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Nina Farwig
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PhD Researcher in Conservation Ecology, Bird Movement Behaviour and Biologging Philipps-Universität Marburg in Germany
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Part-time employment at 65% of regular working hours for three years, with salary and benefits according to the public-service pay scale of the state of Hesse, Germany: TV-H E 13 (65%). The position includes the Hesse public-transport Landesticket. Flexible working hours, professional-development opportunities and training are also offered.
Deadline
Dec 13, 2026
Country
Germany
University
Philipps-Universität Marburg
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About this position
Philipps-Universität Marburg is seeking a doctoral researcher in the Conservation Ecology research group led by Prof. Dr. Nina Farwig. The position is connected to the LOEWE priority area “Behavioural Plasticity in Transition: Biologging as the Key to Understanding Animal Adaptability” (VEBITA).
The project investigates how human-induced habitat changes and infrastructure affect the movement behaviour and adaptability of large birds. The doctoral researcher will study the barrier effects of wind turbines, power lines and other environmental features on species such as the red kite and black stork. The work contributes to a broader understanding of behavioural plasticity under changing environmental conditions.
Core research activities include analysing existing and newly collected GPS-GSM telemetry data, incorporating acceleration data, and deriving movement traits and behavioural patterns. The researcher will connect animal movement data with weather, land-cover, infrastructure, management, land-use and biodiversity information, using spatial analysis and geographical information systems.
The project combines movement ecology, conservation biology, spatial ecology and quantitative modelling. Statistical analyses will examine movement patterns across space and time in relation to barriers and environmental gradients, with methods including movement models, mixed models, time-series analysis and machine-learning approaches. The researcher will also participate in field surveys of bird species throughout Hesse and collaborate on publications arising from the project.
The role offers an opportunity to develop an independent doctoral research project within the Conservation Ecology group and the interdisciplinary VEBITA research environment at Philipps-Universität Marburg.
Funding details
Part-time employment at 65% of regular working hours for three years, with salary and benefits according to the public-service pay scale of the state of Hesse, Germany: TV-H E 13 (65%). The position includes the Hesse public-transport Landesticket. Flexible working hours, professional-development opportunities and training are also offered.
What's required
Applicants should hold an MSc degree or equivalent in Conservation, Ecology, Geography, Computer Sciences or a related field. Required or preferred experience includes collecting, managing and analysing large datasets; statistical analysis and modelling in R, Python or another programming language; GIS; movement-data analysis using statistical models such as GAMs, mixed models, time-series analysis and autocorrelation structures; movement methods including AKDE, step-selection functions, random forest and hidden Markov models; telemetry data structures such as Movebank; machine learning and artificial intelligence; and bird movement and behavioural ecology. Applicants should be motivated, creative and critical thinkers with good communication skills and fluent English, willing to assist with supervision of BSc and MSc students and undertake their own scientific qualification, such as a doctorate project in conservation ecology.
How to apply
Apply online by 13 December 2026 using the application button on the official University of Marburg job posting.
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Professors
Professor
Germany
Research Interests
Conservation Biology
Ecology
Field Biology
Plant Ecology
Landscape Ecology
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.