The posting
At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a Ph.D. stipend is available within the general study program. The Ph.D. stipend is open for appointment from 01.01.2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for 3 years.
Title: Predicting terrestrial ecosystem responses to changing Arctic catchments
Research area and project description
Key question addressed in the PhD project: How does climate warming alter terrestrial ecosystem structure and biogeochemical processes, and how do these changes influence the freshwater and marine environments downstream?
This PhD will investigate how changes in temperature, precipitation, snow cover, soil moisture and seasonality directly and indirectly affect vegetation and invertebrates, soils, microbial communities as well as carbon and nutrient cycling across a climate gradient.
The project will use the terrestrial species data and could include (but not restricted to) automated weather station data, vegetation and invertebrate observations, soil measurements, DNA barcoding, drones and automated imagery/video systems.
Questions that could be addressed in the PhD project: How do terrestrial ecosystems respond to increasing temperature along the Greenland gradient? How does warming alter carbon and nutrient cycling in Arctic soils? How do changes in vegetation and soil processes influence catchment runoff? Which terrestrial variables best predict downstream freshwater and marine ecosystem responses? Can southern Greenland sites provide an analogue for future conditions farther north?
Important application information: The PhD stipend is part of the research project, “From Catchment to Coast” that aims to predict the effects of climate change across Arctic terrestrial, limnological and marine ecosystems using a natural environmental gradient. The project is a collaboration between three institutions, Aarhus University, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources and Aalborg University.
The overall aim of the research project is to determine how climate-driven changes propagate across interconnected terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems along environmental gradients in Greenland, and to develop a predictive framework for understanding present and future Arctic ecosystem responses. We seek three PhD students that in collaboration with their supervisors define their PhD science program. You will be expected to join field campaigns in South Greenland and spent time at the participating institutions.
Your competencies Applicants must have a relevant master’s degree in biology, and ideally have field experience, data analysis and programming skills (e.g., R, python, matlab, etc). We seek candidates that are team players who can play active scientific and social roles in a diverse and international lab setting. Strong oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory.
Qualification requirements PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.
Who we are At the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience (BIO), our high-level research spans from basic to applied within both natural sciences and engineering. With approx. 150 employees, 75 PhD students, and 775 bachelor and master’s students at our campuses in Aalborg (main campus) and Esbjerg, we are a vital research and educational institution when it comes to creating new basic knowledge as well as contributing to solving the world’s challenges within biology, chemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, environmental science, and chemical engineering.
We continuously improve our department as an attractive place of work and study. We offer flexible hours, social activities throughout the year both at the department level and in each Section. We are inclusive and have respect for individuals, communities, and cultures. Our work culture is founded on openness, curiosity, transparency, and involvement. Come join us!
Read more about the department here; Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience - en.bio.aau.dk - Aalborg University
How to apply Your application must include the following:
- Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Project description. The project description should be a maximum of 1-2 page (not including references)
- Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree diploma, including grades)
- Other relevant documents
The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.
Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.
Do you have any questions? If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.
Further information Read more about our recruitment process here.
The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts. Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.
The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.
Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science
Salary and terms of employment The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Furthermore, your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement).
You can find information about the salary and salary structure for the position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Scientific positions (VIP). Please refer to the introductory section of the page and the section entitled “PhD Fellow”.
Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.
