Opportunity to investigate the drivers of the first flights of white-tailed eagle chicks tracked using data loggers. You will have the opportunity to analyze pre-existing data and may have the opportunity for fieldwork.
You are encouraged to spend some or all of your time at the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GINR) in Nuuk. GINR has tight knit and vibrant student environment, and while in Nuuk, you can explore the local nature and Greenlandic society. You will also gain experience at a governmental research institution that provides scientific advice for policy decisions. You may also have the opportunity to join local fieldtrips organized by other researchers at GINR.
You will be a member of the Animal Navigation Lab at LU and the terrestrial ecology group at GINR and are expected to attend weekly meetings for each group for the duration of your thesis.
Aim of the study: Using GPS and accelerometry data to understand how eagles undertake their first flights and use the environment during fledging.
Methods used: Fieldwork and GPS data loggers. GPS and remote sensing data combined with spatial analyses, GIS, and R.
Most suitable background knowledge is a combination of animal ecology and ornithology. However, it is possible to adapt the project for candidates with more or less ecology or ornithology experience.
Possibility for fieldwork: Fieldwork consists of driving small boats to eagle territories and walking up to 10 km daily while off trail in variable terrain and with a 20 kg backpack. Sleeping in tents, often in wilderness conditions (no toilet, running water, mobile service, or internet). Experience rappelling/abseiling or boating is a plus.
Duration: 45 or 60 ECTS (60 ECTS if fieldwork is included)
Application date: Open until filled, latest application date February 1, 2026. If no fieldwork, 3 months before intended start date.
Start date: Summer (June/July) 2026 if fieldwork included. September 2026, if no fieldwork.
Contact:
Please include “eagle MSc project” in subject line of first email.
Supervisor: Dr. Nicholas Huffeldt, nicholas_per.huffeldt@biol.lu.se
Faculty supervisor: Prof. Susanne Åkesson, susanne.akesson@biol.lu.se