An exciting PhD fellowship is available at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark. This project delves into Arctic microbial ecology, specifically aiming to uncover the top-down controls regulating algal and cyanobacterial biomass on the surface of the Greenland Ice Sheet. The position includes an international collaboration and a 3-month research stay at Marseille University to help develop a microbial mortality model.
PhD Fellowship: Top-down controls of microbial biomass in supraglacial habitats, Aarhus University, Denmark
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Designation | PhD Fellowship / Scholarship |
| Research Area | Arctic Microbial Ecology / Environmental Science |
| Location | Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark |
| Preferred Start Date | January 15, 2027 (or earliest possible thereafter) |
| Application Deadline | September 15, 2026, at 23:59 CEST |
Job Description & Objectives
The PhD student will focus on identifying how viruses, grazers, and parasitic fungi influence primary producer populations in supraglacial habitats. Key responsibilities include:
- Characterizing the abundance, community structure, and grazing activity of protozoan consumers in cryoconite holes and ice surfaces.
- Determining the occurrence, infection dynamics, and ecological effects of chytrid fungi on algal populations.
- Collaborating with a postdoc at Copenhagen University and completing a 3-month international stay at Marseille University to develop a mortality model for supraglacial algae and cyanobacteria.
- Presenting research findings at international conferences and publishing results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Eligibility & Qualifications
The ideal candidate should have a highly motivated mindset and meet the following criteria:
- Education: An M.Sc. degree in biology, microbiology, environmental sciences, ecology, or a closely related field.
- Technical Skills: Experience with microbial ecology techniques (e.g., fluorescence microscopy, molecular ecology, incubation experiments, isotope use) and strong laboratory skills.
- Fieldwork: Experience or interest in working in remote conditions (e.g., Arctic, glaciers) and the ability to participate in complex fieldwork.
- Communication: Demonstrated oral and written proficiency in English, alongside excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit their application online through the official portal.
- Prepare a project description (½ to 4 pages) detailing your ideas and research plans for addressing the specific objectives of this project. Note: The description must not be AI-generated.
- Review full application requirements via the Aarhus University Application Guide.
- Submit all mandatory attachments before the deadline via the Online Application Link.
PhD Fellowship: Top-Down Controls of Microbial Biomass in Supraglacial Habitats
Aarhus University is offering a fully funded PhD fellowship within its Environmental Science programme to study Arctic microbial ecology on the Greenland Ice Sheet.
- Host Institution: Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark.
- Research Focus: Investigating how viruses, grazers, and parasitic fungi control algal and cyanobacterial biomass in supraglacial habitats.
- Key Highlights:
- Collaborative fieldwork opportunities in the Arctic.
- Includes a 3-month research stay at Marseille University to develop a microbial mortality model.
- Candidate Profile: Highly motivated applicants with an M.Sc. in biology, microbiology, environmental sciences, or ecology, strong laboratory skills, and proficiency in English.
- Timeline:
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2026, at 23:59 CEST.
- Preferred Start Date: January 15, 2027.
Interested candidates must submit a tailored project description (1/2 to 4 pages, non-AI-generated) outlining their approach to the research objectives via the Aarhus University Application Portal.
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
