PhD Fellowship in Greenhouse Gases, Forest Soils and Biogeochemistry at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark
The University of Copenhagen is inviting applications for a PhD fellowship in greenhouse gases, forest soils and biogeochemistry in Denmark. The three-year doctoral research project will investigate soil N₂O fluxes and biogeochemical processes in temperate forest ecosystems, with additional research on methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
The PhD project is hosted by the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN) within the Forest & Landscape Ecology section and is part of the research project “Predicting the climate change mitigation potential of new forest landscapes in Denmark.”
The project is financed by the Independent Research Fund Denmark and focuses on an important environmental challenge: understanding how afforestation affects carbon and nitrogen cycling, greenhouse gas emissions, and the climate benefits of new forests. Application deadline: August 16, 2026, at 23:59 GMT+2 Expected start date: December 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter
PhD Fellowship in Denmark: Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Copenhagen |
| Department | Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN) |
| Research Area | Forest soils, greenhouse gases, biogeochemistry |
| Position | PhD Fellow |
| Location | Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Duration | Up to 3 years |
| Study Model | Regular PhD programme, 5+3 scheme |
| Degree Requirement | Relevant Danish-equivalent Master’s degree |
| Main Focus | Soil N₂O, CH₄ and CO₂ fluxes |
| Funding | Funded PhD employment |
| Expected Start | December 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | August 16, 2026 |
| Deadline Time | 23:59 GMT+2 |
| Working Language | English |
About the PhD Research Project
Forests play an important role in Denmark’s climate strategy. They can capture atmospheric carbon dioxide, protect water resources, support biodiversity, and contribute to long-term climate mitigation. Denmark has set a target of achieving climate neutrality by 2045, with large-scale afforestation forming an important part of its climate and environmental strategy. Approximately 250,000 hectares of new forests are expected to be planted over the next two decades.
This major transformation of the Danish landscape creates an important scientific question: How will converting agricultural land into forests change the cycling and loss of carbon and nitrogen?
While forests can increase carbon sequestration, changes in nitrogen cycling may create additional environmental effects. Nitrogen can be lost through leaching or emitted as nitrous oxide (N₂O), a powerful greenhouse gas. The PhD project will investigate these processes and help determine how factors such as tree species, soil characteristics, previous land use, and forest management influence greenhouse gas emissions from forest soils.
What Will the PhD Research Investigate?
The central objective is to determine how different forest conditions affect greenhouse gas fluxes from soil. The research will primarily focus on N₂O emissions, while also considering:
- Methane (CH₄)
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
- Soil nitrogen cycling
- Carbon cycling
- Tree species effects
- Soil type effects
- Forest management
- Agricultural land-use legacies
- Greenhouse gas production and consumption processes
The project combines field research, laboratory experiments, existing datasets, stable isotope techniques, and statistical modelling. This makes the position particularly relevant for candidates interested in environmental science, soil science, forest ecology, biogeochemistry, climate change, and greenhouse gas research.
Key Responsibilities of the PhD Fellow
The successful candidate will contribute to several interconnected research activities. Responsibilities include:
1. Analyse Existing Research Data
The PhD fellow will analyse unpublished datasets relating to N₂O and other greenhouse gas fluxes from Danish forests.
2. Conduct Fieldwork
The researcher will plan and carry out field campaigns at selected forest sites in Denmark. These sites will represent different:
- Tree species
- Soil types
- Land-use histories
- Forest conditions
Both coniferous and broadleaf forests will be considered.
3. Conduct Laboratory Experiments
The project includes laboratory mesocosm experiments designed to investigate soil greenhouse gas dynamics under controlled conditions.
4. Measure Greenhouse Gas Fluxes
The researcher will use advanced field and laboratory techniques to measure greenhouse gas emissions and uptake.
Stable isotope approaches will also form part of the research methodology.
5. Complete PhD Coursework
The PhD programme requires completion of 30 ECTS of PhD courses.
