Explore Ice-Flow and Fractures: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Continuum Mechanics
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Explore Ice-Flow and Fractures: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Continuum Mechanics
We are looking for a new postdoctoral fellow to join us at the Department of Glaciology and Climate at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS). This position, which focuses on applying fracture mechanics to the Greenland ice sheet, will last for 24 months with an ideal start date of the 1st of January 2026.
About the position
We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow who can assist with the project “Semper Crevasses: Crevasses as Indicators of Ice Sheet Sensitivity”, funded by the Carlsberg Foundation. The primary task of this postdoctoral fellow will be applying a continuum mechanics fracture model to an intensively studied crevasse field in Central West Greenland. This crevasse field is actively forming inland from the coast. The research goal is simulating the material properties, stress field, and opening mechanisms, responsible for the formation of these crevasses. Substantial in-situ and remotely sensed observations have been collected to constrain this modelling effort, including differential surface movements and passive seismic network observations. These latter datasets present the possibility of applying a rock fracture model of the type conventionally used for fault lines. As the postdoctoral fellow you will lead a large work package, including associated publications, within a team environment. You will therefore participate in team-level publications on various topics of cryospheric processes in Greenland. There is the opportunity to participate in project fieldwork on the Greenland ice sheet. Postdoctoral fellows will be encouraged and mentored to develop into independent researchers.
You can read more about the project here.
Who are you?
You must hold a PhD degree in Natural Sciences or Engineering or at least have submitted your PhD thesis for assessment. Previous thematic knowledge of continuum ice or rock mechanics is required, and thematic knowledge of fracture mechanics is highly desired. Knowledge of global positioning system, seismic geophone, and/or ice-penetrating radar measurements would be beneficial. Our department also places a high value on cross-disciplinary and cross-institution collaborations, as well as team-level outreach activities. You must be able to communicate in English, and since the primary language of the organisation is Danish, you should be prepared to learn Danish.
Meet your new colleagues
Our department studies both the current and past climate of the Greenland ice sheet and the ocean surrounding it. Our department has an internationalized staff of c. 30 researchers, including 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. Our glaciology group monitors Greenland’s current ice loss with a network of climate stations (including the GC-Net and PROMICE networks), satellite observations, and numerical modelling. Besides doing research, we provide advice to government agencies and the private sector and provide supervision to university students. 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 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 Signe B. Andersen on +45 9133 3804 or siba@geus.dk or Professor William Colgan on +45 9133 3814 or wic@geus.dk.
If you are a foreign applicant, you can read more about living and working in Denmark on GEUS’ website.
Are you interested?
If you are interested in the position, we would like to hear from you. The application must include a CV, incl. your ORCID, a list of publications with a separate indication of articles registered in ISI Web of Science and any copies of individual publications of particular relevance to the position. Please enclose master’s and PhD diplomas in either Danish or English as well as other material documenting qualifications at postdoc level. Submitted PhD theses that have not yet been defended may be sent with the application and will be included in the assessment. If possible, please provide a pre-approval.
Please submit the application via GEUS’ website at the latest on Tuesday the 30st of September 2025 (Danish time).
Applications or other material received after the deadline will not be considered.
The employment procedure
A professional assessment committee consisting of two internal assessors at minimum senior researcher level will carry out an individual assessment of all applicants’ professional qualifications, and the applicants will be assessed as qualified or unqualified for the position. Afterwards, an internal employment committee will decide which of the professionally qualified candidates will be invited for a job interview. This procedure is in accordance with the “Order on employment and assessment of scientific staff at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland § 4 and 7”.
The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) is an independent and internationally orientated research institution within the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities, and part of Geocenter Denmark. GEUS conducts research and advises public authorities and businesses on nature, climate, the environment, energy and raw materials. GEUS is responsible for the scientific exploration of geology in Denmark and Greenland and their shelf areas. GEUS maps, monitors and collects data, disseminates knowledge about geological conditions and is a national geological data centre.
About the position
We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow who can assist with the project “Semper Crevasses: Crevasses as Indicators of Ice Sheet Sensitivity”, funded by the Carlsberg Foundation. The primary task of this postdoctoral fellow will be applying a continuum mechanics fracture model to an intensively studied crevasse field in Central West Greenland. This crevasse field is actively forming inland from the coast. The research goal is simulating the material properties, stress field, and opening mechanisms, responsible for the formation of these crevasses. Substantial in-situ and remotely sensed observations have been collected to constrain this modelling effort, including differential surface movements and passive seismic network observations. These latter datasets present the possibility of applying a rock fracture model of the type conventionally used for fault lines. As the postdoctoral fellow you will lead a large work package, including associated publications, within a team environment. You will therefore participate in team-level publications on various topics of cryospheric processes in Greenland. There is the opportunity to participate in project fieldwork on the Greenland ice sheet. Postdoctoral fellows will be encouraged and mentored to develop into independent researchers.
You can read more about the project here.
Who are you?
You must hold a PhD degree in Natural Sciences or Engineering or at least have submitted your PhD thesis for assessment. Previous thematic knowledge of continuum ice or rock mechanics is required, and thematic knowledge of fracture mechanics is highly desired. Knowledge of global positioning system, seismic geophone, and/or ice-penetrating radar measurements would be beneficial. Our department also places a high value on cross-disciplinary and cross-institution collaborations, as well as team-level outreach activities. You must be able to communicate in English, and since the primary language of the organisation is Danish, you should be prepared to learn Danish.
Meet your new colleagues
Our department studies both the current and past climate of the Greenland ice sheet and the ocean surrounding it. Our department has an internationalized staff of c. 30 researchers, including 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. Our glaciology group monitors Greenland’s current ice loss with a network of climate stations (including the GC-Net and PROMICE networks), satellite observations, and numerical modelling. Besides doing research, we provide advice to government agencies and the private sector and provide supervision to university students. 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 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 Signe B. Andersen on +45 9133 3804 or siba@geus.dk or Professor William Colgan on +45 9133 3814 or wic@geus.dk.
If you are a foreign applicant, you can read more about living and working in Denmark on GEUS’ website.
Are you interested?
If you are interested in the position, we would like to hear from you. The application must include a CV, incl. your ORCID, a list of publications with a separate indication of articles registered in ISI Web of Science and any copies of individual publications of particular relevance to the position. Please enclose master’s and PhD diplomas in either Danish or English as well as other material documenting qualifications at postdoc level. Submitted PhD theses that have not yet been defended may be sent with the application and will be included in the assessment. If possible, please provide a pre-approval.
Please submit the application via GEUS’ website at the latest on Tuesday the 30st of September 2025 (Danish time).
Applications or other material received after the deadline will not be considered.
The employment procedure
A professional assessment committee consisting of two internal assessors at minimum senior researcher level will carry out an individual assessment of all applicants’ professional qualifications, and the applicants will be assessed as qualified or unqualified for the position. Afterwards, an internal employment committee will decide which of the professionally qualified candidates will be invited for a job interview. This procedure is in accordance with the “Order on employment and assessment of scientific staff at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland § 4 and 7”.
The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) is an independent and internationally orientated research institution within the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities, and part of Geocenter Denmark. GEUS conducts research and advises public authorities and businesses on nature, climate, the environment, energy and raw materials. GEUS is responsible for the scientific exploration of geology in Denmark and Greenland and their shelf areas. GEUS maps, monitors and collects data, disseminates knowledge about geological conditions and is a national geological data centre.