The Biogeochemistry Research Group within the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN) at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, invites applications for a fully funded three-year PhD Fellowship in soil science and wetland biogeochemistry. The project begins on 1 December 2026.
Project Context: Land rewetted landscapes and Climate Mitigation
As part of Denmark’s national strategy to achieve climate neutrality, large-scale afforestation and wetland rewetting initiatives are being implemented. Rewetting former agricultural soils and restoring peatland wetlands are critical for stopping soil carbon loss and restoring aquatic ecosystems. However, rewetting changes soil hydrology, sparking complex biochemical reactions that influence greenhouse gas emissions (nitrous oxide, methane, carbon dioxide) and nutrient leaching into surrounding water bodies. This PhD project will investigate these dynamics using field measurements and laboratory mesocosms.
Key Responsibilities and Research Activities
- Design and implement field sampling campaigns across Danish forests, rewetted wetlands, and peatlands.
- Utilize greenhouse gas chamber systems and stable isotope analysis to evaluate carbon and nitrogen cycling.
- Conduct controlled laboratory mesocosm experiments to simulate hydrology changes and soil biogeochemical responses.
- Collaborate with Land-CRAFT (Aarhus University) during a planned research stay.
- Complete 30 ECTS of PhD coursework and write peer-reviewed journal papers leading to a PhD dissertation.
Stipend and Scholar Benefits
- Full-time employment for 3 years, offering a highly competitive Danish PhD salary and comprehensive pension and social security benefits.
- Access to state-of-the-art analytical chemistry, soil mechanics, and greenhouse gas monitoring facilities.
- Participation in international conferences, advanced training courses, and professional development programs.
Required Qualifications
- M.Sc. degree in Soil Science, Biogeochemistry, Hydrology, Environmental Science, Forest Ecology, or related fields.
- Prior experience conducting environmental fieldwork or handling analytical laboratory instruments.
- Strong quantitative skills, with experience using R or similar programming languages for statistical data analysis.
- Excellent communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the University of Copenhagen job portal. Please upload a cover letter, a brief research proposal (max 1 page), CV, academic transcripts, and contact details for two references before the deadline on 16 August 2026. Inquiries can be sent to the main supervisor, Dr. Jesper Riis Christiansen, at jrc@ign.ku.dk.