics or environmental economics or a closely related field;
• strong analytical skills in core economic theory and quantitative methods;
• strong analytical skills in farm management
• analytical skills with statistic methods and farm surveys.
• ability to draft scientific papers in English and effective oral presentation skills.

In addition, the following qualifications/records are highly valued:

• strong knowledge about agronomy and interest to collaborate with software developers
• publication records in reputed international journals in relevant research areas;
• teaching experience in relevant subject areas at university level.

Applications from candidates who are very close to thesis submission and defence by the closing date of this announcement may also be considered. By the time of appointment, the appointee is expected to have submitted his/her PhD thesis.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

The starting salary is currently up to DKK 437.435 including an annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 74.801). Negotiation for a salary supplement is possible.

Please include with your application

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers
• (optional) Documentations about teaching experience at university level

The deadline for applications is the 15th of August, 2021, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee. Interviews are expected to be held on 3 September 2021. The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

If you need more detailed information about the job opportunity or you have additional questions, check this link here.