Postdoc position in bat population monitoring with the Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University Part-time

Postdoc Position In Bat Population Monitoring With The Department Of Ecoscience, Aarhus University

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 and 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 include:

• 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

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 (oth@ecos.au.dk).