Post doc: Data integration for biodiversity dynamics

Aarhus Universitet; Aarhus; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University, Department of Biology, Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position in data integration and visualisation of biodiversity dynamics.

The successful candidate will combine large biodiversity datasets with geospatial and remote sensing data to quantify drivers of biodiversity change in Denmark and Europe, collaborating with Professor Signe Normand.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology, earth system, data science, or related field.
• Experience in interdisciplinary biodiversity research integrating ecological and environmental data across scales.
• Strong skills in modelling biodiversity dynamics and using diverse data sources.

Responsibilities

• Combine biodiversity datasets with geospatial and remotely sensed data to quantify drivers of biodiversity change.
• Develop and apply novel methods for data integration and visualisation of biodiversity dynamics.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and publish in international journals.
• Communicate results effectively in English to a broad audience.

Skills

Biodiversity modelling

Geospatial analysis

AI & ML methods

Large data integration

English communication

Education

PhD in biology or related field

Tools

Remote sensing data sources

R/Python

GIS

Job description

Post doc: Data integration for biodiversity dynamics

Do you enjoy finding solutions to integrate and analyse large data sets of biodiversity dynamics and their drivers? Are you creative and able to couple various data flows and integrated modelling and analyses based on various input data sets from eDNA, remote sensing and biodiversity observations?

Department of Biology advertises a postdoc position focused on data integration and visualisation.

The position is primarily funded by the Center for Sustainable Landscapes Under Global Change (SustainScapes) and you will be working directly with Professor Signe Normand, but where relevant there is also the option to collaborate with Fabian Schneider and other researchers at the Center for Landscape Research in Sustainable Agricultural Futures (Land-CRAFT).

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a two-year post doc position expected to start 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible hereafter.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to explore one of the most pressing scientific challenges of our time: understanding how biodiversity is changing in response to multiple, interacting global change drivers. The project will combine cutting‑edge analyses of large biodiversity datasets with the integration of diverse geospatial and remote sensing data sources to quantify environmental stressors and their impacts on ecosystems. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high‑impact research at the forefront of biodiversity science and global change ecology.

You will work on combining extensive biodiversity datasets, innovative geospatial products, and remotely sensed observations to generate new insights into the causes and consequences of biodiversity change in Denmark and Europe. The position provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to internationally leading research, collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, and develop novel approaches for understanding and predicting biodiversity futures in a rapidly changing world.

Qualifications

Ideally, you hold a PhD in biology, earth system or data science, or a similar field, and have several years of experience with interdisciplinary collaborations focused on understanding biodiversity dynamics by integrating ecological and environmental data and knowledge across scales.

Specifically, we look for the following qualifications:

• Proven expertise in modelling and analyses of biodiversity dynamics across large spatial and temporal scales.


• Experience in the conceptualisation and development of new methodological approaches for analysing and modelling species range dynamics, functional trait variation, or species interactions.


• Proven skills in integration and utilizing various remotely sensed products across scales, including both spectral and structural data streams.


• Strong documented skills in advanced statistics, AI and machine learning methods, including demonstrated experience in analysing multiple global change drivers, e.g. land use intensity, climate change, nitrogen deposition.


• Proven capability to acquire, download, manage, and synthesise large geospatial datasets from diverse sources.


• Proven ability to publish at a high international level. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required.


• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively across disciplines and employee groups.

At the centres, we value a collegial and inclusive working environment and place strong emphasis on good relationships between colleagues and students. We therefore seek candidates with an open, constructive, and collaborative approach.

Who we are

The Department of Biology (http://bio.au.dk/) provides a framework for research and teaching in all major biological subdisciplines. The department is especially known for its research contribution in biodiversity, global change and conservation biology, aquatic biology and ecology, arctic environment and ecosystems, genetics and evolution, microbiology and zoophysiology. The department currently encompasses approximately 200 academic and technical staff and 45 PhD students while 400 students follow the BSc and MSc programs offered by the institute.

The department offers a vibrant and informal research environment with a long‑standing tradition of collaboration with international university partners. Much of the internal communication is in English and we welcome international applicants.

What we offer

• an exciting interdisciplinary environment with many national, international and industrial collaborators


• a work environment encouraging lively, open and critical discussion


• a work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities


• a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work‑life balance

Place of work and area of employment

The place of employment is Aarhus University, Department of Biology, Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity (ECOINF), Ny Munkegade 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with affiliated institutions.

The work involves some periods of field work away from Aarhus.

Contact information

For further information, please contact: Prof. Signe Normand, [phone], [e-mail].

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 11 October 2026.

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – 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. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self.

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation .

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxationand the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities .

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions at basic salary steps 4-8.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop.

We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here . Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here .

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here .

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website , you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.