Postdoc in muskox energetics and population modelling

Postdoc in muskox energetics and population modelling

Department of Ecoscience – Arctic Ecosystem Ecology, Faculty:
Technical Sciences

Deadline 9 Jan 23:59 CET

Expected start 1 May

Fixed term full‑time position 1 May 2026 – 30 Apr 2028 ()

Aarhus University’s Department of Ecoscience invites applications for a 2‑year postdoc to co‑develop a spatially‑explicit individual‑based dynamic energy budget model (DEB‑IBM) for high‑Arctic muskoxen roaming the Zackenberg region in Northeast Greenland. The position will explore how movement and energetics shape population dynamics under climate change and harvest scenarios, working with an international team across Greenland, Canada, and Alaska.

This is a 2‑year, full‑time position starting on 1 April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is ideally suited for candidates with interests in Arctic ecology, movement ecology, population dynamics, and ecological modelling.

As part of the position, you will be:

• co‑developing a spatially explicit process‑based ecological model (DEB‑IBM) for muskoxen in the high‑Arctic through the analyses of long‑term GPS and acceleration data;
• using the model to estimate the cumulative impacts of hunting, climate and habitat change on movement and population dynamics of muskoxen;
• working in close collaboration with colleagues at Aarhus University and with project partners based in Winnipeg (Canada), Fairbanks (Alaska) and Nuuk (Greenland).

Applicants should hold a PhD in Ecology or related field. Moreover, we are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:

• Strong background in individual‑/agent‑based modelling;
• Experience with modelling of animal energetics;
• Strong R and Net Logo skills;
• Good understanding of movement & population ecology;
• Experience in publishing scientific results in high‑quality international journals;
• Extensive collaboration and teamwork skills;
• Good English communication skills.

The Department of Ecoscience conducts world‑class research within biology and ecology, biodiversity, conservation biology, wildlife management, particularly in Arctic regions. The Department currently employs approximately 275 academic and technical staff, as well as many PhD students.

Successful candidates will work in a collaborative and internationally engaged scientific environment at the Section for Arctic Ecosystem Ecology (for more information see: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

The department is an active, diverse and inspiring workplace with exciting challenges, enthusiastic colleagues and academic opportunities for development. It supports a good balance between work and home life, and values freedom, creativity and respect for the long‑term perspective.

• a well‑developed research infrastructure;
• an exciting interdisciplinary environment with many national and international collaborators;
• collaboration within a strong research team with extensive experience in wildlife ecology, population ecology and modelling;
• a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality, and a healthy work‑life balance.

The place of work is Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde (close to Copenhagen), with research stays at the University of Winnipeg, Canada, and/or the University of Fairbanks, Alaska, to work on model development, and at the Greenland Institute for Natural Science, Nuuk, Greenland to work on hunting scenarios and contribute to workshops. The affiliation will be with the Department of Ecoscience.

For further information, please contact the Head of Section Dr. Floris M. van Beest, flbe.dk /, or Deputy Head of Department Professor Niels Martin Schmidt, nms.dk /.

Shortlisting is used. After the Final date to receive applications, the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. Selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the…