Postdoc with experience in drone-based monitoring of seabirds

Greenland's Nature Institute is seeking a researcher/senior researcher for a temporary position in the Department of Mammals and Birds. The position requires experience with drone-based monitoring and is to be filled by May 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Greenland Nature Institute is a research institution under the Government of Greenland. The institute is responsible for monitoring, research, and providing scientific advice on the sustainable use of living resources and the protection of the environment and biodiversity in and around Greenland.

The tasks in the Department of Mammals and Birds primarily consist of advising and monitoring game birds and mammals.

The primary focus of the position is the development, planning, and execution of drone-based monitoring of seabird colonies in Greenland. The work includes designing standardized drone flights at bird cliffs, conducting fieldwork, collecting high-resolution image data, and subsequent image processing and population estimation. Method development and data analyses include calibration and validation of drone-based counting methods, as well as integration with existing monitoring methods and data to ensure continuity in time series. To a lesser extent, there will be tasks related to method development within studies of areas with raw material activities in collaboration with the Environmental Department of the Natural Institute and the Institute of Ecoscience at Aarhus University. There will also be opportunities to contribute to research, consulting, and teaching collaborations with other institutions.

The position is desired to be filled by a candidate with a scientific education and a Ph.D. degree or equivalent background.

Preferred skills and experiences include:

• experience with independent planning, methodical development, and collaboration in interdisciplinary field teams
• experience with drone operations in the field, including planning autonomous flights and knowledge of applicable drone regulations
• the use of quantitative methods in ecology as well as image analytical tools, including programming in R and Python
• experience with image-based stock estimation methods including photogrammetry and AI-supported recognition
• knowledge of monitoring seabirds or other colonial nesting species
• insight into experimental design and method calibration for the development of standardized monitoring protocols
• experience with fieldwork under demanding conditions and safety in Arctic environments
• Knowledge of Greenlandic and the Greenlandic society is an advantage.

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 applicable at the time of commencement between the Government of Greenland and the relevant negotiating organization.

The place of service is Nuuk. Some travel activity should be expected in connection with, for example, fieldwork and meetings.

Commencement on May 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. This is a 2-year position.

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.

The position does not come with housing, but the institute can assist with accommodation according to applicable regulations.

Additional information

For further information about the position, contact department head Fernando Ugarte, feug@natur.gl, +299 361200 or Senior Researcher Flemming Ravn Merkel, flme@natur.gl, +45 3078 3173.

Application deadline: March 13, 2026

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

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