Postdoc on international regulation of plastic pollution and circular economy

Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, invites applications for a position as a postdoc of international regulation of plastic pollution and circular economy from the 1st of August 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position as postdoc is limited to a period of 2 years.

Description of the tasks
The tasks of the postdoc will be to assess i) the development of the UN plastic treaty and ii) analyses of how circular economy can be sufficiently implemented into the treaty text, as well as into European regulation of plastic production/- pollution. This implies that the postdoc will analyze the implications of different implementations of circular economy as a driver for sustainable transition in the UN Plastic treaty. Furthermore, the postdoc will work on the implications of the Treaty for the relationship between plastic consumption and the triple planetary crisis. The postdoc will be part of our MarinePlastic II research center funded by the VELUX foundation and is expected to work together with colleagues both at Roskilde University and other participating Danish universities.

About the research group
The postdoc will be part of the Environmental dynamics group. The research and teaching of the Environmental dynamics group deals with changes in the environment in time and space, whether these changes occur because of natural factors or because of human activities. Among other things, the group works with Ecotoxicology, plastic pollution, and risk assessment, Marine ecology, including nutrient cycles in coastal areas, Plankton ecology, and Plant ecophysiology. A large part of the group’s research is application-oriented and takes place in close collaboration with external partners in all categories: e.g. public authorities, institutions as well as private companies.

Read more at https://ruc.dk/en/research-group/environmental-dynamics.

Responsibilities and tasks
The postdoc’s work will include research within of international regulation of plastic pollution and circular economy. In addition, a certain amount of teaching is also required.

The ideal candidate is expected to:

• Conduct analysis of different implementations of circular economy in the UN treaty, taking the waste hierarchy into perspective
• Conduct analysis on the UN treaty and the triple planetary crisis (climate change, loss of biodiversity and pollution)
• Work with science-policy interphase and approaches to ensure a science-based foundation for the implementation of the treaty.

Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent with a focus on plastic pollution and regulation or similar relevant topics. Qualifications within the following scientific areas are required:

• Experience with assessment of plastic pollution.
• Experience with assessment of policy processes and transitions to circular economy.
• Experience with assessment of the plastic value chain from an environmental perspective.

We also expect applicants to have:
Excellent written and oral English language communication skills

Highly organized work-practice with strong attention to details and a focus on quality results

Strong record of peer-reviewed publications

The ideal candidate shall be enterprising and possess good communication skills, be visible and involved in the department’s daily activities, in addition to being willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration across the department.

Assessment
In the assessment of the candidates consideration will be given to;

• scientific production and research prospective,
• the ability to promote and utilize research results,
• ability to contribute to development of the department’s internal and external cooperation,

Questions
For further information about the postdoc, please contact Kristian Syberg, Head of Section on tel. (+45) 46743776 or Susanne Sørensen, Dean (+45) 46742111.

Terms of employment
The employment is on full time, 37 hours per week and you will refer to Dean Susanne Sørensen.

The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.

Application procedure
After the deadline for applications the Dean will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.

Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.

The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and - later on - their assessment.

Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.

Application
To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/

Only applications in English are accepted.

Applications must include: 1. Cover letter 2. CV 3. Documentation of education 4. Teaching portfolio (read more about teaching portfolio at Roskilde University here) 5. A complete list of publications 6. A maximum of 5 relevant scientific works that you want included in the assessment

If any of the publications that you want included in the assessment are the result of a joint effort, the extent and the nature of your contribution to each individual work must then be clarified in a co-author statement (find template here)

Please submit your application no later than May 15, 2024.

Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration.

Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Department: Universitetsvej 1, Roskilde

Location: Roskilde Universitet

Application deadline: 15 May 2024