Arbetsbeskrivning

Are you interested in further developing Sweden’s ecosystem research and the national infrastructure for such research? Welcome to an inspiring and important job, networking in all of Sweden, placed at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. SITES - Swedish Infrastructure for Ecosystem Science SITES is a national infrastructure for ecosystem research that promotes long-term field-based ecosystem research by offering a unique infrastructure and expertise to both Swedish and international researchers. SITES consists of eight research stations belonging to four different organizations: the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala University, Gothenburg University and the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat. SITES promotes high-quality research through long-term measurements and experiments performed in the field at our stations, as well as by making data available (see our data portal). SITES is presently funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR) and the hosting organizations until 2028. The activities are led by an independent national steering group supported by a scientific advisory board. SLU hosts the central secretariat that coordinates SITES. Visit fieldsites.se for more information about the infrastructure. About the position The director holds the scientific and operational responsibility for SITES, leading the development of the infrastructure in accordance with the guidelines established by the Steering Group and instructions from SLU. The director formally reports to SLU's Vice Chancellor and the SITES Steering Group. The director is expected to work (1) strategically with regards to scientific impact and broader relevance of the infrastructure, (2) operationally by leading and coordinating the activities of the SITES Secretariat and its staff with overall responsibility for data management and SITES Thematic Programs, (3) with quality assurance and reporting to funders and the steering committee. The director's duties also include creating long-lasting good relationships and actively promoting cooperation between stations and within the secretariat. Another important task is to establish successful collaborations with other strategic national and international infrastructures, projects and organizations. The director is appointed for a period of three years with possible extension. The assignment covers 50% of a full-time position and can be combined with own research, either at SLU or any other higher education institution in Sweden. The director will be employed at a department at SLU and will be part of the SITES Secretariat together with a deputy director, a data management coordinator, thematic program leaders and other infrastructure staff. The director is appointed by SLU, in consultation with the other hosting organizations and VR, based on recommendations from the steering group. Your profile We are looking for candidates who hold a PhD  in a subject of relevance to SITES with at least 2 years postdoctoral research experience. A solid understanding of ecosystems as well as of field studies is a requirement, as is extensive experience in planning and leading research projects and/or research infrastructures. Candidates are also expected to have a good understanding and experience of data management, budgeting and financial reporting. Previous experience of large-scale (national or international) research and research infrastructure collaborations is a merit. Experience of field experiments, especially related to the SITES Thematic Programs will be considered as a merit. Ability to express oneself clearly in both written and spoken English and Swedish is a requirement. As a representative of SITES, you are expected to have previous proven capacity in building trust and create sustainable relationships through communication and clear leadership. As director you need to think and work strategically and deliver high quality results. You are responsive, enjoy working in teams and have a communicative leadership style. Place of work: Uppsala Form of employment: Permanent employment Extent: 50 % of full time Starting date: 1 January 2025, or according to agreement. Application: We welcome your application no later than 2024-11-30, use the button below. Academic union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/ The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.