PhD Position in Greenland Paleoceanography and Ice Sheet Melt

Reconstruct past Greenland Ice Sheet melt and ocean variability using marine sediment records to inform climate risk assessment.

Best for:Best for geoscience graduates with a strong interest in paleoclimate, marine geology, and quantitative data analysis, seeking to contribute to climate risk research through sediment-core analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) · Copenhagen, Denmark · R1 · First-stage researcher

More professors at Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS)

Greenland Ice Sheet melt reconstructionPaleoceanography of the North AtlanticMarine sedimentology and proxy analysisGlacier-ocean interactionsHolocene and Common Era climate variabilityQuantitative paleoclimate modeling

Deadline

Oct 18, 2026

4 days

Funding

Salaried

Salary in accordance with the relevant trade union agreement

Start date

2027-01-01

Full-time

Location

Copenhagen

Denmark

Overview

This PhD position at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) focuses on reconstructing past changes in Greenland Ice Sheet melt and ocean conditions using marine sediment cores from Greenland fjords. The project, titled *Past2Risk*, aims to provide empirical constraints on future climate risks by studying interactions between the ice sheet, ocean, and large-scale ocean circulation. The successful candidate will develop quantitative reconstructions of glacier discharge, ocean currents, and water-mass conditions during the Common Era and Holocene, bridging geological records with modern observations like PROMICE data. The position is based in Copenhagen and offers collaboration with an interdisciplinary team studying climate variability and ocean dynamics.

Greenland Ice Sheetpaleoceanographymarine sediment coresclimate risk assessmentproxy data analysisgeochronologyglaciologyNorth Atlantic circulation

What you'll do

Develop high-resolution reconstructions of Greenland Ice Sheet melt and ocean variability using marine sediment cores from Greenland fjords.
Analyze sedimentological proxies, microfossils, and biomarkers to quantify changes in glacier discharge, ocean currents, and water-mass conditions.
Bridge qualitative geological records with modern observations (e.g., PROMICE data) to create quantitative reconstructions of glacier change.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams studying deep-water overflow variability, statistical early-warning methods, and Earth system modeling.
Present research findings at departmental seminars and international conferences.
Contribute to advising government agencies and private sector clients on climate-related topics.

Requirements

Degree required: Master of Science (MSc) degree in geoscience or a related field

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English; proficiency required for communication and collaboration

Instruction: English

Required skills

Experience with marine sedimentology and sediment-core analysis
Familiarity with geochronology techniques
Knowledge of Greenland glaciology or paleoceanography
Proficiency in statistical analysis of proxy data
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent English communication skills

Nice to have

Experience with quantitative paleoclimate modelingFamiliarity with modern glacier monitoring data (e.g., PROMICE)Background in interdisciplinary climate researchCollaborative experience across marine geology, glaciology, and oceanography

Eligibility

Applicants must hold or be close to completing an MSc degree in geoscience or a related field
No nationality restrictions mentioned
No age or residency restrictions specified

Funding & terms

Type

Salaried

Amount

Salary in accordance with the relevant trade union agreement

Duration

3 years (full-time)

Programme

Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS)

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-10-18 (Europe/Copenhagen)

Applicants must submit a motivation letter, CV, and either an MSc degree certificate or a pre-approval signed by the supervisor and examiner confirming thesis approval. Applications must be submitted through the GEUS portal by the deadline.

Documents required