Jobs:Job-00555
Apply before: 15 December 2021
|
Posting:
Position: PhD Position
Apply before: 15 December 2021
Apply online:
|
The PhD project is embedded in the interdisciplinary project INSURANCEGRASS on “Assessment of formal, natural and social insurances: how to cope best with impacts of extreme events on grasslands for sustainable farming systems?”. In a consortium of agro-economists and grassland ecologists from ETH Zurich, biodiversity economists from IDiv Leipzig and social –ecological modellers at UFZ 4 PhD students will focus on sustainable grassland management systems in Germany and Switzerland. The deadline for application is December 15th, 2021.
Your tasks: • Develop a social-ecological simulation model (in particular agent-based model) that incorporates feedbacks between farmers’ and consumers’ decision, grassland management options, and ecosystem service provision in a dynamic matter • Parameterize the model with empirical data obtained in other work packages of the project • Contribute to a thorough understanding of how insurance products and policies should be designed to work effectively for farmers’ climate risk management and to promote sustainable grassland management • Use the model to explore the potential of social insurances, especially arrangements within community-supported agriculture and payments for ecosystem services. • Exchange knowledge with local and European stakeholders relevant in this research context (i.e., farmers, insurance companies, public administration)
Your profile: • An excellent master’s degree in a relevant field of research, including system sciences, mathematics, physics, agricultural economics, geography • Expertise in modelling and analyzing complex systems (experience in agent-based modelling is beneficial) • Proficiency in computer programming (e.g. NetLogo, C++, Java) and advanced statistical methods • Deep interest in investigating the impact of climate risk instruments (such as agricultural insurance or community supported agriculture) on farmers’ behavior and ecological state of the grassland system. • Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English and ambition to publish in international journals • High motivation to work in an international and interdisciplinary team • Readiness to travel within and beyond Europe to meet cooperation partners and attend conferences, workshops and courses
Please forward it to interested colleagues in your network.