6. Publish Scientific Research
The candidate will be expected to write scientific articles and ultimately prepare a PhD thesis based on the research.
7. Present Research
The researcher will communicate findings within the institute and at relevant national and international conferences.
8. Research Visit to Aarhus University
The project includes a research visit to Land-CRAFT at Aarhus University, where laboratory experiments and academic collaboration will take place.
9. Teaching and Student Supervision
The PhD fellow will also undertake departmental duties, including teaching and supervision of students.
Who Can Apply?
The University of Copenhagen is seeking candidates with an academic background in areas such as:
- Soil science
- Biogeochemistry
- Environmental science
- Forest ecology
- Related environmental or natural science disciplines
Applicants should have relevant research experience and an interest in greenhouse gas processes and ecosystem science.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Applicants are expected to have experience with data analysis and should be comfortable using R or a similar programming language.
Important qualifications include:
- Relevant Master’s degree or equivalent
- Background in soil science, biogeochemistry, environmental science, or a related field
- Experience with data analysis
- Experience using R or comparable programming software
- Fieldwork experience
- Strong scientific writing ability
- Strong spoken and written English
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Previous experience with advanced equipment used for greenhouse gas measurements is considered an advantage. Candidates with experience in soil greenhouse gas research, environmental monitoring, ecosystem processes, stable isotope techniques, or statistical analysis may be particularly well suited to the position.
PhD Programme and Degree Requirements
The successful candidate will be enrolled in the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. The position is offered under the regular 5+3 PhD scheme. Applicants for the regular programme must have completed an education equivalent to a Danish Master’s degree.
The expected educational structure is:
- 180 ECTS / 3 FTE Bachelor’s degree
- 120 ECTS / 2 FTE Master’s degree
The degree must be relevant to the subject area of the PhD project. Applicants whose qualifications were obtained outside Denmark should check the university’s information regarding assessment of international qualifications and country-specific educational credentials.
PhD Employment and Salary Conditions
The position is a full-time PhD fellowship for a maximum of three years. Employment is conditional upon successful enrolment as a PhD student at the Faculty of SCIENCE at the University of Copenhagen. The candidate must submit a project-specific PhD application as part of the enrolment process.
Terms of employment and remuneration follow the applicable agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations concerning academics employed by the Danish state. The position is covered by the relevant academic job structure agreement.
Research Environment at the University of Copenhagen
The successful PhD researcher will primarily work at the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management in Copenhagen and join the Biogeochemistry research group. The group works on soil and ecosystem biogeochemistry across forests and other natural ecosystems, including grasslands and wetlands. Research activities cover the measurement and analysis of pools and fluxes involving:
- Water
- Carbon
- Nitrogen
- Other nutrients
- Greenhouse gases
The research environment includes advanced laboratory facilities for chemical analysis of soil, water, and biomass, together with modern greenhouse gas analysers and chamber systems. This provides the PhD fellow with access to a strong combination of field-based and laboratory-based research infrastructure.
PhD Supervisors
Dr. Jesper Riis Christiansen from IGN will serve as the main supervisor. His research focuses on N₂O and CH₄ fluxes in forest and wetland soils, including the effects of nature restoration, afforestation, and rewetting on soil processes responsible for greenhouse gas production. Academic co-supervision will be provided by:
- Prof. Per Gundersen, University of Copenhagen
- Prof. Klaus Butterbach-Bahl, Aarhus University / Land-CRAFT
The successful candidate is expected to spend part of the research period at Aarhus University for laboratory experiments. This PhD fellowship offers an opportunity to work on a highly relevant climate and environmental research problem. The project connects forest expansion, soil science, greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen cycling, climate mitigation, and land-use change.
For researchers interested in climate science and ecosystem biogeochemistry, the position also provides exposure to several valuable research methods, including field measurements, laboratory experiments, advanced gas detection, stable isotope techniques, statistical analysis, and scientific modelling. The international research environment at the University of Copenhagen and collaboration with Aarhus University further strengthen the academic scope of the position.
