Postdoctoral Researcher in Subglacial Processes and Greenland Ice Sheet Dynamics
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Postdoctoral Researcher in Subglacial Processes and Greenland Ice Sheet Dynamics
What happens at the interface between ice and bedrock? Department of Glaciology and Climate seeks a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher to start in August 2026. The position is for a four-year period and is funded by a Carlsberg Foundation Accomplish Grant to Prof. Nanna B. Karlsson.
About the position
This position is part of the research programme REGLA, investigating the physical properties and dynamics of the subglacial environment beneath the Greenland ice sheet, with a focus on sediments and meltwater and their role in ice flow. The position is broad in scope and seeks to generate insights into subglacial processes using sediment archives, glacier-front sampling, geophysical surveying, and physical process studies. In addition, the position includes 20% project management to support project activities.
Key responsibilities include:
At GEUS, we are at the forefront of research on the Greenland ice sheet and its interactions with the surrounding environment. As part of the REGLA project, you will contribute to an exciting, interdisciplinary research programme combining field campaigns, laboratory analyses, and novel geophysical techniques.
Who are you?
You have a background in physics, engineering, geoscience or other related natural sciences. You hold a PhD in glaciology, geophysics, physical geography, oceanography, or a related field, with a strong background in one or more of the following areas: ice dynamics, numerical modelling, subglacial processes, geophysical data analysis, the use of remote sensing in geoscience. Experience with fieldwork in polar or remote environments is preferable but not a requirement.
Specifically, we expect our new research colleague to have strong skills in quantitative data analysis. The candidate should also be experienced in or willing to develop experience in subglacial and sediment processes, including an interest in sedimentary archives, to facilitate and use in-situ and remote sensing observations of polar environments, and to acquire skills within VibroSeismic data acquisition, analysis and interpretation. The position includes two field seasons in Greenland but we welcome candidates who might not be willing or able to conduct fieldwork to apply anyway.
As our new colleague, you are collaborative, curious, and comfortable working in interdisciplinary teams across institutions. 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
You will become part of Glaciology and Climate, where we conduct research into past and present changes of the inland ice and the ocean. In addition to research, we also carry out consultancy projects for government agencies and private companies. The department is highly international consisting of approximately 35 scientists, postdoctoral researchers, Ph.D. students and technical staff. We focus on interdisciplinary collaborations across the department. We also prioritise social events and an informal and welcoming 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 Bech Andersen on +45 91333804 or siba@geus.dk or Professor Nanna B. Karlsson on nbk@geus.dk.
If you are an international 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.
Also enclose a master's and Ph.D. certificate in either Danish or English. If you do not yet have a Ph.D. certificate, you must have submitted your Ph.D. before the application deadline and attach the Ph.D. dissertation along with a receipt for submission.
Please submit the application via GEUS’ website at the latest on Wednesday the 15th April 2026 (midnight CET).
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”.
About the position
This position is part of the research programme REGLA, investigating the physical properties and dynamics of the subglacial environment beneath the Greenland ice sheet, with a focus on sediments and meltwater and their role in ice flow. The position is broad in scope and seeks to generate insights into subglacial processes using sediment archives, glacier-front sampling, geophysical surveying, and physical process studies. In addition, the position includes 20% project management to support project activities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Investigation into the GEUS sediment archive to extract information on the properties of subglacial sediments deposited by past ice streams.
- Analysis of water and sediment samples from glacier fronts in Greenland.
- Analysis and interpretation of vibroseismic data from the interior of Greenland with a focus on water and sediment thicknesses.
- Construction of conceptual and numerical models describing sediment material properties, sediment and water transport, leveraging in-situ and indirect measurements such as geophysical and/or remote sensing observations.Conducting fieldwork in Greenland, including UAV-based sampling campaigns and vibroseismic measurements on the ice sheet.
- Project management, including coordination of fieldwork in coastal and interior Greenland in collaboration with the project PI and external partners, and liaison with external partners.
- Reporting of project results in peer-reviewed publications.
At GEUS, we are at the forefront of research on the Greenland ice sheet and its interactions with the surrounding environment. As part of the REGLA project, you will contribute to an exciting, interdisciplinary research programme combining field campaigns, laboratory analyses, and novel geophysical techniques.
Who are you?
You have a background in physics, engineering, geoscience or other related natural sciences. You hold a PhD in glaciology, geophysics, physical geography, oceanography, or a related field, with a strong background in one or more of the following areas: ice dynamics, numerical modelling, subglacial processes, geophysical data analysis, the use of remote sensing in geoscience. Experience with fieldwork in polar or remote environments is preferable but not a requirement.
Specifically, we expect our new research colleague to have strong skills in quantitative data analysis. The candidate should also be experienced in or willing to develop experience in subglacial and sediment processes, including an interest in sedimentary archives, to facilitate and use in-situ and remote sensing observations of polar environments, and to acquire skills within VibroSeismic data acquisition, analysis and interpretation. The position includes two field seasons in Greenland but we welcome candidates who might not be willing or able to conduct fieldwork to apply anyway.
As our new colleague, you are collaborative, curious, and comfortable working in interdisciplinary teams across institutions. 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
You will become part of Glaciology and Climate, where we conduct research into past and present changes of the inland ice and the ocean. In addition to research, we also carry out consultancy projects for government agencies and private companies. The department is highly international consisting of approximately 35 scientists, postdoctoral researchers, Ph.D. students and technical staff. We focus on interdisciplinary collaborations across the department. We also prioritise social events and an informal and welcoming 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 Bech Andersen on +45 91333804 or siba@geus.dk or Professor Nanna B. Karlsson on nbk@geus.dk.
If you are an international 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.
Also enclose a master's and Ph.D. certificate in either Danish or English. If you do not yet have a Ph.D. certificate, you must have submitted your Ph.D. before the application deadline and attach the Ph.D. dissertation along with a receipt for submission.
Please submit the application via GEUS’ website at the latest on Wednesday the 15th April 2026 (midnight CET).
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”.