Would you like to explore how the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) has varied in the past? Then apply to become part of a research team and a project that focus on utilizing proxies to assess links between oceanographic observations. We offer a job opportunity with research stays which will challenge your organization and communication skills as well as knowledge within paleoclimate reconstruction.

About the position

This PhD project investigates variations in ocean circulation during the current and last interglacial epochs to improve understanding of its stability under ongoing and future climate change.

• Your research will contribute to understanding one of Earth’s key climate regulators - and how its variability shapes the North Atlantic system.
• Using marine sediment cores from the Faroe Islands region, your work will reconstruct variability in deep overflow currents that form the lower limb of the AMOC.
• While working on the tasks you get to utilize sedimentological, geochemical, and biological proxies to assess links between deep overflow strength, freshwater forcing, and ocean surface conditions.
• It is a requirement and highly encouraged to work across projects and you will become part of publishing papers.

The position is part of the international AXIS project - An extended time series of deep overflow: how variable is the AMOC? - bringing together geology, oceanography, and climate science. By integrating geological archives with modern oceanographic observations, the project will extend the AMOC’s observational record and identify thresholds of change.
The project is a close collaboration between researchers at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), the Faroe Islands Geological Survey (Jarðfeingi), the Faroe Marine Research Institute (Havstovan), and the University of Tromsø. You will be based at GEUS’ Department of Glaciology and Climate in Copenhagen, with extended research stays at Jarðfeingi and the University of Tromsø.

Who are you?

The appointment will be made based on academic qualifications. You have a master’s degree within the field of Natural Sciences (e.g. Geology, Geosciences, Geography, Biology). It is an advantage (but not a requirement) if you have experience working with paleoclimate reconstruction. Proficiency in English is required, and organization and communication skills are important. Engagement in the project and interest in cross-collaborative methods and understanding is expected.

Meet your new colleagues

You will become part of Department of Glaciology and Climate. Our department studies both the current and past changes of the Greenland ice sheet and the ocean surrounding it. Besides doing research, we provide advice to government agencies and the private sector and provide supervision to university students. The department has an international staff of approximately 35 researchers, PhD students, postdoctoral fellows and support staff. We have a great focus on multi-disciplinary collaboration across the department and conduct department seminars and other activities to foster this. 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 presupposes that the student will be enrolled at the Globe PhD School at University of Copenhagen. The employment period is 3 years, the working week is 37 hours.

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 Professor Camilla S. Andresen, e-mail: csa@geus.dk telephone: +45 9133 3816 or Head of Department Signe B. Andersen, email: siba@geus.dk telephone: +45 9133 3804.

International applicants can read more about living and working in Denmark here.

Are you interested?

The application must include your CV and degree certificate or a pre-approval signed by the supervisor and examiner, showing that the thesis will be approved. The pre-approval must be confirmed by the educational institution.

Please submit the application via GEUS’ website at the latest on November 30 2025.

Applications or other material received after the deadline will not be considered.