PhD fellowship – Effects of climate change on interaction strengths in a specialist predator-prey system – Deadline 13 October 2021

A three-year PhD fellowship in terrestrial ecology is available at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture (FBA), Nord University Steinkjer, Norway.The project will be based at the terrestrial ecology research unit of the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Steinkjer campus.

This PhD project will study predator-prey interactions between willow ptarmigan and gyrfalcon in the light of climate change. The candidate will have access to a unique blend of data from both the predator and prey demography and population abundance, and will conduct advanced statistical modelling under the supervision of a skilled set of supervisors. Some field work in a beautiful alpine landscapes in central Norway must be expected.

The position will be available from the 1st of January 2022.

Qualification requirements

We are looking for motivated and creative applicants with a strong academic background and the ability to collaborate within a research team. Primarily we will prefer a candidate with the following skills:

• MSc in ecology or biostatistics with the grade average of B or better (or equivalent score) both for the programme in total and the master’s thesis
• Strong skills or interests in statistical modelling
• Knowledge of software R
• Ability to conduct field work in remote alpine areas
• Knowledge of Bayesian statistics is a strength but not a requirement
• A proven record in scientific writing (e.g. having published scientific paper) is a strength but not a prerequisite
• Proficiency in oral and written English is essential and knowledge of a Scandinavian language is beneficial for the position
• The successful candidate will join the PhD program in Biosciences at Nord University and is expected to complete the study within the period
• The candidate should fulfill the admission requirements and participate in the training component stipulated in regulations of the PhD program. Application for admission to the program must be submitted within three months after taking up the position. For admission requirements and regulations, see our web page

We offer

The annual salary for doctoral researchers (code 1017) is set at wage level 54, LR 20, NOK 491.200,- in the Norwegian State Salary Scale.

• Advantages within the Government Pension Fund for borrowing, insurance and pension.
• Creative and collegial working environment
• A workplace with steady 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. Nord University practices moderate allocation according to gender quotas in accordance with the Basic Agreement for State Employees.

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

Contact information

Further information about the position can be obtained by contacting :

• Associate Professor Jan Eivind Østnes, e-mail: jan.e.ostnes@nord.no, phone: +47 74112125
• Professor Erlend Birkeland Nilsen, e-mail: erlend.nilsen@nina.no, phone: +47 41425684

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically by 13.10.2021.

The application should include:

• Cover letter outlining the candidate’s motivation and suitability for the position (maximum 2 pages)
• Description of the project idea (project proposal), including the theoretical basis and intended methodology (maximum 2 pages)
• A complete CV (education, work experience and publications, maximum 2 pages)
• Certified transcripts/dipl for academic degrees (both bachelor and master degree) and other relevant qualifications
• Other activity that is considered relevant, such as list of publications and academic work
• Contact details for at least two referees (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
• Signed consent form PhD (if relevant)

All documents must be uploaded as attachments to the electronic application form.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit the complete documentation within the deadline.

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. 30125121