Postdoc in modelling sediment biogeochemistry - DTU Aqua

Are you ready to launch your research career where science meets real-world impact? At DTU Aqua, you will be part of a leading team investigating how mussel aquaculture and sediment biogeochemistry shape oxygen dynamics, nutrient fluxes, and benthic-pelagic coupling in coastal ecosystems. Working at the forefront of ecosystem modelling and environmental assessment, you will help develop and apply state-of-the-art tools to quantify how organic matter deposition influence sediment biogeochemistry – knowledge that is crucial for evidence-based regulation and sustainable aquaculture development in Denmark.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be to strengthen the department’s competences within sediment biogeochemistry and modelling within coastal ecosystems. You will work with nearby colleagues, and with both academic, public and industrial partners in Denmark as well as abroad. Your primary tasks will be to:

• Apply biogeochemical models to simulate effects of organic matter deposition on sediment biogeochemical cycles, nutrient and oxygen fluxes
• Perform scenario simulations addressing potential impact of natural and anthropogenic resuspension
• Integrate empirical field data into model calibration, validation and uncertainty analysis
• Investigate the role of sediment resuspension in regulating oxygen dynamics and internal nutrient release in mussel aquaculture areas and unimpacted areas in relation to sampled data from in situ measurements
• Collaborate with project partners to ensure alignment between model development and field measurements
• Perform scenario analyses to evaluate management strategies, spatial planning, and regulatory thresholds for sustainable mussel aquaculture
• Contribute to scientific publications and reporting to stakeholders, including relevant authorities and advisory boards.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) preferable within aquatic biogeochemistry, biogeochemical modelling, environmental science, engineering or similar. Specific qualifications include:

• Experience with application of process-based sediment biogeochemical models
• Strong skills in scientific programming (Python, R, Matlab, etc)
• Preferably competencies in sediment biogeochemistry in coastal waters
• Experience in data analysis and statistical tools
• Good collaboration and communication skills.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. 

• Salary and terms of employment
• The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 1 year, and the position is in Lyngby campus.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from tenure-track researcher Tobias Kuhlmann Andersen, tkan@aqua.dtu.dk, Professor Karen Timmermann, karti@aqua.dtu.dk or Head of section Jens Kjerulf Petersen, jekjp@aqua.dtu.dk

You can read more about DTU Aqua at www.aqua.dtu.dk/english.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

• Application procedure 
• Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 November 2025 (23:59 Danish time). 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

About DTU Aqua
DTU Aqua – National Institute of Aquatic Resources – works for well-functioning oceans, rivers, and lakes where biodiversity can thrive. Our research, advisory service, and education contribute to the development of a sustainable blue bioeconomy, robust aquatic ecosystems, and reduced effects of climate change. We have a large national and international network and cooperate with research partners, public authorities, industry, and NGOs. We have state-of-the-art research facilities and Denmark’s only ocean- and arctic-going research vessel. The Institute has 360 employees, one-half being scientific staff, including about 50 PhD students. More than 35 nationalities are represented at the Institute, and we support an equal gender distribution. We are located in Lyngby, Hirtshals, Nykøbing Mors, and Silkeborg and have regular activities in Greenland. Learn more on aqua.dtu.dk

About Section for Coastal Ecology 
The research covered by the Section for Coastal Ecology, DTU Aqua includes the ecology of the coastal zone from nutrient dynamics to fish as well as the coastal zone as a fishing ground and production area for low-trophic aquaculture, i.e. farming of shellfish, seaweed etc. 

The research topics include some general themes: 

• Aquaculture of low-trophic species (mussels, oysters, lobsters, seaweed etc.)
• Fisheries and effects of fishery and seaweed collection in the coastal zone
• Invasive species and their importance
• Marine habitats and their importance in the coastal zone for biodiversity and fish stocks
• Effects of anthropogenic pressure factors.

Research in the aquaculture of low-trophic species is based on hatchery facilities and grow out units for mussels, oysters, and seaweed, and covers all aspects from production of seeding material to market or restoration size products. The area also includes the use of low-trophic species as a marine mitigation measure for eutrophication.

The section is divided into two research groups: "Sustainable Resource Utilization" and "Environmental Impact and Habitats". The section is in two locations: Nykøbing Mors and Lyngby, where the section is located on campus.                                  

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.