Postdoc position on the governance of the deep–sea mining in
relation to ecosystem conservation

University of Brest, UMR 6308 AMURE

The AMURE research unit brings together researchers and lecturers in economics, public and private law, sociology, anthropology and psychology, from three different research organizations (CNRS, Ifremer, University of Brest). AMURE specializes in the study of public policies and institutions for management and development of coastal and maritime activities and for protection of marine and coastal ecosystems. AMURE provides research and research-based training recognized at the international level.

Location : Brest, France

The position is for a period of 18 months (100% FTE, initial appointment is 12 months with the opportunity of extension to 18 months). The position is based at the European Institute for Marine Studies (IUEM). The salary is in accordance with the University of Brest salary scale (approx. 2000€/month before income tax).

Job description

The AMURE research unit is looking for a postdoctoral scholar to contribute to the DEEP-REST research project funded through the Biodiversa and Water JPI joint call under the BiodivRestore ERA-NET Cofund Action. The project investigates the conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems in a context of deep-sea mining. The project aims to clarify fundamental questions related to the identification of areas to be set aside for conservation, those that can be mined with minimum harm (if they exist), and those that are most adequate as reference areas to assess mining impacts. The project also seeks to identify governance arrangements that would be suitable to implement efficient conservation and restoration policies in relation to the broader institutional environment, including current discussions within the International Seabed Authority and negotiations around the BBNJ agreement, and mining prospects as set by research and industry. We are looking for someone with experience in the analysis of governance institutions related to marine or environmental policy. The postdoc will work in close collaboration with a team of economists from Ifremer and the University of Brest as well as with researchers from a variety of natural and social science fields involved in DEEP–REST.

Responsibilities

• Carry out an institutional analysis of potential governance arrangements to implement conservation and restoration policies in a context of deep–sea mining
• Work in an interdisciplinary setting and collaborate with relevant project partners
• Lead and contribute to peer–reviewed scientific publications and other project deliverables such as policy briefs
• Communicate with relevant stakeholders including experts from industry, environmental NGOs, government officials and policymakers
• Work independently to ensure successful completion of project deliverables.
  

Qualifications

• Applicants must have completed a Ph.D in a relevant field of study (economics, political science, etc.) and have experience in the analysis of governance institutions related to marine or environmental policy
• Fluency in English and experience in scientific publication in English

Desired

• Experience in economic/institutional analysis of regulation mechanisms for access to natural resources
• Knowledge of the institutional regimes of international ocean governance and deep–sea mining
• Knowledge of institutional economics analytical frameworks
• Experience in interacting with stakeholders