The project funding for the position is provided by the new EU FP-7 Integrated Research Project ‘Drought-R&SPI’ (Drought Research and Policy Interfacing). This 9-partner project aims to reduce future Europe’s vulnerability and risk to drought by innovative in-depth studies that combine drought investigations in six case study areas in water-stressed regions (river basin and national scale) with drought analyses at the pan-European scale. Drought studies at different scales will allow the identification of drought-sensitive regions and sectors across Europe, advance methodologies for Drought Management Plans and ultimately a more thorough implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive.
The position will involve work primarily at the pan-European scale as the University of Freiburg will lead WP3: Drought sensitive areas in Europe: impacts, vulnerabilities and risks. Tasks for the project include contributions to a new GIS based drought impacts database for Europe, spatial analysis of large-scale hydrology and climate model data and the development of methodologies to combine information on physical exposure to drought with sectoral vulnerability into risk maps. As a PhD student the candidate is expected to develop her or his own research within this broader project framework.
The candidate should have an MSc degree (or equivalent) in hydrology, geography, environmental sciences or a closely related field. We encourage applications from enthusiastic dedicated individuals with strong quantitative skills, a good background in natural and geosciences, and with interest in water management and policy. Advanced use of GIS and the development of own program code for the processing of large amounts of spatial data will be required and prior experience with such tasks is an asset. Applicants need to demonstrate good English communication and writing skills and be prepared to travel to and actively participate in international project meetings and workshops.
We offer an interdisciplinary, international work environment within a formal PhD program (http://www.gs.esgc.uni-freiburg.de). Close collaboration with other project partners including extended research visits will be possible.
The University of Freiburg is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the proportion of women scientists. Consequently, we actively encourage applications from qualified women. We also welcome applications from candidates with severe disabilities who will be given preferential consideration in case of equal qualification.
Please address any questions you may have and send your application to Kerstin Stahl (kerstin.stahl@hydrology.uni-freiburg.de). Applications should be sent as ONE pdf file containing a brief cover letter, curriculum vitae, names and contact details of at least two potential references, a statement of motivation and research interests that relate to this opportunity, certificate & transcripts of at least the highest degree earned. If available, the additional inclusion of an example of your own scientific writing (e.g. part of the MSc thesis or a paper) may be an asset. We will start to review applications after Sept 30th 2011 until the position is filled. Required start date for the position is between November 2011 and January 2012.