PhD in Arctic Microbial Ecology: Top-down controls of microbial biomass in supraglacial habitats Aarhus University in Denmark

PhD opportunity at Aarhus University in Arctic microbial ecology, focused on supraglacial habitats on the Greenland Ice Sheet.

The project, Top-down controls of microbial biomass in supraglacial habitats, investigates how viruses, grazers, and parasitic fungi regulate microbial communities on glacier surfaces. The research centers on algae and cyanobacteria that contribute to ice-darkening and melt, with specific attention to protozoan grazing, chytrid fungal infections, and microbial mortality in cryoconite holes and ice surfaces.

The position is hosted by the Department of Environmental Science at Aarhus University in Roskilde, Denmark, and is part of a collaboration with the University of Copenhagen and an international research stay at Marseille University. The project is funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.

Ideal applicants hold an MSc in biology, microbiology, environmental sciences, ecology, or a closely related field. Strong English communication skills are required. Preferred experience includes microbial ecology methods such as fluorescence microscopy, molecular ecology, incubation experiments, isotopes, and fieldwork in remote Arctic or glacier environments. The student should also be comfortable with laboratory work, interdisciplinary collaboration, conference presentations, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Application deadline: 15 September 2026. Preferred start date: 15 January 2027. Applicants must submit their materials through the university application system and include a ½–4 page project description outlining their research approach. Only complete applications received before the deadline will be considered.