Postdoctoral researchers in paleo-environmental geochronometry and mineralogy

We are establishing a postdoctoral team to develop paleoclimate records of Greenland Ice Sheet variability and ice-ocean interactions. The researcher will be part of the project ChronIce - Chronicling Greenland Ice Sheet evolution through past warm climates.

The primary task involves applying quantitative methods to extract paleo-environmental proxy data from sedimentary archives obtained during the International Ocean Discovery Program’s Expedition 400 on the NW Greenland glaciated margin. The position will strengthen GEUS’ role in an international cross-disciplinary effort to document Arctic climate history during the last 5 million years and to test hypotheses on ice sheet behavior over past warm climate periods.

The postdoc is expected to collaborate extensively on the datasets, sharing results and writing publications.

Duration of the position is 28 months, starting from May 2025 or soon thereafter.

About the position As part of ChronIce, funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark, the researcher’s primary role is to construct paleo-records of glacial erosion and climate history based on mineralogy and isotope geochronometry of glacial-marine sediments. Detrital sedimentary components extracted from the unique Expedition 400 archive will be used to investigate temporal changes in glacial outlet sources (provenance) and styles of weathering and erosion in northwest Greenland. Building on their existing expertise, the postdoc will accumulate knowledge in SEM-based Automated Quantitative Mineralogy (AQM) isotope geochemistry and geochronology, primarily U-Pb-Th dating, using laser ablation ICP-MS. Another key objective is to develop tracers using other isotope systems at GEUS’ newly established multi-collector ICP-MS facility. The postdoc will be supervised by Paul Knutz (sedimentology, paleoclimatology), Nynke Keulen (SEM-AQM) and Tonny Thomsen (La-ICPMS).

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 mindsets and strong skills in quantitative Earth Science analyses as demonstrated in PhD project and/or previous postdoctoral research work.

The position requires documented laboratory experience in a relevant setting. An operative knowledge of SEM-AQM and ICPMS instruments, in particularly MC-ICPMS, is considered a large advantage. Experience from other applications in mineralogy, isotope geochemistry or thermochronology, as well as and sample preparation for such methods, is also relevant.

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 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.

Your position will be based at the Copenhagen office, conveniently located near laboratory facilities. You will be part of the Department of Near Surface Land and Marine Geology, collaborating closely with scientists from across GEUS in other departments.

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 Torben Bach on +45 60261883 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/researcher 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 17 March 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”.