PhD scholarship in monitoring bedrock displacements using GNSS in Greenland - DTU Space

At DTU Space we seek candidates with a strong interest in geodesy for a PhD position in “monitoring bedrock displacements using GNSS in Greenland”.
If you want to pursue a career as a scientist and you are looking for the best possible foundation for fulfilling your dreams and ambitions, it is right here in front of you. At DTU Space we seek candidates with a strong interest in geodesy for a PhD position in “monitoring bedrock displacements using GNSS in Greenland”.

You will break new ground at the absolute forefront of observing bedrock displacements using GNSS. Measuring bedrock velocities in remote locations is difficult. Multi-year GPS measurements are particularly rare, mainly due to logistic challenges and harsh weather conditions that complicate station maintenance.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The Greenland GNSS Network (GNET) is owned by Klimadatastyrelsen (KDS) and developped and maintained in collaboration with DTU Space. This PhD research focuses on, in close collaboration with KDS, the development, deployment, and long-term maintenance of permanent Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations on bedrock in Greenland. The study aims to enhance geodetic monitoring capabilities in this remote and climatically extreme region, contributing to high-precision measurements of land motion, glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA), elastic deformation, and ice mass changes.

You are expected to,

• Coordinate field logistics for field campaigns in Greenland.
• Create and analyze GNSS-IR time series for coastal GNET stations and estimate tidal components. When relevant, compare with tide gauge data.
• Develop robust station infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme Arctic weather conditions. Optimize power supply solutions, including solar panels and backup systems, for year-round operation.
• Test GNET station communication and investigate potential solutions.
• Publish the new findings in the international peer-reviewed literature
• Present your research at international conferences and participate in relevant project meetings
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and be able to work as part of a team to achieve ambitious goals
• Teach and co-supervise BSc and MSc student projects
• Participate in Arctic field campaigns

We expect you to have:

• Experience in working with large data sets and development of algorithms.
• At least basic knowledge in glaciology or geodesy.
• Good expertise in programming, e.g. in Python, MATLAB, or other high-level programming languages.

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.

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.

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. Start date: 1st of June, 2025 (or as soon as possible).

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Shfaqat Abbas Khan (abbas@space.dtu.dk).

You can read more about “Geodesy and Earth Observations” at www.space.dtu.dk and at

https://www.space.dtu.dk/english/research/research_divisions/geodesy_and_earthobservation

.

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 14 April 2025 (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
• Letter of recommendations are encouraged

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, 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.

DTU Space has about 220 employees and it is located at the Lyngby Campus of the Technical University of Denmark together with 19 other institutes within the technical sciences. DTU Space is the leading institution of public space activities in Denmark. The mission of the Institute is to conduct research, development, public sector consultancy, education, and innovation at the highest international level within the following areas: Space Technology & Instrumentation, Earth Observation & Geodesy and Space- & Astrophysics.

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 a

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