Postdoctoral researcher: Financing of Nature-based Solutions – Dierwetenschappen en Aquatische Ecologie

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Postdoctoral researcher: Financing of Nature-based Solutions – Dierwetenschappen en Aquatische Ecologie

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Job description

Offer Description→ Apply before 15/01/2025 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
→ Faculty of Bioscience Engineering
→ Department: BW22 – Dierwetenschappen en Aquatische Ecologie
→ Occupancy rate:100%
→ Number of positions: 1
→ Type of employment: Contract of unlimited duration
→ Term of assignment: 4 jaar
→ Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
→ Required diploma:PhDABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITYGhent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.is Ghent University’s business development centre in the field of aquaculture and blue life sciences. More specifically, BLUEGent is active in sustainable seafood, multi-use of space at sea, coastal management and the interaction of men and ocean under the concept of One Ocean, One Health. BLUEGent coordinates and supports collaborations focusing on scaling up new, blue technologies and products from the lab-scale to real-world applications, in close collaboration with stakeholders and partners from academic, industrial and policy settings. BLUEGent works transdisciplinary in nature with the aim to create impact towards industry and society at large, in particular by establishing new spin-offs or license agreements with industry partners.YOUR TASKSWe are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a transdisciplinary project team that aims at developing a new framework for measuring, monitoring, modeling, and optimizing benefits and costs associated with coastal and marine Nature-based Solutions (NbS). More in particular, this project will research artificial reefs as working units to document aspects of coastal engineering, marine biology and innovative financing into a holistic value model. The ultimate goal is to integrate ecosystem services, and hence, impact, as an integral part of the financing side of NbS. The project has a duration of 4 years and will start on March 1 2025.The successful candidate will support the coordination of the aforementioned project, and develop own research related to governance models, financing schemes, and business modelsfor coastal and marine Nature-based Solutions. At the same time, the postdoctoral researcher will facilitate the integration of the different disciplines involved in this project, under the joint supervision of Prof. Margriet Drouillon (UGent, coordinator) and Prof. David Veredas (Vlerick Business School and Ghent University, co-promoter). As such, the role involves extensive desk research, stakeholder engagement, and transdisciplinary collaboration with fellow researchers and corporate experts in sustainable finance, coastal engineering, marine carbon sequestration and biodiversity, in order to map, evaluate, and optimize the benefits and costs of NbS.Key Tasks:

• Clustering Functions of NbS: Identify and categorize functions of coastal and marine NbS and their associated benefits
• Quantification and Valuation Tools: Review and analyze existing tools to assess the benefits and values of NbS
• Benefit Analysis: Study benefit types in relation to value capture opportunities, including compliance, well-being, local identity and revenue generation
• Stakeholder and Governance Mapping: Develop a value-based governance and financing model by integrating stakeholders’ roles
• Collaboration: Interact with fellow research teams on carbon sequestration, biodiversity, coastal management, and consult with industry and policy makers to validate findings and ensure socio-economic relevance. Facilitate and support the communication between expert teams to ensure smooth integration of the ongoing work across the project.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORRequired Attributes:

• A PhD in Environmental Science, Finance, Economics, or related disciplines such as Bioscience Engineering, Business Engineering, Marine Biology or Civil Engineering at large.
• Proven experience with Nature-based Solutions, sustainable governance, or ecosystem services.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; experience with stakeholder engagement is a plus.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, preferably with experience interacting with diverse stakeholders.
• Skilled in writing high-quality reports and peer-reviewed publications, with a willingness to support research proposal development.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team, with flexibility.
• Willingness to travel abroad for short periods.

Desirable Attributes:

• Familiarity with Nature-based Solutions or ecosystem valuation methods.
• Experience in interdisciplinary projects involving ecological, social, and economic dimensions.
• Knowledge of tools for stakeholder mapping and ecosystem service assessment.
• Competence in project coordination or experience in multi-partner research initiatives.

Although this vacancy targets persons with PhD-level qualifications, we also encourage persons with qualifications at Master-level and prior working experience in the field to apply.WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of indefinite duration.
• Your contract will start on 1/03/2025 at the earliest.
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1 to WM4 (if you hold a Master’s degree) or salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate).

. * All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.
.INTERESTED?Apply online through the e-recruitment systembefore the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.Your application must include the following documents:

• In the field ‘CV’: your CV including contact information for three professional references (pdf format).
• In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
• In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
• In the field “other documents”: any other information that you deem relevant (not obligatory, pdf format).

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.MORE INFORMATIONFor more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Margriet Drouillon ( , +32(0)9/264.94.73). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the or contact us via or +32 9 264 34 36Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsResearch Field Agricultural sciences Years of Research Experience 4 – 10Research Field Biological sciences Years of Research Experience 4 – 10Research Field Economics Years of Research Experience 4 – 10Research Field Economics Years of Research Experience 4 – 10Additional InformationWebsite for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Ghent University Country Belgium City Ghent Postal Code 9000 Street Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 33Contact CityGhent WebsitePostal Code9000STATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Gand, Flandre-Orientale

Job date

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 03:35:25 GMT

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