PhD Position: Investigating Ecosystem Functions Related to Climate Regulation and Biodiversity Support in Aquatic Eco...

The Centre of Aquatic Nature-based Solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation based at Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark in Odense, Denmark, invites applications for a three-year PhD position.

The starting date is flexible, but we hope to welcome our new colleague on 1 August 2023. Application deadline: 20 April 2023.

Description of the position
We are looking for a PhD to join a new team of researchers to be established by the Centre of Aquatic Nature-based Solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation (Aqua-NbS). Aqua-NbS is a four-year centre funded by the prestigious SDU Climate Cluster programme which fosters optimal conditions for cutting-edge, excellent, and interdisciplinary research, education and communication within the climate area and the sustainable green transition of society. The position will be affiliated both at Department of Biology, Ecology group, and SDU Climate Cluster.

At Aqua-NbS we aim to scale up and integrate approaches of Aquatic Nature-based Solutions to expand the provision of multiple ecosystem services, including carbon storage, climate regulation, nutrient removal, coastal protection, and food-web support. Aqua-NbS cover the full land-sea continuum and incorporate a comprehensive range of technological, institutional, and socio-economic settings. Aqua-NbS will investigate aquatic and wetland habitats and their valuable ecosystem services to craft inclusive, detailed guidelines on cost-effective opportunities while addressing the challenges in up-scaling aquatic NbS.

About you
The candidate must have an MSc degree in biology or equivalent and should have a background in aquatic ecology and/or biogeochemistry. The candidate will investigate ecological functions and structure in aquatic ecosystems, including relationships with biodiversity. Topics such as carbon storage, greenhouse gas dynamics, flora and fauna assessments using previous and new data acquired in laboratories or in the field are some examples of potential focus areas for your research. Experience with nature-based solutions, climate or biodiversity topics, and ecosystem services is desirable. As a vital part of Aqua-NbS centre, the selected candidate is to interact and tailor evidence-based scientific findings internationally and nationally, and must be able to communicate the research results both in English and Danish to the broader public.

What we offer
A stimulating international and interdisciplinary work environment with research groups spanning from restoration of aquatic ecosystems, Earth evolution and biogeochemistry to population ecology, as well as environmental economics, sustainability, and designing and planning of nature-based solutions. The department is equipped with new and state-of-the-art laboratories and analytical devices.

The University of Southern Denmark is Denmark’s third largest university with campuses across the country. As part of the Faculty of Science, the Department of Biology is located in Odense, the University’s largest campus. Odense is the country’s third largest city and is centrally located with easy commutes to Copenhagen and Aarhus (approximately 1½ hour).

Further information about the position can be obtained from Associate Professor Cintia Organo Quintana, e-mail: [email protected], or Associate Professor Sara Egemose, e-mail: [email protected]. For general questions regarding housing, taxes etc., the SDU’s International Staff Office can assist - see link.

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:
• A research proposal/description of your approach to the above project (max one page excluding references)
• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) (please attach this under box "Application form")
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades
• At least two signed reference letters. Should your referees wish to send their letters directly to us, please have them use e-mail: [email protected] mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. And please note that these also need to reach us before deadline.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply online". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF or Word format. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply before you apply.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.