The BIOMES action of the Rural Water and Ecosystem Resources develops models to map ecosystem services supporting policy decisions in biodiversity and related policy domains. Recently, biodiversity policies at global and European level have extended the conservation approach of protecting rare and endangered species and habitats to a more socio-economic based approach based on an assessment of ecosystem services, the benefits humans derive from nature. An essential component of ecosystem service assessments are the development of spatial ecosystem service maps. Data for mapping is largely available for provisioning services but often lack for regulating and cultural services.

The Grantholder will contribute to the mapping of ecosystem services stocks and flows, with a particular focus on Enlargement and Integration countries. The work will involve collection of ecosystem data from different countries, application of these data in a GIS and in modelling of ecosystem services and reporting of results. The candidate will join a team working on the assessment for the EU and will contribute to develop and mainstreaming indicators for ecosystem services at different scales in the Enlargement and Integration countries.

The ideal candidate should have a PhD in natural sciences (ecology, geography) (or a University degree and 5 years of research experience after the university degree giving access to doctoral studies). Experience in spatial data analysis using GIS (ArcMap) is required. Good knowledge of spoken and written English is required. The knowledge of another community language would be an advantage.

The research will be carried out at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission in Ispra (North Italy). The post is available only for people from Enlargement and Integration countries

Action Number: 22002, Indicative duration: up to 24 months

Place: Ispra, Italy

JRC Contact: jrc-enlargement@ec.europa.eu

Subject: Reference P/IES/2011/010