Three-Year Postdoc Opportunity in Ecosystem Structure, Functions and Services in Offshore Marine Protected Areas

Are you a seasoned researcher in oceanography looking to push boundaries of conservation and marine biodiversity? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Department of Biology. We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral researcher for a three-year position on an impactful project focused on offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

In this role, you will contribute to the assessment of offshore ecosystem structure and the quantification of ecosystem functions and services, with a distinct focus on carbon sequestration, benthic-pelagic coupling, biodiversity-related ecosystem functions and services, and food-web dynamics. You will work collaboratively to test and apply advanced monitoring tools, including cutting-edge eDNA equipment, underwater microphones and cameras to investigate cumulative pressures on offshore MPAs such as eutrophication, fisheries, infrastructure construction, and climate change. You will work closely with an interdisciplinary team to link scientific knowledge to management and policy processes. Your work will contribute to improving MPA designation and management processes.

As part of the Horizon Europe-funded “SEAMPHONI: Strengthening Ecosystem-based Assessment and Monitoring for Protected Habitats in Offshore areas and Newly Identified MPAs” project, you will work closely with Associate Professor Cintia O. Quintana, along with other renowned researchers within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and SEAMPHONI project consortium.

Role Overview:
As the Postdoc for the SEAMPHONI project, you will focus on mapping and identifying ecosystem functions underpinning critical ecosystem services in non-protected and offshore MPAs in Europe, proposing innovative approaches that align with the EU Biodiversity Strategy towards 10% strict protection. The project spans demonstration sites in Madeira, Iceland, the North Sea and La Réunion.

Your responsibilities will include organization and participation in scientific cruises, and testing monitoring tools such as eDNA, underwater microphones and cameras. Specifically, you will concentrate on gathering data associated with these tools and investigating ecosystem interconnectedness and environmental challenges linked to the balance between human activities and protection levels of the North Sea and Wadden Sea, our demonstration site located in Denmark.

Candidate Profile:
We are looking for a candidate with a Ph.D. in oceanography, marine biology, marine ecology, environmental studies, or similar. Experience with planning and participation in scientific cruises, handling large datasets, and working on biogeochemistry, climate or biodiversity topics, offshore areas, or ecosystem structure, function, and service assessments is highly desirable. Proficiencies in areas like eDNA, biodiversity of flora and fauna, stable isotopes, programming in R, statistical analysis, and GIS, will be beneficial.

Our Department:
The Department of Biology at SDU is a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment of approximately 240 employees, conducting a wide range of research within diverse biological fields. Our work is organized into five research groups, each focusing on unique disciplines and biological areas. Our research employs state-of-the-art technology, methodologies, and facilities in a disciplinary and interdisciplinary approach to address scientifically and societally relevant biological questions at local, regional, and global scales.

We strongly believe in fostering a stimulating and inspiring environment for our staff and students, and we are committed to diversity, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Additional information on Odense/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).

For further information please contact Associate Professor Cintia O. Quintana at [email protected] and telephone number: 0045 65509191.

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.

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow can be made within two different programme types:

First programme: Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years and is open to students who have already completed their MSc. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period.

Second programme: Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for four years and is open to students who have not yet completed their master’s degree (MSc).

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

University’s website.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the University’s website.

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.
• 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.
• Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

Shortlisting may be used as part of the assessment process, and an interview may be included in the overall evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “Apply now”. Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Since not all members of the appointment committee are Danish-speaking, it is recommended that your application is submitted in English.

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

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark can be found on the University’s website.

Starting date: 1st August 2026 (or soon after). Application deadline: 1st May 2026.

Apply today for the opportunity to make a significant contribution to marine ecology research and conservation efforts.

Join us on our journey to “Protect and Restore marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity by 2030”.

Location
Odense M, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-05-01T21:59:00+00:00