If you want to pursue a career as a scientist and you are looking for the best possible foundation for fulfilling your dreams and ambitions, it is right here in front of you. At DTU Space we seek candidates with a strong interest in glaciology for a PhD position in “Understanding the recent behaviour of two major outlet glaciers in Greenland”.
You will break new ground at the absolute forefront of observing and modeling two of Greenland’s largest glaciers -- Jakobshavn Isbræ and the Northeast Greenland Ice stream (NEGIS). You will use GNSS data on ice surface and bedrock, satellite altimetry, ice flow maps and terminus positions and other relevant data to constrain numerical model to simulate 1900-present and future (present-2100) ice flow changes under different UN IPCC climate scenarios. Both glaciers have experienced massive retreat and will be important contributors to Greenland’s future ice loss.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be to strengthen the department’s competencies within modeling ice flow and use a variety of observations to assess models, which is central to DTU Space’s strategic effort in the area of geodesy. You will be joining the division of Geodesy and Earth Observations, which is one of the six divisions at DTU Space.
You will work in close collaboration with colleagues at both DTU and with academic partners at Dartmouth College (USA). To follow the DTU program, you will be granted a unique study environment, together with several PhDs and Post Docs in related fields.
Your primary tasks will be to improve simulations of Jakobshavn Isbræ and NEGIS using the open-source Ice Sheet and Sea Level Model (ISSM).
The candidate is expected to perform original research that aims at improving our understanding of past, present and future changes in the ice flow and geometry of Jakobshavn Isbræ and NEGIS.
The candidate is expected to,
- Simulate Jakobshavn Isbræ and the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream (NEGIS) within the ISSM framework.
- Project future ice loss under a range of UN IPCC scenarios.
- Calibrate ISSM parameterisation using GNSS data on bedrock and glaciers, surface altimetry, and satellite-derived ice flow velocity.
- Publish the new findings in the international peer-reviewed literature
- Present your research at international conferences and participate in relevant project meetings
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and be able to work as part of a team to achieve ambitious goals
- Teach and co-supervise BSc and MSc student projects
- Potentially participate in Arctic field campaigns
We expect that you have:
- Experience in working with large data sets and the development of numerical models.
- Basic knowledge of glaciology or geodesy.
- Good expertise in programming, e.g. in Python, MATLAB, or other high-level programming languages.
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.
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. Start date: 1 November 2025 (or as soon as possible).
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Shfaqat Abbas Khan ([email protected]), Dr. Cheng Gong ([email protected]) and Prof. Mathieu Morlighem ([email protected]).
You can read more about “Geodesy and Earth Observations” at www.space.dtu.dk and at www.space.dtu.dk/english/research/research_divisions/geodesy_and_earthobservation.
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 the 31 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 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
- Letter of recommendation are encouraged
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.
DTU Space has about 230 employees and it is located at the Lyngby Campus of the Technical University of Denmark together with 19 other institutes within the technical sciences. DTU Space is the leading institution of public space activities in Denmark. The mission of the Institute is to conduct research, development, public sector consultancy, education, and innovation at the highest international level.
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.
