PhD - Terrestrial Ecology

About the position 

The Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture at Nord University invites applications from outstanding candidates for a PhD fellowship in applied terrestrial ecology: Applying experimental harvest to grouse populations in order to define sustainable harvest levels.

In this PhD position, the candidate will work together with a team of researchers to assess sustainable levels of recreational harvest on willow ptarmigan, black grouse and capercaillie populations. This will be done through a properly designed large scale randomised controlled experiment, making the study exceptionally useful in terms of drawing robust conclusions. Research visits abroad to international collaborators are facilitated and encouraged. Some field work in scenic environments should be expected. 

The contract will be for a 3-year period without teaching. The start date is set for January 2026, though this is flexible.

The position is based in Steinkjer, Norway.

Qualification requirements

Required qualifications:  

• A master’s degree (120  ECTS) in ecology or related field. Applicants from outside the EU/EEA must submit NOKUT approval of their master’s degree
• Proficiency in English, both oral and written
• Grade average of B or better (or equivalent score) both for the programme in total and the master’s thesis

• Good knowledge about population ecology
• Good knowledge about natural resource management
• Knowledge of software R
• Strong skills and/or interest in mathematical and statistical modelling is a strength
• Ability to conduct field work in remote alpine areas is a strength

• A proven record in scientific writing (e.g., having published scientific papers) is a strength but not a prerequisite

   

• Have excellent analytical and collaboration skills as well as an ability to work both independently and in teams 
• Have a positive, balanced personality who can think creatively and critically 

• Have good communication and interaction with colleagues and students 

   

It is assumed that the person who is hired is admitted to the faculty’s doctoral program. Final project outline with plan for the doctoral work must be approved and agreed upon no later than 3 months after accession. Termination may be considered if admission to the doctoral program is not available within this deadline, due to lack of annual reporting of progress and/or serious failure in progress and in duty work. For admission requirements and regulations, see our web page.

Candidates are subject to Nord University’s requirement for residency at the institution.

Applicants who already have a PhD degree will not be considered for the position.

Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria:

• Theme and perspectives from the applicant’s master’s study
• The applicant’s description of motivation for the doctoral work and opportunities for completion
• Relevant experience from research work
• Ability to work independently, goal-oriented and systematically
• Personal suitability

We offer

The annual salary for doctoral researchers (code 1017) is set at wage level 54, NOK 550 800,- in the Norwegian State Salary Scale.

• Benefits from the Government Pension Fund, like better deals on loans, insurance, and pensions
• Creative and collegial working environment
• A workplace with progressive development
• Flexible working hours  
• Active university sports team

General information

The person who is appointed must abide by the applicable laws, agreements, and directives. The responsibilities and duties associated with the position may change with future reorganization at Nord University.

Nord University is subject to the Security Act, which imposes requirements for handling protected and sensitive information. To enhance the security of the hiring process, Nord may conduct background checks on potential candidates.

Please note that all our candidates may be asked questions necessary in this context. This includes questions about any connections to countries that the PST has assessed as high-risk in its open threat assessment. The state workforce should, to the greatest extent possible, reflect the diversity of the population. Therefore, Nord University encourages qualified candidates with disabilities, gaps in their CV, immigrant backgrounds, and other diverse life experiences to apply. Information about disabilities or gaps in the CV may be used for anonymized registration purposes.

For this position, Nord University is cautious about hiring individuals with connections to high-risk countries.

Application process

Applicants will be evaluated by an internal expert committee. Relevant applicants will be invited for an interview, trial lecture or other presentations.

The Faculty reserve the right not to hire applicants who may be scientifically qualified but who do not meet other criteria such as language, educational background or personal characteristics.

Application

• Application letter with description of your motivation for applying for the position
• Complete CV (education, work and teaching experience and overview of any scientific publications)
• Copy of diploma for both bachelor and master education and relevant certificates
• Copy of the applicant’s master’s thesis as a PDF file
• The project outline should include a progress plan A plan for how the fellowship period is intended to be used
• Name and contact information of 1-3 references (name, your relation to the person, email and phone number)
• Other activity that is considered relevant for the position, and wishes to be taken into account in the assessment

After the application period has expired a list of applicants will be published. Note that, in special cases, the identity of particular applicants to a position may be made public even when that applicant has requested that their application be processed confidentially. Applicants requesting an exemption from publication of their identity must explain their reasons for doing so in their application. In this case, advance notice will be given in the event of a decision to make any information about the applicant public.