Senior Biodiversity and Applied Ecology Scientist

Senior Scientist - Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Restoration

Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University

Join a dynamic research environment at Ecoscience, Aarhus University, where you will strengthen biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration and national monitoring. You will collaborate across research sections to link biodiversity data with ecological processes and contribute to evidence‑based advice for authorities and society.

Position Details

Position Type: Permanent

Start Date: September 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter

Location: Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Denmark

Role Overview

The Department of Ecoscience (ECOS) seeks a Senior Scientist to strengthen research and advisory activities within biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration and nature monitoring. This position is anchored in the Biodiversity Section while encouraging active collaboration across other departments, including Terrestrial Ecology, with opportunities to link biodiversity monitoring with ecological processes such as plant-insect interactions and key terrestrial dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and synthesize findings for communication to authorities, stakeholders, and the public
• Perform quantitative analysis of ecological datasets, including community data on plants or invertebrates from observations, sensors, or eDNA
• Analyze environmental drivers, land-use history, and management data with large and heterogeneous datasets
• Contribute to projects on biodiversity monitoring, pollinator ecology, vegetation dynamics, ecological indicators and applied conservation
• Collaborate across disciplines and participate in securing external funding
• Engage in scientific publishing, advisory work and limited teaching (guest lectures and student supervision)

Required Qualifications

Essential Requirements:

• PhD or equivalent in biology with excellent English communication skills
• Strong foundation in quantitative ecology and applied statistics
• Proficiency with tools such as R, Python, GIS, Git or similar data-science software
• Solid experience with community data and biodiversity monitoring
• Broad ecological background, ideally including plants and invertebrates
• Documented ability to produce high-quality research in applied ecology or conservation
• Commitment to supporting colleagues with methodological or statistical input
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams
• Interest in applying research to address urgent needs in biodiversity monitoring and conservation planning

Additional Assets:

• Natural history knowledge of Danish biodiversity and nature
• Ambition to participate in and help shape large research and monitoring programmes
• Track record in obtaining or contributing to external research funding
• Experience managing multiple projects and supervising students
• Knowledge of modern monitoring techniques such as eDNA, advanced sensors and automated monitoring

What We Offer

Research Infrastructure

• State-of-the-art facilities and shared technical equipment
• Strong technical support for fieldwork and data-intensive projects

Academic Environment

• Vibrant interdisciplinary environment with connections across ecology, biodiversity, AI, and remote sensing
• Close links within Aarhus University and with leading global collaborators
• Stimulating research culture valuing open discussion, academic freedom, and innovation
• Workplace characterized by professionalism, equality, and healthy work-life balance

Real-World Impact

• Applied research contributing to evidence-based policy and nature management
• Advisory work for governmental institutions instead of traditional teaching

Location Benefits

• Life in Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city
• Vibrant research hub with dynamic cultural scene
• Easy access to nature and coastline
• International yet compact and livable environment

About the Department

The Department of Ecoscience conducts applied research and advisory work across major biological subdisciplines, covering conservation biology, wildlife management, aquatic biology and ecology, and biodiversity. The department employs approximately 275 academic and technical staff plus PhD students, distributed between Aarhus and Roskilde. The Biodiversity Section in Aarhus employs about 25 staff members.

Application Process

Application Deadline: March 16, 2026

The selection process uses shortlisting, with applicants notified within 6 weeks whether applications proceed to expert assessment committee evaluation. Applications must be submitted in English through Aarhus University's recruitment system and include:

• Curriculum vitae
• Degree certificate
• Complete list of publications
• Statement of future research plans and research activities
• Teaching portfolio and verified teaching experience information (if applicable)

Reference Letters: Applicants may designate referees to submit letters of reference. Ensure referees have adequate time before the application deadline, as late submissions cannot be guaranteed consideration.

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