Research support position in ecological data science Full-time

Research Support Position In Ecological Data Science

The Department of Biology at Aarhus University invites applications for a 3-year fixed term full-time research support (academic employee) position in the data science team of the Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, starting October 15, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position supports research and teaching activities across the section and associated research centers, including SustainScapes – Center for Sustainable Landscapes under Global Change, ECONOVO – Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere, Land-CRAFT – Center for Landscape Research in Sustainable Agricultural Futures.

Job Description

Are you motivated to help turn biological data into meaningful insight? Join the Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity and support a broad range of research in an international, interdisciplinary environment. In this research support position, you will use data science and data engineering, together with direct technical support, to advance ecological research while collaborating with researchers, staff, and students on analytical, technical, and teaching-related tasks.

Responsibilities include both data-related work and practical technical tasks, such as maintaining computing infrastructure and supporting field-based research equipment. The position will be part of a team of technical-administrative staff that jointly cover the following areas:

• Support with handling, analysis, and processing of ecological data, including geospatial, remote sensing, genetic and other data
• Retrieval, integration, management, and archiving research data in line with FAIR principles
• Designing and documenting reproducible data workflows to ensure traceability and data integrity
• Management and maintenance of data and computational infrastructure, including assistance with assessing and acquiring new servers
• Technical tasks such as hardware maintenance, software setup, firmware updates, and field equipment support
• Support of teaching in relevant areas
• Providing advice to BSc, MSc, and PhD students, as well as PostDocs and permanent staff, in the above areas

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a candidate or PhD in a relevant field (e.g. biology, geography, ecology, geoscience, data science) or have documented extensive experience with research support within these areas.

We Are Seeking Applicants With

• experience working with large and complex ecologically relevant datasets and databases, including both design and analysis
• experience in analyzing and interpreting different types of ecological data
• skill in the creation and implementation of data management plans, as well as knowledge of different metadata standards
• proficiency in two or more relevant programming languages (e.g. Python, R, SQL, Julia or others)
• a flair for technical tasks involving hardware and software, troubleshooting, firmware updates and maintenance of research equipment
• the capacity to work in an organized manner, both on your own and as part of a team
• fluency in English and willingness to learn Danish

Experience In The Following Specific Areas Might Be Of Advantage:

• handling of remote sensing data acquired from satellite, airborne, and/or drone platforms
• geospatial data analysis and use of GIS software (e.g. QGIS) and cloud-based geospatial analysis platforms such as Google Earth Engine
• statistical modelling, machine learning, cloud/high-performance computing
• retrieving ecologically relevant environmental data from national to global databases
• research and/or teaching support

The Department Of Biology

The Department of Biology hosts research programs and teaching curricula that cover all major biological sub-disciplines. The Department employs ~ 40 tenured staff, 60 postdocs, 45 PhD-students and 60 technical staff. The Department hosts BSc and MSc study programs in Biology with about 400 students enrolled as well as a PhD program. The working language is English, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

The Department's research encompasses a wide array of basic and applied topics in across biomes, species and methodologies and covers arctic, temperate, and (sub)tropical ecosystems, with an overarching focus on understanding the impact of global changes on ecosystems' functions. We aim to use this fundamental knowledge acquired to also improve the understanding, planning, and management of natural resources. The department offers a supportive and informal research environment with a long-standing tradition of collaboration with international university partners. Much of the internal communication is in English and we welcome international applicants.

Place Of Employment

The place of employment is Aarhus University, Department of Biology, Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity (ECOINF), Ny Munkegade 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

Application Deadline

09 August 2026

Interviews

We expect to hold interviews on 31 August 2026.

Formalities And Salary Range

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions. You will be appointed as an academic employee at basic salary steps 4-8 slsguide.sloen.dk/Dokumenter/AC.pdf 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. The application must be submitted via Aarhus University's recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.