Postdoctoral researcher in paleoclimatology and computer tomography

We are forming a team to develop paleoclimate records of Greenland Ice Sheet variability and ice-ocean interactions. The postdoctoral researcher will be part of an international collaboration project Past2Future, funded by Horizon Europe. The overarching goal is to refine climate models for future scenarios on time scales relevant for society, ecosystems, and the planet as a whole.

A key task will be to develop proxy data from deep drilling sediment cores obtained during the International Ocean Discovery Program’s Expedition 400 on the north-west Greenland continental margin. The position will strengthen GEUS’ role in an international cross-disciplinary effort to document Arctic climate history of the last 5 million years and test hypotheses on ice sheet behaviour during past warm climates.

The position is fixed for 28 months starting as soon as possible.

About the position

As part of Past2Future, the postdoctoral researcher will be developing and compiling data that can assess Greenland Ice sheet variability during major climate transitions of the Pliocene and Pleistocene. A key task will be to generate sedimentological proxy data from core material for interpreting paleo-ice sheet dynamics, e.g. ice-rafted debris fluxes, grain morphometry, weathering fabric and other texture related properties.

A key data source comes from Micro-CT image analyses which will be performed in collaboration with scientists at the digital imaging lab at DTU Physics. Complementary data will be gathered by conventional grain size analyses and SEM imaging. The postdoc will be supervised by Paul Knutz (sedimentology, glacial history) and Kasia Sliwinska (paleo-data compilation). Supervision on Micro-CT data analyses will be facilitated by external project partners Carsten Gundlach and Henning Friis Poulsen at 3DIM, DTU Physics.

Responsibilities and tasks include independently and proactively carrying out research projects, contributing to experimental design and planning, and participating actively in meetings and conferences. The role also involves performing data analyses using numerical and statistical approaches, writing scientific articles aimed at highly ranked international journals, and closely collaborating with national and international projects. Additionally, there is a strong focus on driving outreach activities, such as engaging with schools, education centers or news channels.

Who are you?

We are looking for a candidate with a curious mindset and strong skills in quantitative Earth Science as demonstrated in PhD project and/or previous postdoctoral research work.

The position requires established skills in quantitative image analyses applied to sedimentary or geological materials demonstrated by the candidates own published work. Laboratory based experience in gathering, processing and analyses of high-resolution image data (CT, SEM) is essential, including the application of dedicated software and machine learning tools.

Complementary experience with Cenozoic paleoclimate proxy data is beneficial to the application.

You must be able to communicate in English, and since the primary language of the organization is Danish, you should be prepared to learn Danish.

Meet your new colleagues

You will become part of the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), a dynamic and internationally renowned research institution under the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Utilities. GEUS brings together geologists, geophysicists, hydrologists, and environmental researchers, working across a wide range of topics related to climate, energy, and natural hazards.

You will be based in Copenhagen at the Department of Geo-energy and Storage, which focuses on energy and underground storage, organic carbon, mineralogy, and biostratigraphy. The department also serves as an advisor to authorities and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities.

This position is a key part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary paleoclimate research group, collaborating closely with other GEUS departments, such as Near Surface Land and Marine Geology, Mapping and Mineral Resources, and Glaciology and Climate, as well as external institutions. The group specializes in studying past climate and cryosphere evolution to better understand future climate changes, using advanced facilities at GEUS for geochemistry and sedimentary DNA analysis. The paleoclimate group contributes to global climate strategies by generating insights into both past and present climate systems.

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 Charlotta Lüthje on +45 91333974 or [email protected] or Paul Knutz on +45 42231102 or [email protected].

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. 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 21st of April 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”.