Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GINR), the Greenland Climate Research Centre (GCRC) and DTU Aqua invite applications for a joint PhD position investigating how glacial retreat affect the structure, functioning, and stability of Arctic fjord food webs.

The position offers an excellent opportunity to combine Arctic field ecology, laboratory analyses, quantitative trophic ecology, and ecosystem modelling while working in Greenland and Denmark. You will become part of an interdisciplinary research environment spanning GINR, DTU Aqua, and the wider EDGE project.

The PhD project focuses on two contrasting fjord systems near Nuuk, Greenland, which differ in their degree of glacial influence. It is part of the Independent Research Fund Denmark project “Fjords on the EDGE: Resilience of Greenland Coastal Food Webs in a Warming Arctic”.

The overall aim is to understand how changes at the glacier–ocean interface propagates through the coastal ecosystem, from primary production to benthic communities, fish, and marine mammals. In particular, you will investigate the relative importance of benthic and pelagic energy pathways for key consumers using stable isotope analyses and stomach-content data. These observations will be integrated into an ecosystem model to explore how deglaciation tipping points may alter food-web structure and ecosystem functioning.

The position is jointly hosted by GINR in Nuuk and DTU Aqua in Lyngby. You will be based in Nuuk during the first two years and at DTU Aqua in Lyngby during the final year. Fieldwork, courses, project meetings, and collaborations will take place at additional locations throughout the PhD. You will be enrolled as a PhD student at DTU Aqua and work closely with researchers at both institutions and with collaborators in the EDGE project.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your primary responsibilities will be to:

Conduct fieldwork in Nuup Kangerlua and Ameralik during 2027, collecting benthic and pelagic samples.
Prepare and analyse samples for stable isotope analysis and use isotope mixing models to quantify the relative contribution of benthic and pelagic food sources to key consumers.
Conduct fish stomach-content analyses to characterise diets and trophic interactions.
Integrate new observations with existing datasets to develop and parameterise an ecosystem model based on the StratE2E framework.
Use the model to investigate how glacial retreat and associated changes in pelagic production may affect fjord food-web structure, functioning, and stability.
Publish results in international peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific conferences and to relevant local stakeholders.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in Arctic marine ecosystems and interdisciplinary research. You should have:

A two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) in marine biology, marine ecology, fisheries science, ecosystem modelling, or a related field, with good academic results.
A strong interest in fieldwork and laboratory-based research, including the ability to work effectively on ocean-going research vessels in Arctic environments.
Demonstrated experience with quantitative data analysis and scientific programming in R, Python, or MATLAB.
Knowledge of marine ecosystem dynamics and trophic or food-web ecology.
Strong analytical and scientific communication skills.
Fluency in written and spoken English.

The following qualifications are considered an advantage:

Experience with ecological or ecosystem modelling, including StratE2E or similar frameworks.
Experience with stable isotope ecology and/or mixing models.
Experience identifying benthic organisms.
Experience with fish diet or stomach-content analyses.
Experience with Arctic marine ecosystems.
A published or submitted peer-reviewed scientific publication.
Fluency in Danish and Greenlandic.

We recognise that candidates may bring different combinations of these skills and do not expect applicants to have prior experience in all components of the project. Particular emphasis will be placed on scientific potential.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Teunis Jansen (DTU Aqua and GINR) and Researcher Sandra Maier (GINR).

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The position is a full-time, three-year PhD appointment administered by DTU. The expected starting date is 1 February 2027. You will be based at GINR in Nuuk during the first two years and at DTU Aqua in Lyngby during the final year. GINR will assist the successful candidate with finding accommodation in Nuuk.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

For further information, please contact Professor Teunis Jansen, DTU Aqua and GINR ([email protected]), or Researcher Sandra Maier, GINR ([email protected])

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 November 2026 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
Curriculum vitae
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

About DTU Aqua
DTU Aqua – National Institute of Aquatic Resources – works for well-functioning oceans, rivers, and lakes where biodiversity can thrive. Our research, advisory service, and education contribute to the development of a sustainable blue bioeconomy, robust aquatic ecosystems, and reduced effects of climate change. We have a large national and international network and cooperate with research partners, public authorities, industry, and NGOs. We have state-of-the-art research facilities and Denmark’s only ocean- and arctic-going research vessel. The Institute has about 400 employees, one-half being scientific staff, including about 45 PhD students. About 40 nationalities are represented at the institute, and we support an equal gender distribution. We are located in Lyngby, Hirtshals, Nykøbing Mors, and Silkeborg and have regular activities in Greenland. Learn more on aqua.dtu.dk

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.

PhD scholarship in Arctic fjord food webs under glacial retreat - DTU Aqua

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