Do you have a background in biology and an interest in ecological modelling? And do you want to be a part of young and growing research group with lots of collaboration? If yes, we look forward to reading your application to our PhD Stipend.

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a PhD stipend is available within the study program of Biology. The PhD stipend is open for appointment from 01.08.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for 3 years, and the workplace is in Aalborg, Denmark.

Your work tasks
A PhD stipend is available in invasive insect ecology and ecological modelling. The background for the project is that the number of invasive species, especially invasive insects, being redistributed across the world, has been increasing due to both climate change and increased global travel and trade. Understanding how and why some species are successful invaders will be crucial for our ability to predict and mitigate the negative impacts of invasive insects on native biodiversity, human health, and food supply. The PhD candidate will mainly work on modelling species distributions and population dynamics of invasive insects such as the agricultural pest, Spotted Wing Drosophila in current and future climates. This includes exploring mechanistic distribution models involving experimental data on environmental tolerances such as using thermal fertility limits as well as microclimate modelling for predicting distributions and seasonal population dynamics. As such the position will include a combination of ecological modelling and laboratory experiments. The candidate will participate in all aspects of the project including acquisition of data from the literature, experimental work, modelling, data analysis, writing etc. The project can to some extent be tailored to the candidate’s interests and expertise.
The PhD student will follow courses according to the university’s PhD program. The candidate is also expected to engage in teaching within topics such as ecology, ecophysiology, ecosystem modelling and be involved in project-based student supervision within the section. All educational programs at Aalborg University are based on Problem Based Learning, with projects making up half the teaching at all semesters.

Your competencies 
A relevant educational background within biology or a similar area is required. We seek a candidate with strong competences in ecology, excellent analytical skills, and proficiency in R (or equivalent). Experience within one or more of the following areas is advantageous: insect ecology, species distribution modelling, population dynamics, or thermal eco-physiology. Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory. The selected candidate will become a member of the growing EcoClimate Modelling research group within the Section of Functional Ecology and Genomics. As part of the PhD study, it is expected that the candidate spends 4-6 month abroad, likely in laboratories of our collaborators in Australia or France.


Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's 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. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

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 master’s 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 world’s 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. Come join us! 
Read more about the department here; Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience - en.bio.aau.dk - 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's and master's degree diploma, including grades) 
• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's 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  
Read more about our recruitment process here.

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).

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) 

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 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.