Department of Ecology

The Department of Ecology conducts research and education in ecology focusing on the dynamics of populations, communities, and ecosystems, often with an emphasis on the ecology of agricultural and forest landscapes. Fundamental and applied questions regarding the ecological consequences of land use and biodiversity are often addressed together in both individual projects and larger collaborations. The Grimsö Research Station is located in Bergslagen, Lindesberg Municipality, and is part of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). At the research station, we primarily conduct research and education in the field of wildlife ecology. There is also a Wildlife Damage Center that educates and informs about damage caused by protected wildlife and how to prevent it.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at this link (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/).

Moose Migration, Social Learning, and Predictive Modeling

The position is linked to a three-year research project funded by the Wildlife Management Fund/Nature Conservation Agency aimed at increasing understanding of how environmental factors, human influence, and social learning shape moose migration behavior in Scandinavia. The project is based on 10–20 years of GPS data from approximately 1,800 moose in Sweden and Norway.

A central focus is to investigate whether migration strategies are socially transmitted from cow to calf, as well as to develop and validate predictive models that can be used to estimate migration patterns, corridors, and hotspots even in areas where GPS-collared moose are absent. The goal is to produce applicable maps and decision support that can be used in adaptive wildlife management, for example in hunting planning, forestry, and infrastructure development.

About the Job

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a PhD who will work on:

• Analyzing long-term GPS data to quantify migration propensity, migration timing, and use of stop-over sites by moose.
• Investigating maternal effects and social learning through analyses of cow-calf pairs and individual movement strategies.
• Developing and applying statistical and machine learning-based models to predict moose migration in areas without data from GPS-collared individuals.
• Producing spatial prediction maps and decision support in dialogue with managing authorities and other stakeholders.

The research is interdisciplinary and combines movement ecology, behavioral ecology, spatial analysis, and applied wildlife management. The work is conducted in close collaboration with Swedish and Norwegian research groups as well as national and international partners.

Your Background

Requirements:

• PhD in ecology, biology, or a related field.
• Documented experience in analyzing movement data, such as GPS telemetry.
• Very good skills in statistical analysis and programming for scientific purposes (e.g., R and/or Python), including spatial analysis, survival analysis, predictive modeling, and machine learning.
• Very good ability to work in ArcGIS.
• Good ability to communicate scientific results in English, both orally and in writing, including publication in international scientific journals.
• Fluent Swedish in speech and writing, with the ability to communicate research results to authorities, managers, and other stakeholders.

Meritorious:

• Experience in wildlife ecology and/or applied conservation research.
• Experience in collaboration with managing authorities or other stakeholders.
• Documented scientific publication.
• Good knowledge of moose biology and ecology, including population ecology, movement patterns, and interactions with predators and human influence.
• Good knowledge of the Swedish and Norwegian wildlife management and hunting systems.
• Extensive experience in fieldwork, including planning, execution, and data collection under varying and sometimes challenging field conditions.
• Experience in anesthesia, sedation, and immobilization of wild animals, as well as a good understanding of animal welfare, safety protocols, and ethical guidelines in handling free-ranging animals.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as independence, teamwork, and the ability to drive projects forward.

Location:

Grimsö Research Station.

Employment Type:

Permanent position, probationary employment may apply.

Extent:

100%

Start Date:

2026-04-01 or by agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2026-03-10.

Union Contacts:

Union contacts (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems, and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites throughout the country.

SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral candidates, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for a gender-equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.