Postdoc in ecology

The postdoc will be engaged in research on biodiversity using modelling to describe spatial and temporal patterns in the occurrence and abundance of species and their associations. The overarching topic for the project is the relationship between agricultural land use and biodiversity. Potential research questions in the postdoc project includes how spatial patterns of biodiversity co-varies with agricultural intensity, if there are structural changes in the species communities along gradients of intensification, and temporal dynamics of species associated to farmland. Other research activity can also be possible within the project, based on the candidate's research interests.

The project is planned to focus on birds but experience from bird research is not a prerequisite and candidates with a background from research on other groups of organisms are encouraged to apply.  The project has access to various biodiversity datasets, including citizen science data, that will be available for the postdoc.

The position is two years with the possibility of one year extension.

The position is part of the project Biosmart funded by the Research Council of Norway. The project is a multidisciplinary research project focusing on structural changes in agriculture and its consequences on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

The position will be placed in the Department for Landscape and Biodiversity which is located at NIBIO's office in Trondheim.

The research activities will involve close cooperation with the Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), which is located at the Department for Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and has status as a Norwegian Centre of Excellence. The postdoc is also expected to collaborate with other institutions, particularly related to data access and management.

• In collaboration with other project participants, develop and conduct research with the objective to describe and understand the relationship between agricultural land-use and spatial and temporal patterns in biodiversity. Statistical modelling and data analysis will be an important part of the postdoc project.
• Scientific communication of results through publishing in relevant scientific journals.
• Communication of results from the project to the public as well as end users and stakeholders in agriculture and environmental management/conservation.

• PhD in ecology or biogeography. Candidates with a PhD in statistics will also be considered given that they have experience from working with ecological data.
• Competence and documented skills/abilities in statistical modelling of ecological data and in particular methods used for spatial data and times-series modelling.
• Proficiency in the programming language R used for statistical modelling.
• Experience in the use of GIS and tools for handling spatial data.
• Candidates must be able to work effectively in English.

• Experience with handling and analyzing large datasets and use of citizen science data in ecological research.
• Knowledge of species diversity in birds, plants or insects/invertebrates.
• Competence on biodiversity and effects of agricultural land-use on biodiversity.

• Strong abilities for working in a systematic, persistent manner
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proactive, with good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Abilities to define and pursue goals to create progress
• Curiosity, dedication and enthusiasm for working with ecology and biodiversity

The position is remunerated according to the Norwegian State Salary Scale as postdoc code 1352, salary grade 59 - 67 (NOK 515.200 - 597.400 per year), commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, which includes a good occupational pension scheme, occupational injury and group life insurance, and low-interest home loans.

For more information on the position and the project please contact Knut Anders Hovstad, Head of Department for Landscape and Biodiversity, phone: (+47) 971 21 414.

Please send your application with CV electronically via the link on this page. The application must include a letter of interest that addressing the selection criteria above and highlights how the candidate's previous research is relevant to this postdoc project. Take diplomas and letters of recommendation with you if invited to an interview, or submit them as an attachment along with the electronic application/CV.

In accordance with the Norwegian Civil Service equal opportunities policy, qualified candidates are encouraged to apply - regardless of age, gender, functional disabilities or national or ethnic background.

NIBIO is an inclusive workplace.

We would like to point out that information about applicants may be subject to public disclosure, in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (Offentlighetsloven), Section 25. An applicant can request to be exempted from inclusion on a public list of applicants. If the request for confidentiality is denied, the applicant will be notified thereof.