After the application deadline, a number of candidates will be selected for academic assessment by an independent expert assessor. Applicants will be notified about whether their application has progressed to the assessment stage. The assessor will evaluate shortlisted candidates according to factors including:
- Academic qualifications
- Relevant research experience
- Knowledge of the research area
- Technical skills
- Research methods
- Other requirements listed in the position announcement
Applicants who undergo academic assessment will have an opportunity to comment on the assessment. Interviews with selected candidates are expected to take place during week 38 of 2026.
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted electronically in English through APPLY NOW application system.
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
1. Motivated Application Letter
A motivated letter explaining your interest in the PhD position.
Maximum length: one page.
2. Research Ideas and Methods
A brief description of potential research ideas and relevant research methods related specifically to the project.
Maximum length: one page, excluding cited literature.
3. Curriculum Vitae
The CV should include relevant information about:
- Education
- Research experience
- Fieldwork experience
- Technical skills
- Programming or data-analysis skills
- Language skills
- Other relevant qualifications
4. Academic Diplomas and Transcripts
Applicants should provide original Bachelor’s or Master’s diplomas and transcripts. Documents issued in a language other than English or Danish should include an authorised English translation. If the degree has not yet been completed, a certified or signed recent transcript of records or written confirmation from the institution or supervisor may be accepted.
5. Publication List
A publication list should be included where applicable.
6. Reference Letters
Reference letters may be submitted if available.
Application Deadline
The deadline for this PhD fellowship is: August 16, 2026, at 23:59 GMT+2 Applications or materials received after the deadline may not be considered. Applicants should also ensure that the application meets all stated document and formatting requirements before submission.
Expected Start Date
The expected employment start date is: December 1, 2026 The university states that the position may begin as soon as possible thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a fully funded PhD in Denmark?
The position is a paid, full-time PhD fellowship for up to three years. Employment and remuneration are governed by the applicable Danish public-sector academic employment agreement.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is August 16, 2026, at 23:59 GMT+2.
When does the PhD position start?
The expected start date is December 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
How long is the PhD fellowship?
The PhD employment is for a maximum of three years under the regular 5+3 PhD programme.
What academic background is required?
Candidates should have a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in fields such as soil science, biogeochemistry, environmental science, or another closely related discipline.
Do I need experience with R?
Yes. Experience with data analysis and R or a similar programming language is expected.
Is fieldwork experience required?
Yes. The position specifically states that fieldwork experience is required.
Is greenhouse gas measurement experience necessary?
Previous experience handling advanced greenhouse gas research equipment is an advantage, although it is not stated as an absolute requirement.
Do international students qualify?
Applicants with qualifications equivalent to a relevant Danish Master’s degree can apply. International applicants should verify that their educational qualifications satisfy the University of Copenhagen’s requirements for the PhD programme.
How many ECTS are required during the PhD?
The PhD project includes 30 ECTS of PhD courses.
Will the PhD involve work outside Copenhagen?
Yes. The project includes fieldwork at forest sites in Denmark and a research visit to Land-CRAFT at Aarhus University for laboratory experiments.
What greenhouse gases will be studied?
The primary focus is nitrous oxide (N₂O), with additional research involving methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants should submit a one-page motivation letter, a one-page research ideas and methods statement, CV, diplomas and transcripts, publication list if available, and reference letters if available.
Where can I find general information about PhD study at the University of Copenhagen?
General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available through the university’s PhD School.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application electronically through APPLY NOW system.
Application deadline: August 16, 2026, at 23:59 GMT+2
For specific questions about the research project, applicants can contact:
Dr. Jesper Riis Christiansen
Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management
University of Copenhagen
Email: jrc@ign.ku.dk
For general information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE, applicants should consult the official PhD School information.
The University of Copenhagen states that it welcomes applicants regardless of personal background and aims to maintain an inclusive and international research environment.
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