Researcher with experience in vegetation mapping and herbivores for a postdoc position

Greenland's Nature Institute is seeking a postdoc for the Department of Mammals and Birds with a start date of July 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, for a period of 2 years.

Greenland's Nature Institute is the center for biological research in Greenland and has as its primary goal to advise the Government of Greenland on the sustainable use of living resources as well as the protection of the country's environment and biological diversity. The Department of Mammals and Birds researches and monitors marine and terrestrial species and ecosystems of social and economic significance.

The focus of the position

The position focuses on herbivory and aims to develop maps of vegetation biomass across areas used by large herbivores with varying grazing intensity. The methods will include field-based measurements of plant community compositions and absolute biomass, mapping with drones, as well as AI-based analysis of image and remote sensing data. Reindeer and musk oxen coexist year-round in a focus area where they have been monitored through telemetry and aerial surveys. The area is also experimenting with the exclusion of herbivores at certain sites with different species and density levels. The position includes the analysis of these data. The research results will be used directly in parallel ongoing projects to support the advice to the Greenland Self-Government on the sustainable management of reindeer and musk ox populations as well as the environment they inhabit.

The candidate will work closely with Cambridge University, Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI). The position is based at the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources in Nuuk with the possibility of short research stays at SPRI. A close collaboration with colleagues from the Greenland Climate Research Center is expected.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Vegetation mapping
• Quantification of plant biomass on a large spatial scale (i.e., hunting management areas) using multiple methods
• Characterization of grazing pressure across different habitat types
• Fieldwork in remote Arctic areas
• Development of a method that can also be used in other regions of Greenland
• Engagement in communicating research results to the Greenlandic public.

We are looking for a candidate with a PhD in natural sciences. The ideal candidate has documented experience in plant ecology, the ecology of large herbivores, and remote sensing.

When assessing candidates, special emphasis is placed on:

• Experience with ecological fieldwork in remote environments, including vegetation surveys, biomass sampling, and assessment of herbivory. Experience working in Greenland or other Arctic/subarctic ecosystems is a significant advantage.
• Experience in integrating field data with drone-based mapping methods (e.g., multispectral, structure-from-motion photogrammetry, LiDAR workflows).
• Experience in using established machine learning methods (e.g., "random forest," deep learning) for vegetation classification and biomass estimation.
• Experience working with Google Earth Engine and/or other cloud-based remote sensing platforms.
• Proficiency in quantitative analysis using R and/or Python, including the development of reproducible analytical workflows (e.g., version control, structured documentation).
• Documented ability to work independently and across disciplines, as well as to translate research results into operational methods.

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 work will be based in Nuuk. Travel activity should be expected in connection with, for example, fieldwork and meetings.

Start date: July 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. Working hours: 40 hours a 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.

No housing is offered in connection with the position, but the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources can assist with accommodation according to internal regulations.

Additional information

For further information about the position, please contact researcher Mathilde Le Moullec, malm@natur.gl, +299 244752 or department head Fernando Ugarte, feug@natur.gl.

Application deadline: May 31, 2026

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

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