The Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management invites applicants for a PhD fellowship to study the biogeochemistry and greenhouse gas balance of cultivated wetlands. The PhD project is part of the Global Wetland Center, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Start date for this 3-year PhD fellowship is 1 January 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

The Global Wetland Center will contribute to the development of wetland-based climate change mitigation strategies through a combination of biogeochemical and hydrological modelling, satellite remote sensing and use of Artificial Intelligence techniques. The Center is a collaboration between two departments from the University of Copenhagen (Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management and Department of Computer Sciences), DHI A/S, and GEUS (The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland), and is funded for a six-year period (2024-2029). 

To start the Center’s activities, we are looking for a PhD student to work on field measurements of greenhouse gas emissions from cultivated wetlands. The candidate will work in an inspiring team bringing together modelling, in situ measurements and Earth observation of wetland biogeochemistry and hydrology. 

Specifically, the PhD project aims to quantify the element cycling of carbon and nitrogen in farmed wetlands in Vietnam. The work includes field experiments (with dynamic flux chambers and subsurface oxygen measurements) along spatial gradients and laboratory work aiming at optimizing C storage, reducing CH4 and N2O emissions and securing future food production. In addition, analyses based on other (farmed or natural) wetlands are envisaged. 

Qualifications
Applicants should hold a MSc degree in geography, environmental sciences, ecology, or related disciplines. We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious individual with good interpersonal and communication skills. Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement. Relevant experiences in field-based research and analysis of large data sets are considered beneficial.
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. [relevant educations]. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database. 

We offer a stimulating working environment in a center that will grow in the coming years to approximately 30 researchers; an international team of experts in ecosystem science and modelling, remote sensing and Artificial Intelligence. The PhD position is hosted in the section for Geography, Øster Voldgade 10 in Copenhagen. 

Principle supervisor for the PhD student is Professor Bo Elberling, Dept of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (be@ign.ku.dk).  

Terms of employment 
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years. 

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant. 

The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks 
•    Carry through an independent research project under supervision
•    Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
•    Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
•    Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
•    Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
•    Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below. 

Please include:  
1.    Motivated letter of application (max. one page) 
2.    Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position 
3.    Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted. 
4.    Publication list (if applicable)

Application deadline
The deadline for applications is 20 September 2023, 23:59 GMT +2.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process 
After the deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment. 
The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/. 

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in weeks 43-44. 

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.
General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position. 

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.