PhD fellow in Geo-AI for Fine-Scale Ecosystem Accounting

The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) invites applications for a 3-year fully funded PhD Research Fellowship. The position will be affiliated with NINAs departments in Trondheim and Bergen with academic enrollment at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to explore the applicability of advanced Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (Geo-AI) in fine-scale Ecosystem Accounting.

As nations and corporations move to implement frameworks like the UN SEEA-EA (System of Environmental-Economic Accounting) CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and ecological compensation/offsetting schemes there is an urgent need for high-resolution standardized spatial data. Ecosystem maps and other spatial data layers are typically too coarse while direct observation data are too sparse to capture the fine-scale heterogeneity required for precise impact assessments and no net loss calculations.

This project aims to develop novel deep learning workflows to map ecosystem extent and condition at a fine scale. A core focus will be moving beyond raw pixel classification by leveraging embedding vectors from modern foundation models to create robust semantic representations of the Norwegian landscape.

The candidate will become part of a dynamic interdisciplinary team consisting of ecologists geographers and data scientists at NINA and NMBU. The candidate will also have the opportunity to liaise with international scientific networks and large-scale national and EU research projects ensuring the work has immediate relevance and impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Model Development: Develop Geo-AI workflows utilizing embedding vectors and transfer learning and fine-tuned foundation models to classify ecosystem types and assess ecosystem condition variables from multi-source data (Sentinel-2 aerial orthophotos LiDAR).
Ground-truthing and human-in-the-loop workflows: A significant challenge in Geo-AI is the scarcity of high-quality training data. You will explore the applicability of a broad-range of biodiversity monitoring data available at NINA as a source of ground-truth and prototype and supervise efficient labeling workflows potentially integrating citizen science platforms or active learning strategies to classify satellite drone and ground-level imagery.
Validation & Upscaling: rigorously validate model predictions against ecological ground-truth data and explore methods for upscaling fine-scale predictions to national ecosystem accounts.
Dissemination: Publish research results in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences.
Coursework: Complete the mandatory PhD coursework at NMBU (30 ECTS).

Necessary Qualifications:
To be eligible for admission to the PhD programs at NMBU you must have:
A Masters degree (120 ECTS) in Geomatics Computer Science Geography Ecology or a related field.
A strong academic record with a weighted average grade of B or higher (in the Norwegian grading system) for the last two years of study.
Solid proficiency in programming (Python and/or R) and experience with geospatial libraries (e.g. GDAL Rasterio sf terra).
Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch TensorFlow scikit-learn).
Excellent written and oral English skills.

Desirable Qualifications:
Knowledge of the UN SEEA-EA framework or general ecosystem mapping.
Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g. Google Earth Engine Microsoft Planetary Computer) or High-Performance Computing (HPC).
Understanding of Nordic vegetation and ecology.
Experience with scientific writing.

Personal Qualities:
Analytical structured and solution-oriented.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
Good communication skills.
Curious and eager to learn new technologies.
Enthusiastic about applying technology to solve environmental challenges.

NINA offers:
a workplace in one of Europes foremost environmental institutes
salary as a Research Fellow according to NINAs salary system
flexible working hours scheme
good pension scheme and group life insurance
a pleasant working environment in modern high standard facilities

For NINA a good working environment is characterised by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender functional ability cultural background or if you have been outside working life for a period. If necessary the workplace will be adapted for people with disabilities.

The working language in NINA is Norwegian and language training is facilitated when needed.

The application letter must include:
A brief statement outlining your research interests and your motivation for applying for the position.
A CV with information about education relevant work experience and an overview of all publications diplomas and certificates. Contact information for at least two references should also be included.

Relevant applicants will be invited for an online interview.

The applicant is made aware that an application for the PhD position is also an application for admission to NMBUs PhD program.

About NINA
NINA is an independent research institute organized as a foundation (). We are the largest research institute in applied ecology in Norway with more than 350 employees. Our headquarters NINA-huset is located at Gløshaugen in Trondheim and we have offices in Oslo Bergen Lillehammer and Tromsø.

The workplace for this position is NINAs office in Trondheim.

About NMBU
NMBU is among Europes leading universities in the life sciences recognized for its strong academic reputation cutting-edge research environment and commitment to solving real-world sustainability challenges. The Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management is NMBUs centre for nature and the environment sustainable use of natural resources biological and geological processes. NMBU is located at Ås.

Questions related to the position should be directed to Senior Researcher Bálint CzúczSenior Researcher Joachim Töpperor Research Director Signe Nybøe-mail

The application deadline is Wednesday April 15th 2026.