Postdoc in Ice sheet dynamics and Earth Observation - DTU Space

We invite applications for a 3 year postdoctoral position to study ice sheet dynamics using remote sensing data. The postdoctoral position is a part of The Center for Ice-Sheet and Sea-Level Predictions (CISP) lead by DTU and include the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, the University of Copenhagen, and Dartmouth College in the United States. CISP combines data collection, satellite monitoring, fieldwork in Greenland, and advanced modeling techniques. The postdoctoral project will focus on Greenland and Antarctica, analyzing surface elevation change, ice loss, glacier speedup, and ice-ocean interaction. Candidates will work with satellite altimetry, velocity datasets, and climate data to quantify ice sheet mass balance and dynamics. Applicants should hold a PhD in glaciology, Geodesy, Earth sciences, remote sensing, or a related field. Strong skills in data analysis, programming, and handling large geospatial datasets are essential. Experience with satellite altimetry and ice velocity products is highly desirable. The successful candidate will collaborate with an international research team and contribute to high-impact publications. The position is full-time, with competitive salary and resources for conference participation.

• Responsibilities and qualifications
• Your primary tasks will be to perform original research that aims at improving our understanding of glacier dynamics and present-day ice variability. Your tasks are flexible, but could include:
• Analyze time series of surface elevations.
• Analyze time series of ice speed.
• Analyze time series of climate data (e.g. air/ocean temp data).
• Use SAR/InSAR, Optical and or laser/radar altimetry to study subglacial hydrology.
• Creation of altimetry and/or Digital Elevation Models
• Publish the new findings in the international peer-reviewed literature
• Present your research at international conferences and participate in relevant project meetings
• Potentially participate in Arctic field campaigns
• Be working with large data sets and developing algorithms.

You should be highly motivated, self-driven, and possess strong work ethics, team spirit, and excellent collaboration skills. You will be responsible for the collection, processing, modeling, and interpretation of geophysical and satellite data. You will be expected to communicate effectively with colleagues and work collaboratively to achieve ambitious goals. Additionally, you will contribute to research-based teaching and the supervision of student projects.

• Skills in mathematical modelling and machine learning of relevant physical glacier processes (ice sheet and mountain glaciers), with proficiency in MATLAB/Python/Fortran, and related software tools 
• Experience with satellite remote sensing, including both optical and radar techniques
• You must have expertise in data processing and inverse modeling techniques
• You must have demonstrated the ability to publish at the highest level in the international peer-reviewed research literature

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

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 3 years.
• You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
• Further information  Further information may be obtained from Professor Shfaqat Abbas Khan (abbas@space.dtu.dk)
• You can read more about “geodesy and earth observations” at https://www.space.dtu.dk/english/research-divisions/geodesy-and-earth-observation 

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 24 October 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.

The Geodesy and Earth Observation division at DTU Space invites applications from skilled and experienced researchers to work on Greenland Ice Sheet changes. The role focuses on developing advanced methods to enhance the understanding of the Greenland Ice Sheet, peripheral glaciers, and their contribution to sea level rise using finite element models such as the Ice-sheet and Sea-level System Model (ISSM), field observations, and various remote sensing products.

The division of Geodesy and Earth Observation at DTU Space is renowned for its outstanding work on the Physical modeling of the solid Earth, ice sheets, sea level and GNET data to understand the development ice-solid earth interaction with the aim to develop dynamic reference frames and integrated models which pushes the boundaries of both fundamental research and practical applications.

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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.