Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Biology programme. The position is available from November 2025 or later.
Title:
Re-advertisement: How does glacier melt affect biogeochemical processes and phytoplankton production in Arctic coastal areas?
Research area and project description:
The impact of freshening from melting land and sea ice on Arctic coastal waters is expected to transform the entire structure and functioning of Arctic marine ecosystems. Here we call for a PhD student to work on glacier melt and its effect on biogeochemical processes and phytoplankton production in Arctic coastal waters.
PhD project: The interaction between glacier fronts and coastal waters is critical for predicting future ice loss and coastal productivity. Sparse direct observations indicate that freshwater fluxes from glaciers significantly influence fjord circulation, ice frontal melt, and ecosystem habitability. In West Greenland, marine-terminating glaciers release meltwater, causing a mixing with warm Atlantic Water and upwelling of deep fjord waters, supporting high primary productivity. In Northeast Greenland, however, glacier termini interact with a thicker colder Polar Water layer. These interactions remain poorly understood and the implications on biogeochemical processes are unknown. This PhD study will, based on existing data as well as new field data, investigate the temporal and spatial signature of this discharge and how glacial melt affects the physical hydrographic structure and biogeochemical processes such as phytoplankton production.
The PhD students will be part of Center for Ice-Free Arctic Research (CIFAR). You can find more about the center here: https://bio.au.dk/forskning/forskningscentre/cifar
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When - as here - you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.
Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants must have a relevant master’s degree in physical-, chemical- or biological oceanography.
Field experience, data analysis and programming (e.g., python, matlab, etc) will be advantageous. We seek candidates that are team players who can play active scientific and social roles in a diverse and international lab setting. Strong communication skills orally and in writing are mandatory.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Aarhus University, Biology, CIFAR grundforskningscenter, Ole Worms Allé 1, 8000 Aarhus , Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Professor, Søren Rysgaard. rysgaard@au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 June 2025)
Please note:
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
