PhD project WildBotics Autonomous Sampling with Robotics in the Wild for Nature Conservation

We are looking for a motivated Doctoral Candidate (DC) to join our project within the WildBotics - Autonomous Sampling with Robotics in the Wild for Nature Conservation MSCA Doctoral Network.

About our project

This PhD project will investigate the occurrence of harbour porpoises in relation to the soundscape they are exposed to using Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) systems that can simultaneously record the acoustic presence of harbour porpoises along with environmental data (e.g. ambient underwater noise) over a large spatial area. The focus of the project will be on behavioural patterns of harbour porpoises such as their response to different noise levels and long-term impacts of noise on their habitat distribution. Close collaboration with other projects within WildBotics is expected in the areas of soundscape analyses using AI and development of the AUV system.

For detailed information about WildBotics see successful DC would be based at BioConsult SH main office in Husum Germany and be enrolled in a PhD programme at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). Work-related travel is expected (fieldwork conference training secondments etc).

This is a fully funded 3-year full-time position with an attractive salary in accordance with MSCA regulations including living and mobility allowances plus family allowance long-term leave allowance and special needs allowance (for candidates with disabilities) if applicable.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the positions applicants:

must not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment in the project

can be of any nationality

must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work studies etc.) in the country of the recruiting institution (Germany) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service short stays such as holidays and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status are not taken into account.

A relevant Masters degree in biology ecology statistics engineering physics computer science or related fields

Understanding of marine mammal biology/ecology bioacoustics or clear evidence of the ability and motivation to learn new scientific fields

Demonstrated experience with fieldwork and data collection acoustic analysis and processing of large datasets

Familiar with programming and data analysis in at least one programming language

Strong statistical analysis skills

Good written and spoken English

Good communication skills with emphasis on personal and interpersonal qualities

Ability to work independently proactively and as a team member in a multidisciplinary environment with researchers from diverse backgrounds

Meet the entry requirements of the PhD programme at SDU

Application

For more information on how to apply go to the application portal on WildBotics webpage: 7th January 2026 23:59 CET

Preferred start date: September 2026

Contact

For further enquiries regarding the project please contact:

Gin Swen Ham

Principal supervisor Email:

Ecological Research and Consulting