Postdoctoral Researcher – Modelling Habitat Suitability in Coastal Areas - DTU Aqua

We invite you to apply for a position targeting research and innovation in the BlueBioClimate project (2023-2026) focusing on Climate adjusted tools for a sustainable blue economy in Kattegat-Skagerrak.
We invite you to apply for a position targeting research and innovation in the field of habitat modelling. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will play a crucial role in developing modelling tools for habitat restoration, with a specific emphasis on biogenic reefs, seagrass meadows, biodiversity, and invasive species in a dynamically changing ecosystem under Climate Change pressure.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The applicant will mainly be involved in the BlueBioClimate project (2023-2026) focusing on Climate adjusted tools for a sustainable blue economy in Kattegat-Skagerrak, but will also collaborate with the Danish Centre for Marine Restoration and three other projects linked to biogenic reef and eelgrass restoration: COASTal LIFE, BioReef,and Marine Mitigation Measures

You are expected to improve our capacity for conducting relevant research within the field of habitat modelling, disseminate the results in scientific journals as well as in public media, give advice to policy makers and other relevant authorities as well as foster innovation in cooperation with the industry.

We expect that you will be a driver and strengthen the modelling expertise within the Coastal Ecology section and foster connections between its two research groups: i) Sustainable Resource Utilisation (based in Nykøbing Mors) and ii) Environmental Impact and Habitat (based at the main campus in Lyngby. By doing so, we foresee an expansion of this field in our section with development of future projects. Current research and development activities in the section include major aquaculture and restoration projects in the coastal zone affected by many pressure factors.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in the field of e.g. environmental science, ecology or related fields of marine biology or geography.

We are seeking candidates who possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Strong Modelling Expertise:
  • Proficiency in developing species distribution models.
  • Experience applying spatial prioritization approaches within marine ecosystems.
  • Competence in spatial, ecological and connectivity modelling.
• Advanced Knowledge and Experience: Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Geospatial Data Management: Efficiently handling and analyzing geospatial data.
  • Hydrodynamic Models: using models for connectivity analysis.
  • Statistical Analysis & methods.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Applying GIS tools for spatial analysis.
• Innovative Approach:
  • A strong commitment to innovative research, both in advancing scientific knowledge and in developing practical tools for management authorities.
• Science-to-Action Translation:
  • Experience translating conservation science into actionable outcomes.
  • Familiarity with working at the science-policy interface.
• Collaboration Skills:
  • Ability to contribute effectively to internal and external collaborations.
  • Comfortable working across interdisciplinary teams.
• Fundraising Ability:
  • Demonstrated capability to attract funding for research initiatives.
• Flexibility:
  • Adaptability to quickly grasp new topics and tasks.
  • Willingness to embrace change and navigate dynamic research environments.
• Organizational Skills:
  • Rigorous and dedicated approach to work and task management.
  • Reliability in meeting deadlines and commitments.
• Team Player:
  • A collaborative mindset, actively contributing to the team’s success.
  • Solution-oriented approach to supporting colleagues within DTU Aqua.
• Research Program Development:
  • Develop and shape your own research program aligned with the BlueBioClimate, Coastal Life, BioReef and Marine Mitigation Measures projects and complementary initiatives e.g. Danish Centre for Marine Restoration.
• Publication Leadership:
  • Lead the preparation of at least three high-quality research papers within your specialized area.
• Grant Applications:
  • Actively participate in grant applications related to habitat modelling to develop this line of research further.
• Ideation and Project Development:
  • Contribute innovative ideas to enhance project outcomes.
• Project Engagement:
  • Engage in project outreach, prepare reports, facilitate workshops, and deliver project milestones and deliverables.
• Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with fellow team members, including mentoring students, sharing expertise, and problem-solving within your domain.
• Outreach:
  • Actively engaged in the research groups dissemination and teaching activities that include dissemination to a broader audience as schoolchildren and visitors.
  • Converting conservation science into actionable outcomes for management authorities.

Personal Competencies

Key Responsibilities
As a Postdoctoral Researcher in this role, your responsibilities include:

We offer
Join our dynamic research community at DTU Aqua and make a meaningful impact on marine conservation and contribute to shaping a sustainable blue economy.

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2 years starting October 1st 2024 or as soon as possible.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Head of section Jens Kjerulf Petersen, [email protected], +45 96690283 or senior scientist Camille Saurel, [email protected] +45 61150162.

You can read more about DTU Aqua and the DSC research group on www.aqua.dtu.dk and https://coast.dtu.dk/english

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 18 August 2024 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Aqua – National Institute of Aquatic Resources – works for well-functioning oceans, rivers, and lakes where biodiversity can thrive. Our research, advisory service, and education contribute to the development of a sustainable blue bioeconomy, robust aquatic ecosystems, and reduced effects of climate change. We have a large national and international network and cooperate with research partners, public authorities, industry, and NGOs. We have state-of-the-art research facilities and Denmark’s only ocean- and arctic-going research vessel. The Institute has 360 employees, one-half being scientific staff, including 50 PhD students. More than 35 nationalities are represented at the Institute, and we support an equal gender distribution. We are located in Lyngby, Hirtshals, Nykøbing Mors, and Silkeborg and have regular activities in Greenland. Learn more on aqua.dtu.dk

Section for Coastal Ecology conducts research within the ecology of the coastal zone from nutrient dynamics to fish as well as the coastal zone as a fishing ground and production area for low-trophic aquaculture. Our core research areas are aquaculture of low-trophic species i.e. bivalves and seaweed, fisheries and effects of fishery and seaweed collection in the coastal zone, marine habitats, and their importance in the coastal zone for biodiversity and fish. The results of the research are largely translated into practice through advice to public management and the industry. We have a strong national and international collaboration network of universities, research institutions, and industry.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Adresse:

Henrik Dams Allé
2800 Kgs. Lyngby