SDU International PhD Positionsin Estuaries and Coastal Areas

The Department of Biology is seeking to recruit a PhD student for a comparative study of the ecosystem services performed by implementation of multiple marine measures in estuaries and coastal areas. The position is for three years. 

The following marine measures will be implemented: 1) Establishment of barrier stone reefs for improving marine biodiversity and providing physical protection of nearby restored eelgrass patches; 2) Eelgrass restoration for sequestering of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus and improving the biomass and diversity of benthic fauna; 3) Dispersion of filter feeding blue mussels to provide a better water transparency and benthic light conditions.

The research of the candidate will be related to the development/improvement of environmental conditions in estuaries and coastal areas after applying the marine measures. Focus will be on changes in ecosystem services associated with altered fauna food web structure and biodiversity following the establishment of stone reefs and eelgrass beds. 

The candidate must have an MSc degree or equivalent and should preferentially have a background in marine ecology and biogeochemistry. Monitoring is partly performed by drone images, so preferably the candidate has experience with Object based image analysis (OBIA). As the data are post-treated by GIS activities, it is recommendable that the candidate has GIS experience. The candidate should expect to spend much time performing measurements in the field, and in laboratories at the University of Southern Denmark.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.