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 February 2027 or later.
Title:
Climate change and catchment-freshwater connectivity: Predicting Arctic freshwater ecosystem responses
Research area and project description:
Key question addressed in the PhD project:
How do climate-driven changes in terrestrial catchments propagate into Arctic freshwater ecosystems, and how do changing freshwater ecosystems mediate the transfer of material and organisms to the marine environment?
The project will investigate how catchment characteristics along a climate gradient affect hydrology and terrestrial nutrient and carbon runoff, and how these further influences water chemistry, primary production, microbial communities and diversity in streams, lakes and coastal plumes.
A particular focus could be placed on the coupling between catchment processes and freshwater ecosystem function and coastal plumes. This would allow the PhD student to determine when changes occurring on land are amplified, buffered or transformed within freshwater systems before material reaches the marine environment.
The project could include (but not restricted to) novel study approaches such as environmental DNA, automated imaging/video and high-frequency sensor measurements, tracer analysis and in situ nutrient and carbon experiments could be combined with conventional limnological sampling.
Questions that could be addressed in the PhD project
Important application information:
The PhD stipend is part of the research project, “From Catchment to Coast” that aims to predict the effects of climate change across Arctic terrestrial, limnological and marine ecosystems using a natural environmental gradient. The project is a collaboration between three institutions, Aarhus University, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources and Aalborg University.
The overall aim of the research project is to determine how climate-driven changes propagate across interconnected terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems along environmental gradients in Greenland, and to develop a predictive framework for understanding present and future Arctic ecosystem responses. We seek three PhD students that in collaboration with their supervisors define their PhD science program. You will be expected to join field campaigns in South Greenland and spent time at the participating institutions.
Project description
Please upload a project description (½-4 pages). This document should describe your ideas and research plans for this specific project. 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, and ideally have field experience, data analysis and programming skills (e.g., R, python, matlab, etc). We seek candidates that are team players who can play active scientific and social roles in a diverse and international lab setting. Strong oral and written communication skills 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, Ole Worms Alle 1, build. 1135, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Professor Tenna Riis; tenna.riis@bio.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 September 2026)
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. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
