PhD Stipend in Monitoring Red Deer Behavior and Reed Bed Dynamics in Vejlerne Using Drone and AI Technologies

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science Department of Chemistry and Bioscience a PhD stipend is available within the doctoral program Biotechnology Chemistry and Environmental Engineering. The PhD stipend is open for appointment from 1 February or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for 3 years and the workplace is in Aalborg.

The selected candidate will become a part of a strong dynamic and internationally recognized multi-disciplinary research environment within the section of Environmental Biomonitoring research group. There will be access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and the opportunity to perform a combination of fundamental and applied research in close collaboration with partners from the academic and public sector. If you see yourself as a team player who is strong in collaboration we look forward to reading your application to our PhD Stipend.

Your work tasks
The PhD candidate will carry out a three-year research project focused on monitoring the movements and behavior of red deer in Vejlerne using advanced drone technology and AI-based data analysis. The work will include mapping reed bed dynamics and deer trails comparing current patterns with historical aerial imagery and assessing the future resilience of reed beds under grazing pressure and climate change. The candidate will be responsible for planning and conducting regular drone flights processing video data and applying AI models to improve efficiency in population and behavioral analyses. Fieldwork will be combined with statistical and spatial analysis using RStudio and GIS addition to research and data analysis the candidate will publish results in national and international journals participate in outreach activities and contribute to supervising student projects. Completion of mandatory PhD courses at Aalborg University is also part of the position.

The PhD student will follow courses according to the universitys PhD program. The candidate is also expected to contribute to teaching within ecology and biology and be involved the supervision of project-based student research projects within the section. All educational programs at Aalborg University are based on Problem Based Learning where student research projects are a central part of each semester. For more information see . The candidate can expect an external stay at another university in Europe during the Ph.D. project.

The candidate will be supervised by Senior Researcher Sussie Pagh and Professor Cino Pertoldi.

Your competencies
We are looking for a candidate with experience in using wildlife monitoring techniques such as thermal drones and AI modeling with Python R-Studio Yolo SLEAP LabGym. The applicant must have proficiency in RStudio and GIS tools as these skills are essential for data analysis and spatial visualization tasks. Applicants with strong Danish and English language skills will be preferred as some of the monitoring projects will involve dissemination through lectures and popular science articles for the public.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Masters degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Who we are
At the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience (BIO) our high-level research spans from basic to applied within both natural sciences and engineering. With approx. 150 employees 75 PhD students and 775 bachelor and masters students at our campuses in Aalborg (main campus) and Esbjerg we are a vital research and educational institution when it comes to creating new basic knowledge as well as contributing to solving the worlds challenges within biology chemistry biotechnology bioengineering environmental science and chemical engineering.

We continuously improve our department as an attractive place of work and study. We offer flexible hours social activities throughout the year both at the department level and in each Section. We are inclusive and have respect for individuals communities and cultures. Our work culture is founded on openness curiosity transparency and involvement.

Read more about the department here; Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience - - Aalborg University

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelor and masters degree diploma)
• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg Universitys recruitment system which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg Universitys website.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore everyone regardless of personal background and orientation is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions
If you have any questions about the position you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information
We recommend that you save a copy of the job posting as it will be removed once the application deadline has passed.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline the head of the department with the assistance of the hiring committee will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires ensuring the safety compliance and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers students and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights new solutions to societal problems and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.