PhD on Benthic-Pelagic Coupling in Oxygen-Depleted Waters

The Department of Biology at the University of Southern Denmark invites applications for Ph.D. position in aquatic biogeochemistry and microbial ecology, available for 3 years from spring 2026. The position is associated to the ERC Synergy project RECLESS (Recycling versus loss in the marine nitrogen cycle: controls, feedbacks, and the impact of expanding low oxygen regions). RECLESS aims to predict how ongoing ocean deoxygenation impacts microbial nitrogen transformations and thereby the future availability of nitrogen to support oceanic primary production and carbon sequestration. The project involves researchers from the universities of Southern Denmark, Gothenburg, and Vienna, as well as Carnegie Science, and synergistically integrates innovative oceanographic, biogeochemical, ecophysiological, and model-based investigations.

The candidate will explore and quantify how benthic processes influence the exchange of matter between sediment and water column in oxygen-depleted coastal waters, thereby ultimately influencing pelagic nitrogen cycling in these systems. This involves studies of microbial processes and fluxes within the sediment as well as in the benthic boundary layer, which is a poorly understood component of these systems. As oxygen depletion is spreading in coastal waters worldwide, the project will address knowledge gaps of both local and global significance.

With the aim of obtaining a mechanistic understanding of benthic-pelagic coupling, key tasks may include biogeochemical sediment analyses, measurement of benthic exchange rates, experimental studies of microbial processes in the sediment and benthic boundary layer, and implementation of the results in reaction-transport models. The project is tightly integrated with investigations of pelagic processes in RECLESS, and participation in international research cruises is an integral part of the position.

We seek a candidate with a background and strong interest in experimental (bio-)geochemistry, microbial ecology, or related fields, and with experience in and aptitude for field work. Experience with one or more of the above-mentioned approaches is desirable. The selected candidate will be associated to Bo Thamdrup’s research group as part of the diverse and international Nordcee section at the department, and will work closely together with associates from all RECLESS institutions.

For more information about the position, please contact Bo Thamdrup, [email protected].

About the Department of Biology
The Department of Biology (approximately 200 employees) conducts a wide range of research within the broad and diverse field of biology. Our research is organized in 5 research groups; focusing on more specific, but still diverse, disciplines and biological focus areas.

About Nordcee
At Nordcee, six key research areas are explored, Microbes and Element cycles; Deep-sea research, Co-evolution of Life and Earth, Oxygen, Greenhouse gases and climate, Sustainability and biotechnology: How microorganisms interact with their environment with a particular focus on how microbes influence the biogeochemical cycling of elements, even in the deepest places on Earth, the abyssal plains and hadal trenches; How life and Earth co-evolved over billions of years and how microbial life gave rise to oxygen creating beneficial conditions for the emergence of complex lifeforms; How microbes in the Anthropocene act as sinks or sources of various greenhouse gases. Finally, how to harness microbial microorganisms for sustainable technologies of the future with geo- and bio-engineering strategies.

About SDU
The University of Southern Denmark is Denmark’s third largest university with campuses across the country. As part of the Faculty of Science, the Department of Biology is located in Odense, the University’s largest campus. Odense is the country’s third largest city and is centrally located with easy commutes to Copenhagen and Aarhus (approximately 1½ hour).
The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.

Conditions of employment
Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position.
Employment of a PhD fellow can only happen after the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission.

Employment as a PhD fellow is governed by the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state with the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described herein as well as the Protocol on PhD fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

Further information about salary and conditions of employment.
The person employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a self-organiser.

Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation. To qualify for the position as PhD fellow you must have obtained a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master’s degree) by the enrollment/employment date.

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period.(the 5+3 programme).

Further information about the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science can be found at the homepage of the University.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:

• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation, and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) .
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information and date entries
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades. (copy of original + verified English translation)
• The names and complete contact details (phone numbers and e-mail) of at least two referees details for at least 2 referees who can vouch for your skills.
• A full list of publications stating the scientific publications on which the applicant wishes to rely

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will receive an assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

Applications should be sent electronically via the link "Apply now". The faculty expects applicants to read the information "How to apply for a position at SDU" before applying. Please note that the application documents should be in pdf-format and attached as three documents: motivation letter, CV and the remaining documents.
UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’, Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’. All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’.
Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.

We recommend that as an international applicant you take the time to visit Work in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU.

If you experience technical problems, please contact [email protected]

Location
Odense M, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-01-30T22:59:00+00:00