PhD in the modern carbon cycle
A 3-year PhD position is available at Nordcee, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark. The start date is January 1st, 2026.
We are seeking a PhD candidate to explore the dynamics of organic carbon recycling in the modern carbon cycle. The weathering of sedimentary rocks is a crucial step in the carbon cycle, removing oxygen from the atmosphere and returning CO2 to the atmosphere. Yet the efficiency over which rock-bound (petrographic carbon) is oxidized or recycled is highly uncertain.
This PhD will use RAMAN spectroscopy as a tool to explore the dynamics of petrographic carbon recycling in modern sediments, rivers and in experimental systems. Flume experiments will be used to explore for petrographic carbon is sorted and cycled in experimental systems, while analyses of modern marine sediments will reveal the quantitative importance of petrographic carbon recycling. Weathering environments will also be explored to determine the rates of petrographic carbon oxidation on land.
The work will be conducted in the Villum Foundation-funded center EnBiE (Center for Environmental and Biological Evolution) with the Nordcee group.
We are looking for ambitious candidate with an MSc degree in sedimentology, geochemistry, or geobiology, although a degree in related environmental sciences will also be considered.
For further information please contact Don Canfield (dec@biology.sdu.dk) or Sami Nabhan (nabhan@biology.sdu.dk).
About the Department of Biology
The Department of Biology (approximately 200 employees) conducts a wide range of research within the broad and diverse field of biology. Our research is organized in 5 research groups; focusing on more specific, but still diverse, disciplines and biological focus areas.
About Nordcee
At Nordcee, six key research areas are explored, Microbes and Element cycles; Deep-sea research, Co-evolution of Life and Earth, Oxygen, Greenhouse gases and climate, Sustainability and biotechnology: How microorganisms interact with their environment with a particular focus on how microbes influence the biogeochemical cycling of elements, even in the deepest places on Earth, the abyssal plains and hadal trenches; How life and Earth co-evolved over billions of years and how microbial life gave rise to oxygen creating beneficial conditions for the emergence of complex lifeforms; How microbes in the Anthropocene act as sinks or sources of various greenhouse gases. Finally, how to harness microbial microorganisms for sustainable technologies of the future with geo- and bio-engineering strategies.
About SDU
The University of Southern Denmark is Denmark’s third largest university with campuses across the country. As part of the Faculty of Science, the Department of Biology is located in Odense, the University’s largest campus. Odense is the country’s third largest city and is centrally located with easy commutes to Copenhagen and Aarhus (approximately 1½ hour).
Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period.(the 5+3 programme).
Further information about the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science can be found at the homepage of the University.
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:
Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:
- A letter stating your specific interest, motivation, and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) .
- Detailed CV, including personal contact information and date entries
- Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades.
- The names and complete contact details (phone numbers and e-mail) of at least two referees details for at least 2 referees who can vouch for your skills.
Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.
Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.
Applications should be sent electronically via the link "Apply now". The faculty expects applicants to read the information "How to apply for a position at SDU" before applying. Please note that the application documents should be in pdf-format and attached as three documents: motivation letter, CV and the remaining documents.
We recommend that as an international applicant you take the time to visit Work in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU.
Living and working in Denmark
Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment. International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. Among other things, the staff answers questions concerning salary, taxation, housing and accompanying family. Additional information about working in Denmark can be found at Work in Denmark.
