PhD Position in Arctic Molecular Ecology Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland in Denmark

GEUS (the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland) is offering a 3-year PhD position in Arctic Molecular Ecology in Copenhagen, Denmark, as part of the POLARIS project, “Probing the future of Arctic marine productivity from the ocean seafloor”, funded by the Carlsberg Foundation. The expected start date is 01-01-2027.

The project focuses on how Arctic phytoplankton communities respond to climate and environmental change. Phytoplankton are the base of Arctic marine food webs, and their communities are influenced by sea-ice cover, ocean circulation, temperature, salinity, stratification, and nutrient availability. The PhD will investigate spatial and temporal changes in these communities using molecular ecology and related genomic approaches.

The successful candidate will work with contemporary and sedimentary environmental samples and use techniques that may include metabarcoding, targeted sequencing, genomics, and other molecular methods. A major part of the project is the development and application of molecular markers and reference databases for Arctic phytoplankton, especially poorly represented taxa. The project also includes resurrection ecology and aims to reconstruct phytoplankton community composition from Arctic marine sediments and environmental archives.

An important feature of the PhD is the integration of molecular data with other POLARIS approaches such as micropaleontology, biomarkers, sedimentology, and paleoceanographic reconstructions. This interdisciplinary framework will help reveal how phytoplankton communities have changed in relation to sea ice, ocean circulation, water masses, temperature, salinity, and nutrient conditions across different spatial and temporal scales.

The position is hosted by GEUS and linked to the Department of Glaciology and Climate. The successful student will join an international and collaborative research environment, working closely with colleagues at the University of Copenhagen and international partners. GEUS highlights professional development, interdisciplinary work, and a supportive working environment.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a Master’s degree in marine sciences, biology, ecology, microbiology, environmental science, or a related field. Useful experience includes phytoplankton ecology and taxonomy, molecular ecology or environmental DNA, genomics or bioinformatics, and ecological data analysis. Strong analytical and communication skills are important, as is the ability to work independently and collaboratively. English proficiency is required, and there is interest in learning Danish.

Funding and terms: the position is funded through the Carlsberg Foundation as part of the POLARIS project. Salary and employment terms follow the relevant trade union agreement. The appointment is full-time (37 hours per week) for 3 years.

Application deadline: 18 October 2026, 23:59 (Danish time). Applicants must submit a motivation letter, CV, and MSc degree certificate or pre-approval signed by the supervisor and examiner, confirmed by the educational institution.