PhD Project in Oxidation of Biogenic Emissions Department of Chemistry
Faculty of SCIENCE University of Copenhagen Department of Chemistry invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Atmospheric Chemistry. The project is a part of a research project on Oxidation of Biogenic Emissions from Boreal Forests, which is financed by a Inge Lehmann grant to Assistant. Professor Olga Garmash from The Independent Research Fund Denmark.
Start date is 1 February 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project The research project evolves around the emissions of organic compounds from Boreal Forest and their gas-phase reactions in the atmosphere at different environmental conditions. We use experimental techniques to study the oxidation processes in the field and then simulate real atmospheric processes in laboratory chambers. The successful candidate will analyze the samples collected during summer 2025 in North American Boreal forest and lead laboratory experiments applying highly sensitive mass spectrometry to detect highly oxygenated organic compounds and accretion products. This project is a part of the large collaboration with other grops from Finland, Canada, US, and Switzerland which provides excellent opportunities for an exchange stays.
Who are we looking for? We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, or Environmental Science with knowledge of atmospheric chemistry. The applicants can have background in plant emissions, organic gas-phase oxidation, atmospheric mass spectrometry or other relevant fields of atmospheric chemistry.
Our group and research- and what do we offer? The successful candidate will be a part of a group led by Assistant Professor Olga Garmash. In the group, we integrate laboratory and field measurements of atmospheric composition to understand the chemical reactions that lead to the formation of particulate matter in urban and remote environments. We are a newly established international research group currently consisting of three people. Our group has a wide international collaboration and access to state-of-the-art facilities. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions and foster an inclusive, supportive and team oriented work environment. Further information on the group is linked at
https://chem.ku.dk/research_sections/physchem/experimental-atmospheric-physical-chemistry-group/ The group is a part of Physical Chemistry Section, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located at Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen. Further information on the Department is linked at
http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/.
The principal supervisor is Professor Henrik Grum Kjærgaard.
The main project supervisor is Assistant Professor, Olga Garmash, Department of Chemistry,
olga.garmash@chem.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +4593588642
The PhD programme A
three year full-time study within the framework of
the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme),
if you already have an education
equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree. Getting into a position on the regular PhD programme Qualifications needed for the regular programme To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. physical chemistry, molecular physics. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see
General assessments for specific countries and
Assessment database.
Terms of employment in the regular programme Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.
Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Responsibilities and tasks - Carry through an independent research project under supervision
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
- Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
- Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
- Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
- Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project
We are looking for the following qualifications: - Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
- Relevant publications
- Relevant work experience
- Other relevant professional activities
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest in atmospheric science, mass spectrometry and climate
- Proficient communication and interpersonal skills, capacity for analytical thinking, ability to collaborate, creativity, initiative, independence, and an openness to other cultures
- Good English language skills
Application and Assessment Procedure Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- Your motivation for applying for the specific PhD project
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
- Original diplomas for Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
- Publication list (if possible)
- Reference letters (if available)
Application deadline: The deadline for applications is 25 November 2025.
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
The further process After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.
The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at
http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Questions For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the main project supervisor.
General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website:
https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.