Postdoc in Woodland Phenology and Climate Change Odense, Denmark

Application deadline: 31 May 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time
The Population Biology Group at the Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for a 2-year position as a Postdoc in Woodland Phenology and Climate Change. This position is funded by a DFF Research Project grant led by Associate Professors Owen Jones and Johan Dahlgren.

Application deadline: 31 May 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time.
Start date in August/September 2025.

The successful candidate will join an exciting research project to understand the ecological and genetic drivers of individual variation in woodland phenology across temperate and boreal habitats. This multidisciplinary project combines fieldwork, remote sensing (camera and drone-based imagery), and genetic analysis, aiming to elucidate the adaptive potential of species in the face of climate change.

You will:

• Conduct ecological fieldwork at research sites in Sweden and Denmark.
• Collect and analyse phenological data using camera and drone-based imagery.
• Use genetic analyses to assess the relationship between genetic differentiation and phenological variation.
• Develop and implement advanced statistical models to quantify phenological responses.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners, including leading researchers in phenology and population biology.
• Mentor master's students participating in the project.
• Disseminate research findings through publications and presentations at international conferences.

Expectations of qualifications:

• PhD in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in ecological fieldwork, particularly in plant or woodland systems.
• Willingness to travel and work at field sites in Denmark and Sweden.
• Strong analytical skills, with proficiency in statistical modelling (e.g., hierarchical regression models, integral/matrix population models) and programming (e.g., R).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise critical thinking, and proactively address challenges with minimal supervision.
• Strong written communication skills and a proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, with experience in collaborative research environments.
• Interest in mentoring students and contributing to educational initiatives.
• Experience with remote sensing, GIS tools, and image analysis techniques is an advantage, as is knowledge of genetic methods (e.g., SNP-based data analysis).

We recommend that as an international applicant, you take the time to visit Work in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU.

Contact information
For more information about the department and the position, please contact Owen Jones (jones@biology.sdu.dk).
If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk.

About SDU
The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.

Application, salary etc.
The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation.

The application must include the following:

• A curriculum vitae including information on previous employment
• A full list of publications stating the scientific publications on which the applicant wishes to rely
• Copy of PhD diploma. If PhD diploma has not yet been received, please include statement from your supervisor

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

To qualify you must have passed a PhD or equivalent. Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply now". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Placering: Odense, Denmark