The position

The PhD program in Applied Ecology and Biotechnology invites candidates to apply for a 3-year PhD research fellowship based at campus Evenstad, within the project described below.

The purpose of the PhD Research Fellowship is for the admitted candidate to undergo a research training programme that leads to the successful completion of a doctoral degree. The selected applicant will be expected to complete the PhD programme in 2023/2024.

The successful candidate is required to submit a proposal of a doctoral research training programme that is approved and agreed upon no later than 3 months after date of commencement. The University will assist the selected candidate to formulate this agreement.

The project

“Interacting effects of human activity and climate on animal phenology, physiology and behaviour”

Bear behaviour and physiology have been a key area of research for several decades, often with the behavioural studies occurring in the wild, and the physiological studies occurring in captivity. However, studies in the wild, which we started in 2010, are essential for evaluating the interplay between climatic factors, internal biological clocks, physiological processes and anthropogenic disturbance. Using state-of-the-art tracking and monitoring technology on over 100 brown bears over 9 years, we recorded movement, heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), body temperature (Tb), physical activity, ambient temperature (TA), and snow depth. A number of studies have already been undertaken such as effects of winter captures, simulated hunts with hunting dogs, methods for identifying reproduction and evaluation of drivers for den entry and exit. This PhD will focus on interacting effects of human activity and climate on phenology, physiology and behaviour in the brown bear, with the possibility for comparative studies with moose.

The PhD project will be developed by the candidate together with the supervisor.

Qualifications and personal skills

• The person to be appointed must have a masters degree in a related field (life sciences or statistics).
• Language: English oral and written

Desired experience

• Publishing in English in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in a related subject matter including but not limited to large mammals, hibernation, thermoregulation, metabolism, movement ecology, anthropogenic impacts on wildlife.
• Working in the field with animal related projects
• High level of analytical competence including using the program R

Personal Skills

• Ability to work independently and purposely
• Ability to work as part of a team and to assume different roles which require collaboration with supervisors, other PhD students, masters students, bachelors students and other collaborators.
• Interest in learning new skills, programs and in thinking about science in new ways.

The evaluation of candidates will consider education, experience, publishing, personal traits, motivation and the qualifications required and desired in the announcement.

How to apply

The application and all attachments are to be submitted electronically and should include the following:

• Application letter
• CV (education, positions and academic work)
• Copies of educational certificates and list of references
• A complete list of publications

Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

According to the Norwegian Law "Offentlighetsloven §25.2 ledd", information about the applicant can be published even if the applicant has requested not to be included in the public list of applicants.

We offer

• An academically stimulating work environment with engaged colleagues and a growing institution.
• An attractive place to live with immediate access to nature.
• A beautiful campus, situated in peaceful surroundings with train access to both cities and airports.
• Good welfare benefits.
• Good pension benefits, under the Norwegian Public Service Pension Funds.
• A pay grade of LT 54 (NOK 479 600,- p.a)

The Evenstad campus is located at the heart of Østerdalen in Stor-Elvdal municipality, approximately 20 km south of Koppang. The campus has a pleasant and inclusive study and academic environment, as well as its scenic surroundings.

The Evenstad campus is one of three campuses affiliated with the Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology.

At Evenstad, we offer degree programs in applied ecology, forestry and wildlife management.

Contact information

• Alina Evans, Associate professor, Email: alina.evans@inn.no

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