We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to explore how fish distribution and habitats are linked across coastal and offshore waters in Denmark. The project focuses on improving our understanding and mapping of fish distributions, especially for under-studied coastal areas and less frequently observed species. A key challenge is the limited and fragmented nature of existing data, which often only provides snapshots in time, neglect coastal waters, and overlook certain species. You will work on integrating diverse data sources to overcome these limitations and develop a more complete picture of fish habitat use and connectivity. The PhD is part of the section for Ecosystem based Marine Management and the Marine Habitats research group, as well as several synergistic initiatives, including a large international collaboration, offering excellent opportunities for networking with researchers and fellow PhD students, particularly in Sweden, Norway, and Portugal.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The PhD project aims to improve our understanding of key fish habitats, distribution of less frequently observed species, and the ecological connections between coastal and offshore areas. This knowledge will support the designation of marine protected areas in line with the “30 by 30” conservation target. A central component of the project is the integration and analysis of diverse data sources, including EMODnet, trawl and dredge surveys, commercial catch and bycatch records, coastal vegetation data, citizen science catch rates, and environmental datasets from Copernicus. This will require working with a wide range of data formats and engaging with data experts and database managers. The second major focus is advanced data analysis and statistical modeling to identify patterns in fish distribution and habitat use. A strong foundation in fish ecology and marine habitats is essential. The project also includes stakeholder engagement to ensure that results are relevant and accessible for policy development and marine management.
Your primary tasks will be to:
- Compile and harmonize data from multiple sources (e.g., EMODnet, Copernicus, fisheries surveys, citizen science).
- Engage with data managers and database experts to access and interpret datasets.
- Conduct statistical modeling of fish distribution and habitat interactions.
- Interpreting results in the context of fish ecology, marine conservation and spatial planning.
- Translate scientific results, in collaboration with stakeholders, into clear, engaging visualizations and communication materials that support understanding and inform evidence-based decision-making.
- Collaborate with international partners and contribute to joint research activities.
- Teach and co-supervise students at different levels in courses and associated projects.
- Publish and disseminate findings in peer-reviewed journals and reputable conferences.
We are looking for a candidate who:
- Is passionate about the marine environment and ecology.
- Proficiency in data analysis and a solid grasp of spatial statistical methods in R is considered highly advantageous.
- Excellent communication skills are required, with proficiency in English and preferably one of the Scandinavian languages (Danish, Swedish and Norwegian), to effectively engage with stakeholders, citizens, public and the scientific community.
- Experience with the peer-review publication process is an advantage.
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 a committee chaired by Mikael van Deurs (mvd@aqua.dtu.dk).
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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Mikael van Deurs (mvd@aqua.dtu.dk).
Please do not send applications to the above e-mail addresses but follow the electronic application and submission procedure as explained below.
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 22 August 2025 (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 online", 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
- A brief description of the initial thoughts on the research (max 1 pages), outlining how you could address this PhD project
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.
Objectives of our research section
The objective of DTU Aqua's research into ecosystem based marine management is to develop knowledge and tools that can be used as the basis for advice on ecosystem based fisheries management taking overall goals as reflected in fisheries and environmental policy into account.
You can read more about our institute and section at DTU Aqua, and about research areas associated with the project, see coastal ecology, ecological restoration, marine ecosystems, .
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 360 employees, one-half being scientific staff, including about 50 PhD students. More than 35 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 at aqua.dtu.dk
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.