Postdoc i flagermusovervågning, Aarhus Universitet

The Department of Ecoscience, Section for Wildlife Ecology at Aarhus University is seeking a postdoc (2 years) to develop and apply camera-based methods for population monitoring of bats. The position combines field ecology with emerging technologies, contributing to next-generation wildlife monitoring approaches. We are looking for candidates with a background in bat or wildlife ecology an experience in technology-assisted monitoring or computational image analysis.

Expected start date and duration of employment

The position will start in June 2026, with exact starting date as agreed between the applicant and the Department of Ecoscience. The position concludes after 24 months.

Job description

The Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University is looking for a post-doctoral researcher to optimize a camera-based system and AI-based analysis workflow for long-term monitoring and quantification of population sizes of bat species at an important Danish hibernaculum with over 10,000 individuals and disseminate the outcomes scientifically and through public outreach. The position will be within the Section for Wildlife Ecology.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and refine camera-based methods for bat species identification and population monitoring
• Contribute to automated approaches for tracking long-term population trends in wildlife
• Collaborate with colleagues on ongoing modelling and simulation work across the section
• Help design and pilot an outreach programme for Danish school classes linked to the monitoring work
• Help organise two workshops bringing together interdisciplinary expertise from within and beyond the department

We seek a candidate with the following qualifications:

Required:

• PhD in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, or a related field
• Experience with technology-assisted wildlife monitoring (e.g., camera traps, thermal imaging, acoustic sensors)
• Practical skills in programming and analysis of large datasets
• Publication record in relevant areas
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and spoken
• Willingness to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and fieldwork

Advantageous:

• Knowledge of bat ecology and species identification
• Experience with machine learning or automated detection methods
• Background in public outreach or science communication
• Familiarity with high-performance computing environments
• Proficiency in Danish and/or German

Who we are

The Department of Ecoscience is engaged in applied research and advisory work for authorities covering the major biological subdisciplines. We conduct research in the areas of conservation biology and wildlife management, aquatic biology and ecology, and biodiversity. The Department currently employs approximately 275 academic and technical staff, as well as PhD students, distributed at two geographical locations in Aarhus and Roskilde. The Section for Wildlife Ecology is situated in Aarhus and employs 35 staff members, including six affiliated with the bat research group.

For more information on the Department see: http://ecos.au.dk/en/

What we offer

• A well-developed research infrastructure and access to shared technical equipment
• An exciting interdisciplinary environment with great opportunities for scientific network building and engaging socially with national and international colleagues
• A research climate encouraging lively, open, and critical discussion within and across different fields of research, a workplace characterized by professionalism, equality, and a healthy work-life balance

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, bld. 1110, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

Contact information

For further information, please contact:Head of Section, Ole Roland Therkildsen +45 40203227 (troy52jeffreypopeoth@hoover-matthewshernandez-mcgeelarsenecos.au.dk).

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. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.

Letter of reference

If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.

If you wish to add a referee after you have submitted your application, you must send this person’s details (name, job title, place of work, and email address) as well as the name of the position you have applied for to: HR.Nattechrichardchristiancrichardsongregoryheather@thompsonhuangaunelson-washington.dk

Formalities and salary range

Technical 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 Taxation and 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 depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

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.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.

Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/