PhD Position in Arctic Molecular Ecology
Investigate Arctic phytoplankton community dynamics through molecular and genomic approaches within the POLARIS project.
Best for:Best for candidates with a background in marine science or biology and an interest in molecular ecology and Arctic ecosystems.
Overview
The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) is seeking a motivated PhD fellow to join the Department of Glaciology and Climate. This three-year position focuses on understanding how Arctic phytoplankton communities respond to environmental and climate change by analyzing contemporary and sedimentary samples. The successful candidate will employ molecular techniques, including metabarcoding and genomic sequencing, to characterize biodiversity and reconstruct past community changes. This role is part of the POLARIS project, which integrates molecular data with paleoceanographic and ecological information to predict future marine ecosystem responses.
What you'll do
- Conduct molecular analyses of Arctic phytoplankton communities using contemporary and sedimentary environmental samples.
- Develop and apply molecular markers and reference databases for Arctic phytoplankton taxa.
- Integrate molecular data with micropaleontological, biomarker, and sedimentological datasets.
- Reconstruct historical phytoplankton community composition from marine sediment archives.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers across geosciences and biosciences.
- Contribute to the development of new methodological and computational approaches for environmental DNA analysis.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in marine sciences, biology, ecology, microbiology, environmental science, or a related discipline.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English (fluent); interest in learning Danish is expected.
Instruction: English
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and within a collaborative research environment.
- Proficiency in English communication, both oral and written.
- Must meet the requirements for enrollment in the PhD Graduate Programme of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Copenhagen.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-17
Submit your application via the official portal. The application must include a motivation letter, a CV, and your MSc degree certificate or a pre-approval signed by your supervisor and examiner confirming the thesis will be approved.
- CV
- Motivation letter
- MSc degree certificate or pre-approval
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.