PhD scholarship in Marine Biogeochemistry in Greenlandic Waters – DTU Aqua

Are you interested in in studying the carbon cycle in the Greenlandic fjords and shelf waters? Are you a talented, motivated, and team-oriented person, who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys working with complex, multidisciplinary topics? We’re looking for a PhD candidate to join the WaterColor project, starting in January 2025.
Are you interested in studying the carbon cycle in the Greenlandic fjords and shelf waters? Are you a talented, motivated, and team-oriented person, who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys working with complex, multidisciplinary topics? We are looking for a PhD student to join the “WaterColor: unraveling the shades of change in Greenlandic marine waters” project funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark. The project is based at the National Institute of Aquatic Resources at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Aqua) with collaboration with universities and research institutes from Denmark, Greenland, Finland, Poland and South Africa.

The Earth system is changing due to the effects of climate change, and the Arctic and Greenland are changing even faster, making them sentinels of climate change. Those changes are related to increases in temperature and terrestrial fluxes to the coastal and shelf seas, which can further impact the overall ecology and biogeochemistry of those waters with potential implications to fisheries and other ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration. However, to be able to predict future scenarios, it is necessary to understand the current status of such processes, that still remain largely uncharted for the region given its remoteness.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The PhD project is focused on marine microbial carbon cycling in Greenlandic waters. The project will use a combination of field observations and experimental work and will involve both working with available data from previous campaigns and collection of new samples/experiments through field work. You are also expected to lead the preparation of scientific publications towards ISI journals and share findings of your research with qualified professional audiences at conferences. Additionally, as part of the Danish PhD program you are expected to conduct an external research stay.

The multidisciplinary project involves working with samples and data on microbial community abundance and biomass (including bacteria, phyto- and zooplankton) along with ancillary data (e.g., hydrography and water chemistry). Experimental work encompasses incubations to determine the rates for key processes such as plankton primary production, phagotrophy, and nutrient assimilation.

The position involves research, publication, computational and laboratory work, with the possibility of joining planned expeditions to Greenlandic waters. As a PhD student at DTU it is also mandatory to take courses of a duration of 30 ECTS during the 3-year period. Moreover, you must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

A background in marine sciences is preferred and experience with field and laboratory work is an asset. In addition, candidates with the following qualification will be preferred:

• Knowledge in microbial carbon cycling
• Strong communication skills in English, especially in connection to writing and presenting scientific results.
• Programming languages and software tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python, R, etc.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Researcher Rafael Gonçalves Araujo and Professor Colin A. Stedmon.

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 appointment terms
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 3 years.

Starting date is January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is full-time and based in the Section for Oceans and Arctic, at DTU Aqua in Kgs. Lyngby, just north of Copenhagen.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Inquiries on the project and position should be directed to Rafael Gonçalves Araujo ([email protected]) and Colin A. Stedmon ([email protected]).

General information about the PhD school may be obtained from Susan Zumbach Johannesen ([email protected]).

You can read more about DTU Aqua at www.aqua.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 September 2024 (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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Proposed research project description (~ 500 to 1500 words) outlining your ideas and potential research plans.
• Recommendation letters from senior professionals are welcomed.

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

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 360 employees, one-half being scientific staff, including 40 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.

The research spectrum of the Section for Oceans and Arctic covers oceanography, population ecology, observation technology and the Arctic. The research into oceanography integrates biological, physical and chemical parameters’ interactions in the ocean, ranging from individual plankton to regional seas. We focus on understanding the key processes that govern the structure and function of pelagic food webs, as well as climate and ecosystem interactions. The research in population ecology establishes how processes affecting individuals shape populations and ecosystems.

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.

Adresse:

Henrik Dams Allé
2800 Kgs. Lyngby