DTU space seeks a PhD in Climate-Driven Changes in Tidal Response of Sea ice and icebergs in coastal zones.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The discharge of ice from glaciers into the ocean is a major contributor to global sea-level rise. Furthermore, sea ice and icebergs provide an important habitat for marine mammals in polar regions. In the present era of climate change, the number of icebergs is expected to grow while sea-ice is declining. The movement of icebergs and sea ice is primarily driven by tidal currents (and, to a lesser degree, wind); tides also influence the calving and grounding of icebergs. Greenland’s coastal zone is prone to large, relatively unknown tides, and this Ph.d will focus on using the SWOT (surface water and ocean topography) to derive a high-resolution tidal model and on establishing a framework for predicting sea ice and iceberg movements in the coastal zone.
The candidate is expected to have knowledge of oceanographic and cryospheric sciences, as well as remote sensing (preferably satellite altimetry). The candidate will work in a stimulating environment in close cooperation with key researchers at DTU Space and is expected to contribute to the SWOT science working sub-team on tides and the cryosphere. The candidate will also contribute to ongoing international cooperation with universities such as NTNU in Norway, which are partner in this Alliance PhD study. Also, the candidate should be willing to travel and work in an international environment.
You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education
.
Assessment
The assessment will be made by Professor Ole B. Andersen and senior scientist Henriette Skourup. These assessors are also expected to be your main supervisors.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect, academic freedom tempered by responsibility, and accountability.
Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.
The starting date is expected to be around September 1st (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.
You will be located within the Hydro/Cryo groups inside the Geodesy and Earth Observation Division at DTU Space.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .
Further information
May be obtained from Professor Ole Baltazar Andersen (oa@space.dtu.dk
) or from Henriette Skourup (hsk@space.dtu.dk)
You can read more about the Geodesy and Earth Observation Division in DTU Space at https://www.space.dtu.dk/english/Research/Research-Divisions/Geodesy-and-Earth-Observation . Information about DTU Space can be found here: https://www.space.dtu.dk/english
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 14 June 2026 (23:59 Danish time)
.
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:
You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.
| Firma | Danmarks Tekniske Universitet Følg |
| Kontaktperson | Ole Baltazar Andersen |
| Arbejdsadresse | Anker Engelunds Vej |
| Postnr.: | 2800 |
| Kommune | Lyngby-Taarbæk |
| oa@space.dtu.dk | |
| Ansøgningsfrist | 14/06/2026 |