Marine benthic ecologist

We are seeking applicants for a permanent position in marine ecology to join the Department of ECOSCIENCE. The person will contribute to our assessments of human pressures on the status, health, and biodiversity of shallow-water benthic-dominated marine systems. Expertise in monitoring, data analysis, and management will be used to produce science-based advice.

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a permanent position from September 1st or as soon as possible.

Job description

The position will focus on providing research-based advice on:

• Marine spatial planning  
• Marine restoration
• Management of N2000 habitats
• Offshore wind farms and effects on biodiversity
• Field based monitoring of marine benthic biodiversity
• Annual reports to the Danish authorities

You will be part of an interdisciplinary team with close collaboration both within the department, with external collaborators and the various national governmental institutions.

Your profile

The applicant is expected to have a PhD degree in marine biology, environmental engineering, ocean science or the like.

You should preferably have documented experience monitoring and assessing marine benthic ecology, knowledge of the importance of human drivers using different statistical and modelling approaches, and fieldwork experience. A commercial diver certificate is an asset, or the interest in obtaining it, should future work require it.

Previous involvement with advisory work at the governmental interface is preferred. Good communication skills in speak and writing are important, and it is a great advantage if you speak and write Danish.

Good collaboration skills are required since the advisory tasks include high teamwork in the multidisciplinary team of researchers and advisors.

Who we are

The Department of Ecoscience is project-based and engaged in research, teaching curricula, and consultancy covering all major biological sub-disciplines. We conduct world-class research in ecosystem ecology, including aquatic biology and ecology, Arctic environment and ecosystems, and biodiversity and conservation biology. The department currently employs approximately 250 academic and technical staff.

The department is leading the Danish and Greenlandic government authorities in advising them on environmental issues. We are deeply involved in the Danish national monitoring program (NOVANA), responsible for developing and revising technical guidelines and sampling and analysing biological parameters, hazardous substances, etc. Finally, we are responsible for data reporting to national and international databases. The department maintains large national environmental databases containing monitoring data.

The marine sections work on understanding the structure and function of marine ecosystems across different systems, from the coastal zone to the open marine areas, from the Arctic through temperate to tropical systems. We focus on distinguishing between changes caused by natural variations and changes caused by human activity. To do this, we develop tools and methods to assess the state of the marine environment and to determine and analyse the factors that affect the dynamics and health of the ocean.

Read more about the section on Marine Diversity and Experimental Ecology here: (https://ecos.au.dk/en/researchconsultancy/research-areas/marine-diversity-and-experimental-ecology )

What we offer

The department offers a vibrant and informal research environment with longstanding traditions of collaboration with international university partners and the Danish Ministry of Environment. The working environment at the Department of Ecoscience is based on teamwork and close working relations, with developed professional and social network activities among young scientists. Our staff is recruited from around the globe, and applicants from abroad are welcome; there is a strong focus on equality and diversity in the department. The working languages are Danish and English. Read about the Danish work-life balance and the services available when relocating to Aarhus University at

www.au.dk/work

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Place of work and area of employment

The Department of Ecoscience has two work locations: one in Roskilde and one in Aarhus. The place of employment will be in Roskilde (Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde).

Contact information

Further information can be obtained from the Head of Section, Hans Jakobsen (phone: +45 22871360, e-mail:

[email protected]

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