Postdoc in stock assessment and population dynamics of national fish and invertebrate stocks - DTU Aqua

Do you have a strong interest in fisheries and quantitative analysis of marine fish and invertebrate stocks?  Would you like to accelerate ecosystem based fisheries management?

DTU Aqua, Section for Ecosystem Based Management are looking for a one-year postdoctoral position focused on stock assessment and analysis of stocks without international management. The position will analyze data from marine fish and invertebrate stocks that do not have international management, e.g., lumpsucker, lobster, garfish, or common whelk. The project aims to create management plans of these stocks, through analyzing their population dynamics, spatial distribution, and fisheries history. The ideal candidate has experience with data-poor fisheries, spatiotemporal modeling, or stock assessment, however strong quantitative skills and a keen interest in marine ecology are the most important trait required for the position. 

The postdoc is based at DTU Aqua, Lyngby and will join the NATFISK project, which is a collaborative project together with Aarhus University, Aalborg University and several stakeholders. We offer a vibrant research environment together with world leading experts within stock assessment, spatiotemporal modeling, and ecosystem based management. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
The postdoc position will include the following tasks:

• Data poor stock assessment 
• Develop management strategy evaluations 
• Conduct spatiotemporal modeling 
• Contributing to relevant ICES working groups 
• Lead the preparation and submission of scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals 
• Present findings at international conferences and scientific meetings
• Work closely with collaborators across disciplines and institutions
• Interact with stakeholders

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

The candidate is expected to contribute to the development of management plans for a range of national stocks in Denmark that are lacking a management plan and develop methods for enabling sustainable fisheries in the future for these stocks. 

Specific qualifications include:

• Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis using tools such as Python, R, MATLAB, or similar.
• Experience working with fisheries and ecological databases
• Experience analyzing and interpreting biological and fisheries data
• Knowledge of population dynamics and quantitative ecology
• Experience with statistical modelling and time-series analysis
• Ability to develop, implement, and document quantitative models
• Experience working with large and complex datasets
• Familiarity with reproducible research workflows and version control
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to communicate scientific results clearly in written and oral form
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. 

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 1 year with possibility of extension pending available funding. Starting date is flexible but is expected to be in July 2026 or soon thereafter. The position is a full-time position

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from senior researcher Nis Sand Jacobsen (nsja@aqua.dtu.dk). 

You can read more about DTU Aqua here.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 May 2026 (23:59 Danish time). 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

About DTU Aqua
DTU Aqua – National Institute of Aquatic Resources – works for well-functioning oceans, rivers, and lakes where biodiversity can thrive. Our research, advisory service, and education contribute to the development of a sustainable blue bioeconomy, robust aquatic ecosystems, and reduced effects of climate change. We have a large national and international network and cooperate with research partners, public authorities, industry, and NGOs. We have state-of-the-art research facilities and Denmark’s only ocean- and arctic-going research vessel. The Institute has about 360 employees, one-half being scientific staff, including about 50 PhD students. More than 35 nationalities are represented at the Institute, and we support an equal gender distribution. We are located in Lyngby, Hirtshals, Nykøbing Mors, and Silkeborg and have regular activities in Greenland. Learn more on aqua.dtu.dk

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.