PhD position "The detection of ecosystem regime shifts using remote sensing and deep learning"
Deadline: 15.05.2026
Publisert
Through research, education and social engagement, Nord University contributes to the creation of a sustainable future.In cooperation with society, business and industry in Northern and Central Norway, our 11,500 students and 1,350 staff promote innovative solutions and knowledge-based practice, both locally and internationally.Nord University has four strategic focus areas: blue and green growth, sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship, societal security, and health, welfare and education.
The Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture (FBA) educates people with the aim of promoting sustainable and innovative development to meet global challenges in food production, climate and environment. The faculty is an international arena for education, research and knowledge dissemination, with employees and students from 39 different countries. The faculty offers a PhD in Biosciences. FBA has 900 students and 165 employees in Bodø and Steinkjer. The professional community is organised into the following divisions: Aquaculture, Ecology, Genomics and Animal Science, Production and Welfare and Algae and microbial biotechnology.
Would you like to help create knowledge that makes a difference? At Nord University, we develop future solutions through education, research, and collaboration with the society around us.
Together, we shape the future with roots in the North and our eyes on what lies ahead.
Nord in the world - knowledge for the future.
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About the position
The Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Norway, invites applications from outstanding candidates for a three-year PhD position in ecology.
Take a doctoral fellowship at the crossover of technology and nature protection! In this ambitious project, you will apply deep-learning methods to recognise and predict shifts from open heathland to closed forest in the beautiful nature of the Norwegian coastline. The expansion of unplanned forests dominated by invasive conifer species threatens biodiversity, cultural landscapes, and the safety of coastal communities. By understanding the complex feedback processes which drive landcover change, you could help protect this world-renowned but vulnerable landscape.
The appointed candidate will be affiliated with the Ecology Research Division.
The position is offered for a three-year period and will be based in Steinkjer, Trøndelag, Norway.
The appointment is scheduled to commence on 1 January 2027, or on another date by mutual agreement.
Qualification requirements
The candidate must have a master’s degree in ecology, natural resource management, remote sensing or similar. The candidate must be able to document education in the ecology of boreal ecosystems.
The grades from the qualifying MSc examination must be B or better (ECTS scale from A-E) for admission to the PhD program.
The candidate must have documented experience in analysis of remotely-sensed image data in a nature management context. It is strongly advantageous if the candidate has used machine learning, especially for image segmentation and especially using convolutional neural networks. It is also advantageous if the candidate has experience in flying drones, particularly for collecting image data.
Employment is conditional upon admission to the faculty’s doctoral program. The final project outline must be approved within three months of appointment. Termination may be considered if admission to the doctoral program is not obtained within this deadline, or in cases of failure to submit annual progress reports and/or serious deficiences in progress or duty work. For admission requirements and regulations, see our web page
For the position, good English skills are required both written and oral. The thesis can be written in English or Norwegian (or a Scandinavian language)
Driving licence valid in Norway
We seek a candidate who can drive forward an innovative research field, is self-motivated and dedicated to the principles of open science. Candidates who already have a PhD degree will not be considered for the position.
Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria:
Theme and perspectives from the applicant’s master’s study.
Project outline with description of project idea and plan for implementation
The applicant’s description of motivation for the doctoral work and opportunities for completion
Relevant experience from research work
Ability to work independently, goal-oriented and systematically
Personal suitability
We offer
The annual salary for doctoral researchers (code 1017) is NOK 550 800,-.
Advantages within the Government Pension Fund for loans, insurance and pension
Creative and collegial working environment
A workplace with progressive development
Flexible working hours
Active university sports team
General information
The person who is appointed must abide by the applicable laws, agreements, and directives. The responsibilities and duties associated with the position may change with future reorganization at Nord University.Nord University is subject to the Security Act, which sets requirements for the handling of classified and sensitive information. For this position, Nord University is cautious about hiring individuals with connections to countries that PST has identified as key threat actors in its annual threat assessment. To increase security in the hiring process, Nord may conduct background checks on relevant candidates. Please note that all our candidates may be asked questions necessary in this context. This includes questions about any potential connection to countries that PST has identified as key threat actors in its annual threat assessment.
The state workforce should, to the greatest extent possible, reflect the diversity of the population. Therefore, Nord University encourages qualified candidates with disabilities, gaps in their CV, immigrant backgrounds, and other diverse life experiences to apply. Information about disabilities or gaps in the CV may be used for anonymized registration purposes.
Application process
Applicants will be evaluated by an internal expert committee. Relevant applicants will be invited for an interview, trial lecture or other presentations. For more information, see Nord`s website .
The Faculty reserve the right not to hire applicants who may be scientifically qualified but who do not meet other criteria such as language, educational background or personal characteristics
Application
Applications must be submitted electronically by 15.05.2026
The application should include:
Application letter with description of your motivation for applying for the position
Complete CV (education, work and teaching experience and overview of any scientific publications)
Copy of diploma for both bachelor and master education and relevant certificates
Applicants with education from countries outside Scandinavia with diplomas issued in a language other than English, must enclose witnessed diplomas in both the original language and authorized English translations
Project description of 3-5 pages where you explain the idea for the PhD project, theoretical anchoring and methodological approach
The project outline should include a progress plan A plan for how the fellowship period is intended to be used
Name and contact information of 1-3 references (name, your relation to the person, email and phone number)
Other activity that is considered relevant for the position, and that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment
All documents must be uploaded as attachments as a PDF files to the electronic application form.
It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the complete documentation within the deadline.
After the application period has expired a list of applicants will be published. Note that, in special cases, the identity of particular applicants to a position may be made public even when that applicant has requested that their application be processed confidentially. Applicants requesting an exemption from publication of their identity must explain their reasons for doing so in their application. In this case, advance notice will be given in the event of a decision to make any information about the applicant public.
