Vacant job

Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies

The Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies (VFM) at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Umeå is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with a strong interest in quantitative ecology.

The selected candidate will work on assignments from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, focusing on developing Bayesian models to estimate wildlife population densities. The position is located within a growing research group specializing in population modeling at the department.

About the Role

The appointed researcher will develop Bayesian hierarchical models to combine multiple data sources to estimate population densities of ungulates in various reference areas. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with a research group consisting of Docent Tim Hofmeester, Researcher Magali Frauendorf, and Docent Fredrik Widemo. Responsibilities also include further developing an integrated density model that combines structured and unstructured camera trap data, and applying this model to estimate ungulate densities. A key task is to further refine the model so it can estimate densities for multiple species simultaneously.

Your Background

Qualifications

• The applicant must have obtained a PhD within the last three years in (wildlife) ecology or a closely related field.
• Documented experience with Bayesian statistics and hierarchical models.
• Excellent proficiency in the programming languages R and Python.
• Documented experience with camera trap studies.
• Experience working with high-performance computing clusters (HPC).
• Ability to work independently, systematically, and in close collaboration with others.
• Excellent command of English, both spoken and written.

Meritorious Qualifications

• Experience in research within wildlife ecology and/or wildlife management.
• Experience in developing and applying integrated population models.
• Experience working with multiple data sources in ecological modeling.

About Us

The department offers a creative, stimulating, and international research environment, conducting internationally recognized research, education, and environmental monitoring in the fields of zooecology, aquatic ecology, molecular ecology, and restoration ecology (read more: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/vilt-fisk-miljo/vara-forskningsomraden/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/vilt-fisk-miljo/vara-forskningsomraden/)). The department is characterized by an international work environment with established national and international collaborations, creating good conditions for scientific exchange.

More information about the department: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/vilt-fisk-miljo/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/vilt-fisk-miljo/)

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

Location:

Umeå

Employment Type:

Fixed-term position for 6 months

Scope:

100%

Start Date:

According to agreement

Application:

We welcome your application via the button below by 2026-07-21.

Union Representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ (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, grounded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems, and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, test parks, and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work towards an equal and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences lays the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.