PhD position in Evolutionary and Behavioral Ecology

We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled PhD Candidate to join our international research team studying anthropogenic effects on evolutionary and behavioral ecology in large mammals. The principal objective of the proposed PhD project is to investigate how spatial variations in human‐induced mortality shapes behavioral and reproductive tactics in brown bears using the long‑term Scandinavian Brown Bear Project (SBBRP) dataset. No additional field work is needed, but it is recommended that the successful candidate spends time in the field to obtain a better understanding of the study area and study species.

By integrating movement behavior, habitat use, reproductive timing, and genetic pedigree data, the project will examine how bears adjust life‑cycle decisions under varying hunting pressure. We will test whether increased hunting leads to risk‑sensitive behaviors such as altered space use, earlier reproduction, and reduced reproductive investment per breeding attempt. Comparisons across areas with contrasting hunting regimes will reveal how local mortality risk mediates behavioral plasticity and selection on reproductive strategies. Advanced spatio‑temporal and pedigree‑based models will link individual behavioral decisions to fitness outcomes. The project will provide rare empirical insight into humans as an evolutionary force shaping animal behavior, with direct implications for sustainable large‑carnivore management under changing anthropogenic pressures. The core topic and main research questions are well defined at a conceptual level and will be further developed in collaboration with the successful candidate at the start of the project.

We are especially looking for PhD candidates with a comprehensive skill set in spatio-temporal modelling and behavioral and/or evolutionary ecology. The PhD project will be carried out in cooperation between the University of South-Eastern Norway, the University of Sherbrooke (UdS), Canada, and the SBBRP at the Norwegian Institute of Nature Research (NINA). The main supervisors will be Prof. Andreas Zedrosser (USN) and Prof. Fanie Pelletier (UdS), and Assoc. Prof. Joanie Van de Walle (Université du Québec à Rimouski, Canada), Dr. Rick Heeres (USN), as well as Dr. Aimee Tallian (NINA) will be part of the supervisory committee. The candidate will be located at the University of South-Eastern Norway at the campus in Bø (Telemark), but a research visit of several months to Canada (Sherbrooke) is expected.

Qualifications

All items are requirements, unless it is specified that they are preferred qualifications.  

• Master’s degree (120 ECTS credits) within ecology, biology or related fields
• Very good skill set in spatio-temporal modelling
• Excellent written and oral English language skills
• Very good knowledge of behavioral and/or evolutionary ecology
• Experience in the publication of scientific research is advantageous, but not necessary
• Documented knowledge of relevant methodologies, both quantitative and/or qualitative, at master’s level
• Weighted average grade of B or higher on the master’s degree and thesis 
• The master’s degree must have been obtained by the application deadline for the position
• Meet the formal requirements for admission to USN’s doctoral programs and the Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences’ doctoral programme in Ecology no later than three months after starting in the position. For admission to the programme, the weighted average grade of B or higher is usually required.

Personal qualities:

In order to be able to complete a doctoral degree, you need to be able to:

• demonstrate motivation and potential for research in the field
• work independently, but also participate in teamwork
• work in a structured way, set goals, and make plans to achieve them
• present and discuss your research with other academics
• get involved and contribute constructively with feedback
• work constructively under pressure or in the face of adversity
• show curiosity and strong motivation for the subject area
• analyze data, assess different perspectives, and draw well-founded conclusions
•  be flexible and open to adjusting the project plan as necessary
• have the academic skills and personal qualities to be able to complete the doctoral program within the employment period

When assessing applications, particular importance will be attached to: 

• Formal qualifications
• Analytical skills
• Language skills
• The personal qualities mentioned above