PhD position in Benthic Ecology

About the position

The Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture at Nord University invites applications from highly motivated candidates for a three-year PhD
fellowship in benthic ecology.

In this PhD project, you will investigate temporal changes in subarctic benthic communities, their trophic interactions, and the impact of larval supply. This will involve processing and analysing samples such as biodiversity data, stable isotopes, and oceanographic parameters from two unique time series of benthos and meroplankton in fjord ecosystems. In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) applications will be used on both meroplankton and benthos data to enhance the value and efficiency of long term time series analysis.

The position is based in Bodø and will be available from January 2026.

Qualification requirements

The candidate should have an MSc degree (or equivalent) in one of the following fields:
• (Marine) Biology
• (Marine) Ecology
• Marine Sciences
• or a related discipline

Profound knowledge and hands-on experience in benthic ecology and statistical analysis are required. Additional experience in analysing biodiversity data, ship-based sampling, marine plankton (preferably meroplankton), handling and analysing large datasets, and applying AI approaches (e.g. machine learning, image segmentation, multimodal AI data integration) will be considered advantageous. Strong skills in communicating scientific results, both in writing and orally, are also desirable.

• Applicants from outside the EU/EEA must submit NOKUT approval of their master’s degree
• Grade average of B or better (or equivalent score) both for the programme in total and the master’s thesis. See admission requirements:  PhD in Biosciences

It is assumed that the selected candidate will be admitted to the faculty’s doctoral programme. A final project outline with a detailed plan for the doctoral work must be approved no later than three months after the start of the position. Termination may be considered if admission is not granted within this timeframe, due to missing annual progress reports and/or serious deficiencies in progress or duty-related work.For admission requirements and regulations, see our web page

Proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is considered an advantage. For the position, strong English skills, both written and spoken, are required. The doctoral thesis may be written in English or in a Scandinavian language.

Candidates who already hold a PhD degree will not be considered for the position.

Candidates must meet Nord University’s residency requirements.

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.

The public sector workforce is expected to reflect the diversity of the population in general. Nord University therefore encourages qualified candidates with disabilities, gaps in their CV, immigrant backgrounds or different life experience to apply. 

If applicants indicate they have disabilities or gaps in their CV, their details may be used anonymously for the purposes of governmental annual review.

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
• 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.

Refnr. 30238717