PhD scholarship in Arctic plankton - DTU Aqua

The PhD targets the interaction between the physical environment and the base of the food web at Davis Strait and West Greenland through data analysis and field work in the Arctic. The focus is on environmental forcing of the functional diversity of plankton and its effect on the ecosystem services.
Are you interested in Arctic oceanography and climate change, with a fondness for the microscopic organisms (plankton) in the ocean? If yes, this might be the PhD for you. Decreasing sea ice and increasing sea surface temperature in the Arctic change the physical and chemical conditions in the water column influencing the community composition and productivity of plankton – the base of the marine food web that supports the ecosystem services that we humans rely on. However, we are currently not able to demonstrate the connection between the melting sea ice, plankton community structure, food-web productivity and carbon export, neither to quantify or predict it. Your PhD targets this knowledge gap: The interaction between the physical environment and the base of the food web at the Davis Strait and West Greenland.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your primary tasks will be to:

• Analyze existing data and/or lead new data collection to investigate the functional diversity of phyto- and zooplankton as a function of sea ice conditions and freshwater distributions in the Arctic.
• Experimentally investigate the environmental tolerances of Arctic copepods, with a focus on under-studied small species.
• Investigate the changes in primary production and food web efficiency in relation to freshwater distribution in the Davis Strait.
• Develop a technical aspect covering either improved high throughput quantification and characterization of plankton samples or assessment and synthesis of data collected using models to inform on the changes in productivity and food-web efficiency due to changes in stratification.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree within natural sciences (e.g., marine biology, oceanography, environmental engineering). We also expect you to have some experience in field or laboratory work within biological oceanography (preferably plankton). Modelling and / or technical skills are an advantage. In addition, you are expected to have:

• Flexibility concerning field work and research stays in Greenland
• Good communication skills in English, both written and orally
• Ability to conduct research independently and good problem-solving skills
• Good collaborative skills and strong interest in participating in an inter-disciplinary and international research environment

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval. The candidate will be enrolled in the PhD school of DTU Aqua and be associated with the Greenland Institute for Natural Resources. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

The PhD is in collaboration with the Greenland Climate Research Centre (GCRC) in Nuuk and involves a key role in linking activities at both sites with international partners leading and contributing to the Davis Strait Observatory.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. The expected starting date is 1th June 2025, or by agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Marja Koski, Institute for Aquatic Resources, Section of Ocean and Arctic ([email protected]).

You can read more about DTU Aqua, GINR and GCRC at www.aqua.dtu.dk, www.natur.gl and www.gcrc.gl, respectively.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 11 April 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• A draft project description: 1-2 pages with a concise proposal on the research idea that you would like to explore, including relevance, motivation, the theoretical framework and preliminary suggestion of methodology

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The Section for Oceans and Arctic in DTU Aqua covers a wide research spectrum from oceanography, population ecology, observation technology and the Arctic. The research into oceanography integrates biological, physical and chemical parameters’ interactions in the ocean, ranging from individual plankton to regional seas. We focus on understanding the key processes that govern the structure and function of pelagic food webs, as well as climate and ecosystem interactions. The research in population ecology establishes how processes affecting individuals shape populations and ecosystems.

The purpose of DTU Aqua is to provide research, advice and education at the highest international level within the sustainable exploitation of living marine and freshwater resources, the biology of aquatic organisms and the dynamics of ecosystems as well as their integration in ecosystem-based management. DTU Aqua has 260 employees, of whom a third are scientific staff. The other employees are assistant biologists, laboratory technicians, IT employees, administrative staff, ship’s crew, student assistants etc. The institute is organized into eight scientific sections which carry out the research, educational and advisory activities. In addition, the institute has a number of scientific and administrative support functions, including the research vessel DANA. DTU Aqua has employees in Lyngby, Silkeborg, Nykøbing Mors and Hirtshals as well as on Dana.'

Greenland Institute for Natural Resources
Greenland Institute for Natural Resources is a research institution located in Nuuk, Greenland (GINR; www.natur.gl). The institute is responsible for providing scientific advice on the management of living natural resources to the Government of Greenland as well as conducting local ecosystem research. The Greenland Climate Research Centre (GCRC; www.gcrc.gl) at GINR specializes on marine ecosystems and effects of climate change in Greenland. GINR and GCRC provide access to data, knowledge, researchers and research facilities anchored in Greenland.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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