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 August 2025 or later.
Title: How does loss of land ice affect coastal runoff and biogeochemical cycling in
Arctic coastal areas?
Research area and project description:
Applications are invited for the two PhD fellowships/scholarships at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Biology programme. The position is available from August 2025 or later.
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 two PhD students within biogeochemical runoff and cycling in Arctic coastal waters.
PhD project (#1): Freshwater runoff from land affects coastal water quality and functioning, particularly in plumes near river outlets. Despite some scattered studies, a standardized comparison of runoff patterns along Greenland east coast is absent, limiting our understanding of how catchment characteristics (i.e., ice, vegetation, and snow cover) drive runoff patterns of water, carbon and nutrients from land to coast across a globally important climate gradient. This PhD study will use existing data as well as new field data of water nutrients, elements, and stable isotopes from riverine-coast systems in East Greenland, to investigate how catchment characteristics affect runoff patterns from land to coast.
PhD project (#2): 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 and fresher Polar Water layer. 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 biogeochemical processes.
Both 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 biology, hydrology, glaciology, oceanography, or geoscience.
Field experience, data analysis and programming (e.g., python, matlab, etc) will be advantageous for both fellowships. 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 Department of Biology, Section of Aquatic Biology, Ole Worms Alle 1, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Professor Søren Rysgaard; Rysgaard@bio.au.dk (Main supervisor for PhD #2)
Professor Tenna Riis; tenna.riis@bio.au.dk (Main supervisor for PhD #1)
Tenure track researcher Johnna Marchiano Holding; johnna@ecos.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 March 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.
