The Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GINR) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the Department of Birds and Mammals, with a starting date on 1 July 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, for a period of 2 years.
GINR is the center for biological research in Greenland, and its primary objective is to provide the Government with scientific advice for the sustainable use of living resources, as well as the safeguarding of the country’s environment and biological diversity. For this, the Department of Birds and Mammals carries out research and monitoring at sea and on land of species and ecosystems that are of socioeconomic importance.

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. Methodologies will include field-based measurements of plant community compositions and absolute biomass quantification, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) mapping, and AI-based analysis of image and remote sensing data. In a focal study area, caribou and muskox coexist year-round and have been monitored through aerial surveys and telemetry. There are also herbivore exclusion experiments at sites with different species-density levels. The position can include analysis of these data. The research outputs will be directly used in parallel ongoing projects, to advice the Government of Greenland on the conservation and management of caribou and muskox, and the environment they live in.
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. Close collaboration is expected with colleagues from the Department of Environment and Mineral Resources at GINR.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Vegetation mapping
• Quantify plant biomass across large spatial scale (i.e., hunting management region) using a diversity of methodologies
• Characterize herbivory pressure across different habitat types
• Conduct fieldwork in remote Arctic areas
• Develop a repeatable methodology applicable to other regions of Greenland
• Engage in the dissemination of research results to the Greenlandic public

Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate with a PhD in the natural sciences. The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience in plant ecology, large herbivore ecology and remote sensing.
In evaluating candidates, particular emphasis is placed on:

• Experience conducting ecological fieldwork in remote environments, including vegetation surveys, biomass sampling, and herbivory assessments. Experience working in Greenland or other Arctic/sub-Arctic ecosystems is a significant advantage
• Experience integrating field data with UAV-based mapping approaches (e.g. multispectral, structure from motion, LiDAR workflows)
• Experience applying established machine learning approaches (e.g. random forest, deep learning) to 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 development of reproducible analytical workflows (e.g. version control, structured documentation).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and across disciplines, and to translate research results into operational methods.

Applicants must be proficient in English, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Greenlandic and Danish is an advantage.

Salary and terms of employment
Salary and employment conditions, including the right to travel on and off the job and to move house, in accordance with the agreement/collective agreement in force at the time of joining between the Greenland Self-Government and the relevant organization with 

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

Start date: 1 July 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Working hours: 40 hours per week.

Housing
No staff housing will be assigned to the position. If an applicant already has staff housing through employment with the Self-Government, the right to assigned staff housing will be retained. The staff housing is linked to the employment relationship and must be vacated upon termination of the employment relationship.

There is no housing provided with the position, but GINR can assist with accommodation according to internal regulations.

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

Application deadline: 31 May 2026

Please submit your application, CV, diplomas and certificates, and other relevant documents by clicking “Submit application”.