PhD in Mantle and Isotope Geochemistry – Gardar Alkaline Province Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland in Denmark

PhD opportunity in mantle geochemistry, isotope geochemistry, petrology, and critical metal enrichment at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), in collaboration with the Natural History Museum of Denmark, the University of Copenhagen, and Aarhus University.

The project, Mantle Metasomatism and REE Fertility in the Gardar Alkaline Province (REE-GAP), investigates mantle metasomatism and volatile processes in the Gardar Alkaline Province of South Greenland. The research focuses on how the lithospheric mantle becomes enriched in elements and volatiles that lead to rare earth element (REE) and high field strength element (HFSE) mineralisation. The work will use an integrated geochemical and isotopic approach, combining trace element geochemistry with radiogenic and advanced stable isotope tracers.

Key research themes include: characterising mantle source compositions using primitive melts, dyke swarms, and mantle xenoliths; applying stable isotope systems to trace volatile sources and slab-derived components; integrating radiogenic isotope systems such as Sr–Nd–Pb; and evaluating the role of volatile-rich metasomatism in alkaline magmatism. The project is based on existing sample collections curated at GEUS and SNM, and no fieldwork is planned.

This is a fully funded 3-year PhD position. The student will be enrolled in the PhD School of Science, University of Copenhagen, and will follow the PhD programme including courses and a research stay abroad. The daily workplace will be at GEUS in Copenhagen.

Eligibility highlights: a master’s degree in geoscience, geochemistry, petrology, or a related field; strong analytical and quantitative skills; interest in mantle processes and/or isotope geochemistry; experience with geochemical or isotopic analytical methods is an advantage; and fluent English communication. If the MSc is not yet completed, a signed pre-approval of the MSc thesis is required.

Application deadline: 2026-05-25. Apply online and submit a CV, short cover letter, diploma, and transcripts (MSc and BSc). If applicable, include the MSc thesis pre-approval document.