Fully Funded PhD Fellowship in Greenhouse Gases, Forest Soils and Biogeochemistry at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Researchers interested in climate change, forest ecosystems, soil science, and biogeochemistry have an excellent opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD at one of Europe’s leading research universities. The Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN) at the University of Copenhagen is inviting applications for a PhD Fellowship in Greenhouse Gases, Forest Soils and Biogeochemistry.
The project is funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark and forms part of a major national initiative focused on understanding the climate change mitigation potential of Denmark’s future forest landscapes. The successful candidate is expected to begin on 1 December 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
PhD Fellowship Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | PhD Fellowship in Greenhouse Gases, Forest Soils and Biogeochemistry |
| University | University of Copenhagen |
| Department | Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN) |
| Country | Denmark |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded PhD |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Start Date | 1 December 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 16 August 2026 |
| Research Area | Soil Science, Forest Ecology, Biogeochemistry, Climate Change |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
Research Project Background
Denmark has set an ambitious target of achieving climate neutrality by 2045. One of the country’s key strategies is large-scale afforestation, with plans to establish approximately 250,000 hectares of new forests over the next two decades.
Forests play a critical role in:
- Carbon sequestration
- Climate regulation
- Biodiversity conservation
- Water resource protection
- Sustainable land management
However, converting agricultural land into forest landscapes creates complex interactions between carbon and nitrogen cycles. While new forests may increase carbon storage, they can also contribute to nitrogen losses through greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient leaching.
Understanding these processes is essential for accurately assessing the climate benefits of afforestation projects.
Main Research Focus
The PhD project will investigate how different factors influence greenhouse gas emissions from forest soils, including:
- Tree species composition
- Soil characteristics
- Historical land-use practices
- Forest management strategies
The research will primarily focus on:
- Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)
- Methane (CH₄)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
A major objective is to improve understanding of nitrogen cycling and greenhouse gas dynamics in newly established forest ecosystems.
Research Activities and Methodology
The selected PhD candidate will work on a combination of field studies, laboratory experiments, and advanced data analysis.
Research activities include:
Analysis of Existing Datasets
The project involves extensive analysis of unpublished greenhouse gas datasets collected from Danish forests.
Fieldwork Across Denmark
The candidate will conduct field research in forest sites representing:
- Coniferous forests
- Broadleaf forests
- Former agricultural land
- Established forest ecosystems
Laboratory Mesocosm Experiments
Controlled laboratory experiments will be used to study greenhouse gas production and soil nitrogen processes under varying environmental conditions.
Advanced Measurement Techniques
Researchers will gain experience with state-of-the-art technologies, including:
- Greenhouse gas chamber systems
- Stable isotope analysis
- Soil biogeochemical measurements
- Environmental monitoring equipment
Statistical and Computational Analysis
The project requires quantitative analysis using advanced statistical tools and programming languages such as R.
Key Responsibilities
The PhD Fellow will be expected to:
- Analyze greenhouse gas datasets from Danish forest ecosystems
- Design and implement field campaigns
- Conduct laboratory-based greenhouse gas studies
- Complete 30 ECTS of PhD coursework
- Publish scientific research articles
- Prepare and defend a PhD dissertation
- Present findings at scientific conferences
- Participate in research dissemination activities
- Undertake a research stay at Land-CRAFT, Aarhus University
- Contribute to teaching and student supervision activities
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should possess an academic background in one of the following disciplines:
- Soil Science
- Biogeochemistry
- Environmental Science
- Forest Ecology
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Related Natural Science Fields
Candidates should also demonstrate:
Essential Qualifications
- Master’s degree equivalent to a Danish MSc degree
- Experience with environmental data analysis
- Proficiency in R or similar programming languages
- Experience conducting field research
- Strong written and spoken English skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with greenhouse gas measurements
- Knowledge of nitrogen cycling and soil processes
- Familiarity with stable isotope techniques
- Experience handling advanced environmental monitoring equipment
Research Environment and Facilities
The successful applicant will join the Biogeochemistry Research Group at the University of Copenhagen.
The group investigates ecosystem processes across:
- Forests
- Wetlands
- Grasslands
- Natural ecosystems
Researchers have access to:
- Modern analytical laboratories
- Greenhouse gas monitoring systems
- Advanced soil and water chemistry facilities
- State-of-the-art field instrumentation
The research environment is highly international and collaborative, providing opportunities to work with leading experts in ecosystem biogeochemistry and climate science.
Supervision Team
Main Supervisor
Dr. Jesper Riis Christiansen (IGN, jrc@ign.ku.dk)
Research interests include:
- Soil N₂O emissions
- Methane dynamics
- Forest ecosystems
- Wetland restoration
- Afforestation and rewetting impacts
Co-Supervisors
Professor Per Gundersen
University of Copenhagen
Professor Klaus Butterbach-Bahl
Aarhus University – Land-CRAFT
Part of the PhD research will be conducted at Aarhus University, providing additional opportunities for collaboration and specialized laboratory work.
Funding and Employment Conditions
This position is a fully funded PhD fellowship under the regular Danish PhD scheme (5+3 model).
Benefits include:
- Full-time employment for three years
- Competitive Danish PhD salary
- Access to world-class research infrastructure
- International research collaborations
- Conference participation opportunities
- Research mobility and training support
Employment is subject to successful enrollment in the SCIENCE PhD School at the University of Copenhagen.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit all materials in English.
Required documents include:
- Motivation letter (maximum one page)
- Research proposal outlining ideas and methods (maximum one page)
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- English translations of documents where applicable
- Publication list (if available)
- Reference letters (if available)
- Incomplete applications may not be considered.
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Application Deadline
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Application Deadline | 16 August 2026 |
| Expected Interviews | Week 38, 2026 |
| Employment Start Date | 1 December 2026 |
Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials well before the deadline.
Why Study at the University of Copenhagen?
The University of Copenhagen consistently ranks among Europe’s leading research institutions and is a member of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU).
Benefits of studying at the university include:
- Globally recognized academic reputation
- Strong international research networks
- Excellent working conditions
- Modern research infrastructure
- Collaborative and interdisciplinary environment
- Access to leading environmental science experts
For aspiring researchers interested in climate change, ecosystem science, and environmental sustainability, this fellowship provides an outstanding opportunity to build a high-impact academic career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this PhD fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship includes full-time employment and salary under Danish PhD employment regulations for the entire three-year duration.
Where is the PhD position located?
The primary workplace is the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN) at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for submitting applications is 16 August 2026 at 23:59 GMT+2.
What research topics will the PhD focus on?
The project focuses on greenhouse gas emissions from forest soils, particularly nitrous oxide (N₂O), methane (CH₄), and carbon dioxide (CO₂), within the context of afforestation and climate change mitigation.
Is fieldwork required?
Yes. The project includes extensive fieldwork at forest sites throughout Denmark.
What programming skills are required?
Applicants should have experience using R or a similar statistical programming language for data analysis.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The University of Copenhagen welcomes applications from qualified candidates worldwide.
What degree is required?
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree equivalent to a Danish MSc in a relevant discipline such as environmental science, soil science, biogeochemistry, forestry, or related fields.
Will there be opportunities for international collaboration?
Yes. The project includes collaboration with Aarhus University and participation in conferences and international research activities.
When does the PhD start?
The expected start date is 1 December 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
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