PhD position in radar glaciology and Greenland Ice Sheet firn hydrology

Would you like to investigate how Greenland's firn has changed over the past 25 years using airborne radar?

About the position

This PhD project will use airborne radar data collected over the Greenland Ice Sheet since the early 1990s to reconstruct how the near-surface firn layer has changed over time. As melt intensity on the ice sheet has increased dramatically in recent decades, the firn (compacted snow that covers most of the ice sheet) has been fundamentally altered. Understanding these changes is critical for projecting future sea-level rise and the ice sheet's capacity to store meltwater.

You will analyze airborne radar data collected since the early 1990s, focusing on how the radar signal from the near-surface has evolved over a 25-year period. This will allow you to map long-term changes in firn properties, including the expansion of ice slabs and ice layers affecting the firn’s meltwater storage at regional scale across Greenland. Where feasible, you will also map englacial channels, drainage pathways that connect surface meltwater to the ice sheet bed, and where water input influences ice dynamics and ultimately the rate of mass loss from the ice sheet.

The position is part of the ERC-funded FirnMelt project: Meltwater runoff and retention in Greenland's firn: a process-based approach from observations to projections () . FirnMelt is a major international research effort combining airborne-, satellite- and ground-based radar, in situ firn observations, and advanced firn- and hydrology modelling. Your work will contribute observations that are essential for evaluating firn- and hydrological models and for understanding ice-sheet-wide change. Your results will be directly integrated with new airborne campaigns planned in 2026 and 2028, as well as ground-based measurements collected along science transects in South Greenland. You will be based at GEUS' Department of Glaciology and Climate in Copenhagen, enrolled as a PhD student at the Technical University of Denmark in Lyngby (Greater Copenhagen), and collaborate closely with project partners across Europe.

Who are you?

The appointment will be made based on academic qualifications. You have a master’s degree within the field of Natural Sciences (e.g. Geophysics, Physics, Geosciences, Geology, Geography, or similar). Experience with radar measurements, remote sensing, glaciology, or scientific programming is an advantage but not a requirement. Proficiency in English is required. We value curiosity, initiative, and an interest in working with large observational datasets in a collaborative, international research environment.

Meet your new colleagues

You will become part of Department of Glaciology and Climate at GEUS. Our department studies both the current and past changes of the Greenland ice sheet and the ocean surrounding it. Besides conducting research, we advise government agencies and the private sector and supervise university students. The department has an international staff of approximately 40 researchers, PhD students and postdoctoral fellows. We have a great focus on multi-disciplinary collaboration across the department and conduct department seminars and other activities to foster this. We also prioritize social arrangements to welcome and integrate new employees to our informal and friendly working environment.

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 can be admitted to PhD studies at the Department of Space Research and Technology at the Technical University of Denmark. 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:

The appointment area is the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities and its institutions. It is a prerequisite for employment that you can obtain security clearance by the Danish Government and maintain this security clearance throughout your employment.

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 GEUS Senior Researcher Anja Rutishauser, e-mail: Se e-mailadresse på nature.com telephone: Se telefonnummer på nature.com, GEUS Head of Department Signe B. Andersen, email: Se e-mailadresse på nature.com telephone: Se telefonnummer på nature.com, or DTU Professor Louise S. Sørensen, email: Se e-mailadresse på nature.com telephone: Se telefonnummer på nature.com.

International applicants can read more about living and working in Denmark on GEUS’

homepage:

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 degree certificate or a pre-approval signed by the supervisor and examiner, showing that the thesis will be approved. The pre-approval must be confirmed by the educational institution.

Please apply for the position by clicking “Apply for position”. We must have your application at the latest on Friday October 16, 2026.

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