Postdoc in landscape and road ecology

The postdoc will be engaged in research on effects of roads and other transport infrastructure on biodiversity. The position is for two years with possibility of a one-year extension depending on funding and performance of the candidate.   

The project will specifically address research questions related to how road networks and habitats associated with roads potentially can have positive effects on landscape connectivity and conservation of species diversity and ecosystems.

The postdoc position is part of the project Epic Roads funded by the organization Conference of European Directors of Roads (CEDR). The project includes research partners from Spain, Germany, Norway and Sweden, and the postdoc will work together with an international team of researchers.

The postdoc will be employed by NIBIO and located in Trondheim, Norway, but there will be opportunities for shorter or longer stays with partners at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, Sweden, or at the Technical University of Munich, Germany. 

In cooperation with an international team of researchers, the postdoc will be responsible for three main tasks:

(1) Develop a database with scientific reports on effects of roads on biodiversity and ecosystems, and use this database to assess the state-of-knowledge on this topic in Europe.

(2) By using systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific literature, develop an assessment of positive and negative effects of roads on biodiversity. The specific research questions in this task will be decided based on data availability but also the research interests of the postdoc.

(3) Modelling landscape connectivity and effects of road networks on connectivity by using graph theory.

• PhD in ecology or biogeography. Candidates with a PhD in geography will also be considered given that they have experience from ecological research.
• Competence and documented skills/abilities in statistical modelling of ecological data and in particular methods used for spatial data and/or meta-analysis.
• 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 from working with road ecology or landscape ecology more broadly, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, spatial modelling and specifically modelling of landscape connectivity using graph theory or other approaches to describe connectivity.
• Knowledge of species diversity in birds, plants or insects/invertebrates - preferably in Europe.
• Competence on biodiversity and how biodiversity is influenced by roads or other human infrastructure.

• Strong abilities for working in a systematic, persistent manner
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Curious, proactive and with good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Abilities to define and pursue goals to create progress
• Enthusiasm for working in a project aiming to combine practical and theoretical ecology in order to have impact on society and landscape management

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) 97 12 14 14.

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.