PhD position in Carrion & Invasive Species Ecology

About the PhD fellowship 

Pink salmon recently became invasive in the North Atlantic and imposes a severe biodiversity threat. Their life history results in massive (bi)annually recurring marine-based nutrient inputs in terrestrial ecosystems with far-reaching consequences for ecosystem functioning throughout their native range. Currently, virtually no knowledge exists about pink salmon impacts on terrestrial ecosystems in its new range. This project will investigate dispersal and distribution of pink salmon carrion and its effect on vegetation communities in coastal tundra ecosystems in northern Norway.

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. 

Qualification requirements

We are looking for self-motivated, independent, and creative applicants with a strong academic background and the ability to collaborate within an international and multidisciplinary team. The successful candidate should have completed an MSc degree in ecology or environmental sciences (minimum grade B) and have documented skills in ecology (especially invasive species and vegetation ecology), advanced statistical modelling using R software, and conducting fieldwork under harsh environmental conditions. A successful applicant should have good skills in English and a Scandinavian language and possess a valid driver’s license. Prior experience with camera trapping, molecular techniques, and dive surveys is considered beneficial.

• A master’s degree in a relevant field of study is required
• 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

Ability to speak Norwegian or another Scandinavian language will be an advantage. If the candidate does not document proficiency in Norwegian, Swedish or Danish at level A2, then the doctoral fellow must complete a language course equal to 15 ECTS before the end of the fixed-term period.

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 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. Project outline with description of project idea and plan for implementation
• 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 NOK 550 800,- in the Norwegian State Salary Scale.

• Advantages within the Government Pension Fund for loans, insurance and pension
• 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.