PhD in Environmental Science on carbon dynamics in peatland

Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, invites applications for a position as PhD in carbon dynamics in peatlands from 01.04.25 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position as PhD is limited to a period of 3 years.

Description of the PhD project

The title of the PhD project is “Carbon dynamics in Danish peatlands under changing climate”. The PhD fellow will establish controlled laboratory experiments to examine how dry and wet cycles, as well as nutrient levels, affect greenhouse gas emissions, microbial activity, and dissolved organic carbon exports to surface waters in different peatlands. Moreover the PhD fellow is expected to conduct field monitoring in different peatlands. The studies will be conducted in Store Åmose in Denmark. The PhD project is part of the CATCH project, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. As part of the project the PhD fellow is expected to visit and collaborate with Associate Professor Theis Kragh from the University of Southern Denmark. 

The Doctoral School

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Doctoral School of Science and Environment in accordance with the rules issued by the Ministry of Technology and Science and additional regulations issued by Roskilde University. The PhD student will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish confederation of Professional Associations). The Doctoral School of Science and Environment is an international graduate school that covers a broad range of research topics within the areas of science and environment.Read more here https://ruc.dk/doctoral-school-science-and-environment

The Department of Science and Environment

Department of Science and Environment is one of four departments at Roskilde University. The Department conducts basic and applied research within chemistry, physics, medical biology, molecular biology, environmental sciences, and mathematics. Bachelor programs are offered within these areas, as are interdisciplinary Master programs. The Department’s laboratories are equipped with modern infrastructure and shared state-of-the art instrumentation. This includes but it not restricted to TOC, AAS, FT-IR, ICP-MS, GC MS, HPLC, CHNS elemental analyzer, ion chromatograph, FIA and electronic particle counters i.e., Coulter counters available.

Read more here https://ruc.dk/en/department-science-and-environment

Responsibilities and tasks

The PhD position is an educational position, and the main tasks are in accordance with chapter 3, Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions (https://ufm.dk/en/legislation/prevailing-laws-and-regulations/education/files/engelsk-ph-d-bekendtgorelse.pdf)

The ideal candidate is expected to:

• Lead a PhD project in the research group as a team member.
• Monitor carbon dynamics of peatlands in the field.
• Perform laboratory experiments investigating the effects of droughts and nutrients on microbial activity.
• Carry out chemical characterization of different types of samples.
• Disseminate the research in high impact international peer reviewed scientific journals.
• Mentor younger students within the focus of the research project or contribute to undergraduate teaching.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate holds an MSc in biology, biogeochemistry, environmental science or equivalent fields and has an outstanding track record and a critical mindset. Moreover, an open mentality with focus on research communication, inter-disciplinary curiosity and teamwork will be required to succeed. The following qualifications are sought for:

• Experience with research in microbial ecology and biochemistry.
• Knowledge of carbon dynamics and nutrient cycling in soil and water will be an advantage.
• Experience with in-situ measurements of greenhouse gas fluxes.
• Prior experience in working with analytical methods such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, TOC analysis, FTIR, CHN-analyser and ICP-OES.
• Proficiency with using R for data-analysis will be a strength.
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• A drivers’ license and ability to drive in Denmark.

You are required to be enterprising and to possess good communication skills and to be a visible, involved participant in the department’s daily activities and in the INM PhD network, in addition to being willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration also across the department.

Assessment

In the assessment regarding employment consideration will be given to:

• Relevant Master’s degree or equivalent (according to Danish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education: https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/transparency-tools/qualifications-frameworks/other-qualifications-frameworks/danish-qf-for-higher-education?set_language=en&cl=en).
• Experience and qualifications as stated above.
• Scientific production and research prospective.
• The ability to promote and utilize research results.

In the assessment regarding enrolment consideration will also be given to the following criteria:

• Your description of the Ph.D. project – Here you describe in which direction you would like to work and how your qualifications fit into the project (approximately one page).
• Quality and relevance of the project description
• Quality and relevance of the methodical and theoretical choices
• Feasibility of the project (include a timeline)
• Educational skills and any further professional qualifications
• Grades at Master’s programme or equivalent.

Questions

For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Carla Cruz Paredes by email ccparedes@ruc.dk, or Assistant Professor Simon David Herzog by email sherzog@ruc.dk.

Terms of employment

The employment is on full time, 37 hours per week and you will refer to Dean Susanne Sørensen.

The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. 

Application procedure 

After the deadline for applications the Dean will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.

Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.

The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and – later on – their assessment.

Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.

Application 

To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/ 

Only applications in English are accepted.

Please submit your application no later than 3 March 2025. 

Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration. 

Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.