Applications are invited for a fully funded 3-year PhD fellowship focused on the hydrology and dynamics of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Based at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) in Copenhagen and enrolled at DTU Space (Technical University of Denmark), the successful candidate will work within the pioneering REGLA project to uncover subglacial meltwater systems, ice flow dynamics, and sediment transport using satellite remote sensing and machine learning.
Position Overview
| Position Title | PhD Fellow in Glaciology and Ice Sheet Dynamics (REGLA Project) |
| Host Institution | Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) & DTU Space |
| Department | Department of Glaciology and Climate |
| Location | Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Duration | 3 Years (Full-Time, 37 hours per week) |
| Start Date | January 1, 2027 |
| Application Deadline | November 1, 2026 |
Designation
PhD Fellow / PhD Research Scholar
The candidate will be employed as a PhD researcher at GEUS within the Department of Glaciology and Climate, while formally enrolled as a doctoral candidate at DTU Space (Department of Space Research and Technology) at the Technical University of Denmark.
Research Area
The PhD project focuses on interdisciplinary earth observation and climate sciences, specifically covering:
- Glaciology and Ice Sheet Hydrology
- Satellite Radar Interferometry (InSAR / DInSAR)
- Data-Driven Modeling and Machine Learning
- Subglacial Hydrology and Sediment Transport
- Coupled Ice Dynamics and Climate Feedbacks
Location
The position is based at the GEUS Copenhagen Office, Denmark, with academic registration and collaborative activities taking place at DTU Space in the Greater Copenhagen area.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must fulfill the admission criteria for doctoral studies at DTU Space and meet the following academic requirements:
- Academic Background: A master’s degree (or close to completing a master’s degree) in geoscience, physics, geophysics, civil/environmental engineering, or a closely related STEM field.
- Technical Interest: Strong curiosity and interest in glaciology, ice sheet processes, satellite remote sensing, and data-driven methods.
- Programming & Analysis: Motivation to acquire and apply programming and scientific computing skills (e.g., Python, machine learning workflows).
- Language Skills: Excellent spoken and written English communication skills. Non-Danish speakers should be willing to take Danish language lessons provided by GEUS.
- Preferred Skills (Assets): Prior experience in machine learning, satellite remote sensing (InSAR/DInSAR), or background insights into glaciological processes is an advantage, but not strictly mandatory.
Scholarship Description
This doctoral project is part of Professor Nanna B. Karlsson’s REGLA project. The primary goal is to decipher how meltwater routes navigate beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet and quantify their influence on ice velocity and coastal sediment discharge.
Key responsibilities and project highlights include:
- Mapping subglacial drainage pathways and their temporal evolution using satellite radar interferometry.
- Deploying machine learning models to analyze the relationship between surface and basal meltwater dynamics and glacier flow.
- Integrating satellite observations with in-situ data to evaluate sediment transfer from glaciers to the ocean.
- Working under the primary supervision of Prof. Nanna B. Karlsson (GEUS), alongside co-supervisors Prof. Louise S. Sørensen and Anders Kusk (DTU Space), and Anne Solgaard (GEUS).
- Enjoying a 37-hour working week, flexible work arrangements, access to professional development, and salary coverage governed by standard Danish trade union collective agreements.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application online through the official GEUS recruitment portal. Make sure to prepare the following documents in PDF format:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant academic experience, technical skills, and publications (if any).
- Master’s degree certificate and academic transcripts, OR an official pre-approval document signed by your supervisor and examiner certifying that your master’s thesis will be approved prior to commencement.
- Motivation letter detailing your interest in the project and your relevant background.
Last Date for Apply
The closing date for applications is November 1, 2026 (23:59 CET). Late applications will not be considered.
Apply Link
Submit your application directly through the official recruitment platform:
Click Here to Apply for the GEUS PhD Position
