Postdoctoral position

Introduction
Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) is the leading research institute for applied ecology in Norway. Applications are invited for a two-year (with a possible one-year extension) postdoctoral research associate position in the project “Integrating past evolution, adaptive capacity, and dispersal in population viability analysis under climate change (ADAPT)” at the NINA office in Trondheim, Norway. The project is funded by a grant from the Research Council of Norway.

The overall goal of the project ADAPT is to better understand how the interplay of short- and long-term ecological and evolutionary processes can buffer against (or increase vulnerability to) environmental change, and to generate novel methods for predicting population viability that account for dispersal and demographic and genetic variation. We use wild Svalbard reindeer in the high Arctic as study system to (1) quantify variation in dispersal and how it mediates demographic and evolutionary impacts of climate change and habitat fragmentation (sea-ice loss); (2) merge genomic predictions with available paleogenome scans to reconstruct past evolution and its drivers; (3) quantify evolutionary potential of fitness-related traits and estimate climate effects on selection; (4) identify microevolutionary responses to 30 yrs of rapid warming; and (5) develop a novel integrative framework for spatially structured population viability predictions, given past evolution, current evolutionary potential and dispersal capacity, and future scenarios of change. The Postdoctoral researcher will be a member of a strong project group with national collaborators from NINA, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI), the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) and the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), as well as international collaborators from Canada, UK, Sweden, Denmark, and Greenland.

About NINA
NINA is an independent research institute with more than 330 employees. NINA is headquartered in Trondheim, and have research departments in Oslo, Lillehammer, Bergen and Tromsø, and research facilities for seabirds at Hjelmsøya and Røst, arctic fox at Oppdal and salmonid fishes at Ims. We have a wide range of expertise and experience in both natural science and social science research, including how various driving forces affect nature and the interactions between humans and nature. NINA is Norway’s leading research institute in applied ecology and collaborates extensively with other research communities nationally and internationally. For more information about NINA -www.nina.no.

The position
The Postdoctoral researcher will be central in developing a novel modelling approach that integrates demography, genetics, and dispersal for spatially structured population viability predictions. The ultimate aim of the modelling is to predict population viability at different spatiotemporal scales under future climate change scenarios. The work will combine a unique set of long-term mark-recapture data with state-of-the-art eco-evolutionary theory and modelling techniques. The candidate can take part in field work in Svalbard during the project period. The successful candidate will work closely together with core members of the project team and will be expected to co-supervise MSc students and, possibly, PhD students, linked to the project.

This exciting research project is ideally suited for a quantitatively oriented postdoctoral researcher with interests in the interface of biomodelling, ecology, population dynamics, population genetics, and evolution.

The candidate is expected to apply to the Research Council of Norway for up to one year extension of the postdoc position for one or more research stays abroad with collaborating partners. This also provides a unique opportunity for establishing future research networks. Expected start up is 1 October 2024.

Qualifications
• Candidates must have a PhD in Biology or another relevant field, and a strong quantitative background.
• We are seeking a candidate with strong skills in population-dynamic modelling. Additional knowledge of/skills in Bayesian methods, eco-evolutionary theory, movement ecology, and/or population genetics are an advantage.
• The candidate should have good communication skills and a strong publication record for his/her career stage.
• The ideal candidate will be creative and able to work well independently as well as in a team.

NINA offers:
• a workplace in one of Europe's foremost environmental institutes
• salary by qualifications
• flexi-time scheme
• good pension scheme and group life insurance
• varied and interesting work at a leading research institute for applied ecology
• good opportunities for professional development
• a work and career development plan will be tailored for the candidate to ensure future employment prospects
• a pleasant working environment in modern premises of high standard

The application must contain:
• A cover letter outlining the candidate’s professional experience and interest that are relevant to the scope of the position.
• A curriculum vitae with information on education, professional experience, publications, presentations, and research grants. The successful candidate will be asked to submit certified copies of university transcripts and diplomas.
• Up to five examples of research products that illustrate the applicant’s qualifications. Products can include published articles, technical reports or unpublished manuscripts. All materials will be treated in confidence.
• Contact information for three referees who can speak in support of the qualifications of the candidate. Candidates will be notified before their referees are contacted.

Selected qualified candidates will be called in for an interview.

For NINA, a good working environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, functional ability, cultural background or if you have been out of work for a period of time. If necessary, the workplace will be adapted for people with disabilities.

NINA's everyday language is Norwegian, and language training is provided.

Questions about the position can be directed to: Senior Researcher Brage Bremset Hansen, phone +47 416 04 443 or Assistant Research Director Knut Morten Vangen, phone +47 905 92 214.

Closing date: 7 May 2024