Would you like to work with terrestrial ecology in one of Norway’s leading research environments? 

Are you a skilled and passionate ecologist with knowledge of northern ecosystems and experience in population modeling? Do you want to apply your expertise to study the effects of climate change in interdisciplinary collaboration with a world-leading center for climate-ecological research? Then the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) could be the right place for you! 

Researcher in Terrestrial Ecology 
NINA is looking to strengthen the terrestrial ecology group in Tromsø and is therefore seeking a skilled and dedicated researcher. NINA’s Tromsø division has broad expertise in Arctic and northern marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. The division’s terrestrial research focuses particularly on the effects of climate, environmental, and land-use changes on northern plant and animal species and ecosystems. 

The division operates national monitoring programs on, among others, semi-domesticated reindeer and small rodents and is a key partner in the center COAT – Climate-ecological Observatory for Arctic Tundra. We undertake assignments for a wide range of clients and work on international, national, regional, and locally rooted projects. 

Key Responsibilities 
Core responsibilities include acquisition of new projects, project development, proposal writing, as well as implementation and reporting of research projects. Publishing scientific papers, and development of research projects at national and international levels are also important tasks. Participation in fieldwork is expected. 

Examples of specific responsibilities include: 

• Working with unique climate-ecological data streams based on new technologies 
• Developing and applying management-relevant tools and data products linked to national monitoring programs 
• Contributing to the operation of the national small rodent monitoring program based on camera traps, including field site establishment, image data processing, development of species-level population models, and estimation of population sizes 
• Collaborating with COAT researchers on the operation of population models for short-term forecasting, reporting, and publishing 

Qualifications: 

• PhD in ecology, preferably with emphasis on terrestrial ecology, northern ecosystems, and population modeling 
• Strong theoretical and analytical skills 
• A solid national and/or international network of collaborators 

Additional desirable qualifications: 

• Experience with statistical population modeling, preferably using occupancy, N-mixture, capture-recapture, and/or distance models 
• Experience with population modeling in a Bayesian framework using JAGS, STAN, and/or NIMBLE 
• Knowledge of image processing for species recognition, preferably using artificial intelligence 
• Understanding of small mammal ecology and Norwegian small mammal communities 
• Experience in project management and demonstrated ability to develop and obtain funding for new projects 
• Experience with interdisciplinary and applied environmental research 

This position involves close collaboration and reporting to Norwegian management authorities. Therefore, proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language, both spoken and written, is desirable. 

Personal qualities: You are independent, proactive, and build trust in relationships with others. You enjoy communicating knowledge and results and are skilled at doing so both orally and in writing. You are prepared for a challenging and varied workday and are flexible when it comes to the diverse tasks contract research entails. 

NINA offers: 

• A workplace at one of Europe's leading environmental research institutes 
• Salary according to qualifications 
• Flexible working hours 
• Good pension scheme and group life insurance 
• A positive and inclusive working environment in modern facilities of high standard 

Along with your application, please attach your CV with education and work experience, an overview of diplomas and certificates, and a list of publications. 

References will be requested if needed. 

Relevant applicants will be invited to an interview. 

About NINA: 
The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) is an independent foundation conducting research on nature and the interaction between nature and society. Established in 1988, NINA currently employs over 350 staff from more than 30 nations. The main office, the NINA House, is located in Trondheim next to NTNU at Gløshaugen, with branch offices in Tromsø, Lillehammer, Bergen, and Oslo. NINA also operates the Sæterfjellet captive breeding station for Arctic fox in Oppdal and a gene bank and research station for wild Atlantic salmon in Ims, Rogaland. 

NINA actively works to build a positive, diverse, and inclusive work environment. We encourage qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, functional ability, cultural background, or if you have been out of the workforce for a period. The workplace will be adapted if necessary for individuals with disabilities. 

For questions regarding the position, please contact: 
Research Director Kjetil Sagerup, +47 480 69 976 or Research Director Amanda Poste, +47 982 15 479.

Application deadline: April 25, 2025