Postdoc Researcher in Monitoring Bird Nest Box Populations

Greenland's Nature Institute is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the department of mammals and birds, starting on June 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Greenland Institute of Natural Resources is an independent research institution under the Government of Greenland. The institute is responsible for monitoring, research, and scientifically based advice on the sustainable use of living resources, as well as the protection of the environment and biodiversity in and around Greenland.

The department's tasks primarily consist of advising and monitoring huntable species of mammals and birds, both in marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

The focus of the position

The main purpose of the position is to establish and manage a nesting box population of snow finches in the area around Nuuk. The position includes the development of a co-developed monitoring program that involves citizens and other relevant stakeholders, and which will also serve as an educational platform for young people and university students.

The postdoc will be responsible for collecting, organizing, and analyzing data from the snow bunting population, as well as for applying for external funding to ensure the program's long-term operation. There is an opportunity to develop one's own projects within the institute's areas of work.

Work tasks

• Planning and establishment of nesting boxes for snow finches.
• Development and implementation of a monitoring program that involves citizens and other stakeholders, as well as use as an educational platform.
• Application for external funding to secure the future operation of the program.
• Development of protocols for data collection and data storage.
• Organization and implementation of fieldwork and data collection.
• Analysis of data as well as the preparation of scientific articles and reports.
• Reporting to funding organizations.
• Can be included in the institute's other tasks.

The position is sought to be filled by a candidate with a higher education in natural sciences and a Ph.D. degree. The ideal applicant has solid experience in monitoring nest box populations of songbirds in arctic or similar environments in both urban and natural areas. Experience with citizen involvement, teaching, acquiring external funding, and publishing in international scientific journals is a clear advantage.

We place special emphasis on:

• Experience with monitoring larger populations of songbirds in Arctic or similar conditions.
• Experience with citizen involvement in monitoring work as well as communication to the public.
• Experience with Greenlandic and/or Arctic fieldwork, including counting, handling, ringing, and sampling of songbirds.
• Experience in guiding and teaching students, as well as planning and organizing instruction.
• Documented success in acquiring external funding for research or monitoring projects.
• Publication of scientific articles in international scientific journals.

Salary and employment conditions

Salary and employment conditions, including the right to travel for joining and leaving, as well as relocation of personal belongings, in accordance with the agreement/collective agreement in force at the time of commencement between the Government of Greenland and the relevant negotiating organization.

The place of employment is Nuuk. Travel activity is to be expected in connection with fieldwork and meetings.

Commencement on June 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The working hours are 40 hours per week.

Housing

No staff housing is provided for the position. If an applicant already has staff housing through employment in the Self-Government, the right to the assigned staff housing is retained. The staff housing is linked to the employment relationship and must be vacated upon termination of the employment relationship.

Additional information

For further information about the position, contact senior researcher Nicholas Huffeldt, nph@natur.gl, +299 361246.

Application deadline: May 20, 2026

Submit your application, CV, educational and course certificates, as well as other relevant documents by clicking "Submit application."

We do not accept applications via email.