Ph.D. position in Arctic Biology (Svalbard Reindeer Movement Ecology)

The Department of Arctic Biology at UNIS is seeking candidates for a full-time, 4-year position as a PhD fellow in Arctic Terrestrial Biology. The four-year contract includes a year of required duties. Alternatively, the candidate may choose a three-year position which excludes these duties. Applications are also open to this year’s master’s candidates, with the requirement that the master’s degree must be completed by July 1st, 2025. The desired start date is during August, and no later than September 1st.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research team studying the movement ecology of Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) in the context of climate change. Predicting climate change effects on the distribution and abundance of animal populations is an urgent task but often hampered by poor understanding of behavioural processes and spatiotemporal heterogeneity in animal-habitat relationships. The proposed PhD project will provide novel mechanistic insights into Svalbard reindeer spatial behaviour, critical for understanding and predicting population dynamics and ecological interactions in Svalbard’s rapidly warming tundra ecosystem.

The PhD project will capitalise on a wealth of individual- and population-level Svalbard reindeer data collected through 30 years of research and monitoring efforts in two contrasting study systems. One inland population (Reindalen, near Longyearbyen) has near-tripled in population size over the last three decades – likely caused by extended plant growing seasons and shorter winters. In contrast, three coastal subpopulations (Ny Ålesund area) have declined or remained relatively stable, likely because of more frequent ground icing restricting forage access in winter. These divergent local population trends offer an ideal background for exploring the role of individual space use and behaviour in shaping population-level dynamics, using mechanistic movement modelling.

Combining extensive time series of individual-level GPS tracking and fitness data with population monitoring data and in situ, modelled, or remotely sensed environmental data, this PhD project will ask the following overarching questions for Svalbard reindeer: (1) What is the extent of betweenand within-individual variation in spatial behaviour? (2) How does the environment interact with internal state (such as age and body condition) and density dependence in shaping behavioural decisions? (3) How does variation in spatial behaviour affect individual fitness (survival and reproduction)?

You will be given flexibility to develop you own ideas within the proposed theme. Upon employment, you will work on the detailed project description together with the supervisors. During the PhD period, will you be required to carry out research involving statistical analyses of reindeer spatial (GPS) and activity data in relation to landscape characteristics, present research findings at scientific conferences, collaborate with other team members (MSc students, other PhD students, researchers) at other Norwegian and international institutions, and take part in field work in Svalbard for continued data collection and to obtain an understanding of the study system. Where
suitable and depending on funding, we will aim to facilitate research stays with collaborators at Norwegian institutions and/or abroad.

You will be based at the Department of Arctic Biology at UNIS, and will be admitted to a PhD program at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). The PhD student will be supervised by Assoc. Prof. Larissa Beumer (UNIS, main supervisor) and Prof. Leif Egil Loe (NMBU, co-supervisor). Senior researcher Dr. Åshild Ø. Pedersen (Norwegian Polar Institute) and Prof. Brage B. Hansen (Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, NINA) will serve as additional co-supervisors.

Required Qualifications

• Applicants must hold a master’s degree in a field relevant for the position or the degree must be completed by July 1st, 2025.
• Admission to the doctoral programme at NMBU is a condition for the employment
• Have strong quantitative skills and experience in using the statistical software R or similar
• Be able to work independently and in a structured manner, with great attention to detail
• Demonstrate very good collaborative and communication skills
• Proficient in both written and oral English
• Driver’s license class B (valid for Svalbard)

Advantageous knowledge and skills

• Experience in relevant statistical modelling within the fields of spatial/movement ecology, especially the analysis of GPS tracking data
• Experience in conducting field work in polar or alpine regions
• Experience in scientific writing, including authorship of scientific publications
• Experience in outreach and science communication, incl. presentation at scientific conferences
• Experience in data visualisation
• Keen interest in terrestrial herbivore ecology, behavioural ecology, and climate change
  impacts

Motivation and personal suitability will be emphasized.

UNIS offers a challenging and varied job in an exciting, pleasant, and international environment. As an employee, you will be a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK), which provides one of the best pension schemes on the market. We also offer excellent insurance schemes, coverage of travel and relocation expenses upon starting the position, and staff housing in accordance with current regulations.

The position is classified under the job code “Stipendiat” (code 1017). In addition to the base salary, a Svalbard allowance of NOK 42.840 per annum is provided. A 2 % contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the salary. The income tax rate in Svalbard is currently 8 %, and a national insurance contribution of 7.7 % is also deducted.

Inquiries about this position, may be directed to:

Associate Professor Larissa Beumer, email: larissab@unis.no

Professor Leif Egil Loe, email: leif.egil.loe@nmbu.no

Head ofDepartment, Professor Steve Coulson, email: stevec@unis.no

Application deadline 25.04.2025.

Please include the following documents to the online application form:

• Motivational letter (max. 1 page) to state applicants scientific and personal interest in pursuing a Ph.D on the announced topic and at UNIS
• Full academic CV
• Transcripts and diplomas showing the completion of bachelor’s and master’s degrees, alternatively an official confirmation that the master’s degree will be completed by 1st July, 2025
• Contact information for two references, one of which must be your master’s supervisor

It is possible to request that your name/application be exempt from public disclosure in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (Offentlighetsloven) § 25. The request must be justified. Please note that if the request is not granted, the applicant will be contacted and given the opportunity to withdraw the application.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

One of UNIS’ values is inclusion. We are committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment in the high Arctic. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, or other characteristics.

Selection and appointment
A committee appointed by the Managing director of UNIS will evaluate the qualifications of the applicants and invite the highest ranked person(s) for an interview. The appointment will be made by the Director of UNIS based on the recommendation from the committee.