PhD candidate in mantle and isotope geochemistry - Gardar Alkaline Province

Are you interested in mantle processes, isotope geochemistry, and the origin of critical metal enrichment? Do you want to work with unique geological materials from South Greenland and apply cutting-edge isotope methods in a strong international research environment?

We invite you to apply for a fully funded 3-year PhD position at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), in collaboration with the Natural History Museum of Denmark (SNM), the University of Copenhagen, and Aarhus University.

About the position

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate mantle metasomatism and volatile processes in the Gardar Alkaline Province of South Greenland. The project focuses on understanding how the lithospheric mantle becomes enriched in elements and volatiles that ultimately lead to rare earth element (REE) and high field strength element (HFSE) mineralisation.

The position is part of the research project " Mantle Metasomatism and REE Fertility in the Gardar Alkaline Province (REE-GAP)". The project aims to constrain the origin and composition of slab-derived fluids involved in mantle metasomatism, with particular focus on whether sedimentary components contributed to mantle modification.

The PhD project will apply an integrated geochemical and isotopic approach, combining trace element geochemistry with radiogenic and advanced stable isotope tracers.

The project builds on extensive Gardar sample collections curated at GEUS and SNM and focuses on:

• Characterisation of mantle source compositions using primitive melts, dyke swarms, and mantle xenoliths
• Application of stable isotope systems to trace volatile sources and slab-derived components
• Integration with radiogenic isotope systems (e.g. Sr-Nd-Pb)
• Evaluation of the role of volatile-rich metasomatism in alkaline magmatism

The project is based on existing sample collections, and no fieldwork is planned as part of the PhD.

You will be admitted to the PhD School of Science , University of Copenhagen, and will follow their PhD programme, including courses and a research stay abroad.

Who are you?

Our ideal candidate holds a master's degree in geoscience, geochemistry, petrology, or a related field. You should also have solid analytical and quantitative skills and a strong interest in mantle processes and/or isotope geochemistry. Experience with geochemical or isotopic analytical methods will be an advantage, and we value a candidate who enjoys working in a collaborative and international research environment. You must also be able to communicate fluently in English.

Meet your new colleagues

You will be joining GEUS, an internationally recognised research institution under the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities, employing a diverse group of scientists working across geoscience disciplines.

The project is anchored at GEUS, where you will have your daily workplace. At GEUS, you will become part of the Department for Mapping and Mineral Resources, which conducts research on the composition, origin, and evolution of geological materials, including igneous and mantle-derived systems.

The project is carried out in close collaboration with:

• The Natural History Museum of Denmark (SNM) and the PhD School of Science at the University of Copenhagen, where you will be enrolled as a PhD student, in collaboration with the Department of Geosciences at the University of Copenhagen
• Aarhus University, contributing expertise in mantle petrology and microanalysis

You will be supervised by a team of researchers with complementary expertise in isotope geochemistry, mantle petrology, and alkaline magmatic systems, and you will collaborate with international partners.

A working environment with a focus on professional development and well-being

There are many good reasons why you should choose a working life at GEUS.

We are a diverse staff of about 300 committed employees. Trust and flexibility are keywords. The working environment is lively, informal and international. Our tasks are versatile and there are plenty of opportunities for you to influence the development of your task portfolio.

We prioritise professional development, among other things by offering access to courses and other relevant activities. Socialising is also very important at GEUS, and we have a rich social life with a staff club, an art association and more.

At GEUS, we prioritise the well-being of every single employee. We prioritise that the Heads of Departments are close to the employees, and we have flexible working hours that allow you to organise your life so that there is time for what matters to you. If you need to work from home occasionally, that is also possible.

Furthermore, we have a gym with associated physiotherapists.

Salary and terms of employment

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the relevant trade union agreement.

The appointment presupposes that the student will be enrolled at the PhD School at the University of Copenhagen. The employment period is 3 years, the working week is 37 hours. Read more about the rules and requirements for admission as a PhD student: PhD School of SCIENCE .

The appointment area is the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities and its institutions.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities considers diversity to be an asset and encourages anyone regardless of gender, age, religion or ethnicity to seek the position.

Further information

If you would like additional information, please contact the Head of Department, Mikael Pedersen, on Se telefonnummer på earthworks-jobs.com, email: Se e-mailadresse på earthworks-jobs.com or Senior Researcher, Thomas Find Kokfelt, on Se telefonnummer på earthworks-jobs.com, email: Se e-mailadresse på earthworks-jobs.com or Associate Professor, Kristoffer Szilas, from SNM on email: Se e-mailadresse på earthworks-jobs.com .

If you are an international applicant, you can read more about living and working in Denmark on GEUS' website .

Are you interested?

The application must include your CV and a short cover letter describing your motivation and qualifications. Please also include your diploma and transcripts (MSc and BSc). If you have not yet completed your MSc, you must include a pre-approval of your MSc thesis signed by your supervisor and examiner, confirming that the thesis will be approved. The pre-approval must also be confirmed by the educational institution.

Please submit the application via GEUS website at the latest on Monday, 25 May 2026 (Danish time).

Applications or other materials received after the deadline will not be considered.