Postdoc in seabird ecology Full-time

Postdoc in Seabird Ecology

The Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, invites applications for a 17-month postdoc position, offering applicants an exciting opportunity to join a new research project on the origin and causes of death of beached seabirds.

This is a 17-month position from 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Your task will be to explore what we can learn from the beached bird data. Topics include the distribution of mortality in time and space, and among species; causes of death, as inferred from necropsies; and breeding origin of the birds involved, determined through DNA-based assignment.

Your main responsibility will be to make sense of the data, help understand the impact of the observed mortality on seabird populations, and report the findings as scientific manuscripts. In addition, you may be involved in necropsies.

Key partners include BirdLife Denmark, who organize the beached bird surveys, and Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, who carry out the genetic analyses.

The project will further connect to ongoing research on plastic ingestion and contaminant body burdens, conducted in collaboration with marine pollution researchers within the department.

We are searching for a highly motivated candidate who has:

• A PhD in seabird ecology or a related field
• Experience in statistical analysis and visualisation of ecological data
• Experience with scientific writing and publication
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team
• Excellent English skills

In addition, it will be an advantage to have:

• Experience with avian necropsies

The place of work is Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Applications must be received no later than 14 August 2026.