PhD scholarship in Physics-Informed Machine Learning for Greenland’s Firn Tipping Point - DTU Space

DTU Space; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 330,000 - 370,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Space at Lyngby Campus invites applications for a three-year PhD scholarship in Physics-Informed Machine Learning focused on Greenland’s firn tipping point. The project merges physics, ML, and satellite data to address climate questions within Europe’s Destination Earth framework.

You will work in a diverse, international team, learn scientific computing, and contribute to cutting-edge research. No prior glaciology experience is required; we provide training and supervision throughout the

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physics or mathematics.
• Experience writing scientific code, from thesis or projects.
• Knowledge of differential equations, numerical methods, statistics or ML.
• Good written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Develop a physics-informed ML framework predicting when Greenland’s firn stops storing meltwater.
• Combine satellite-derived firn density with firn models (data assimilation).
• Develop machine-learning models that obey physical conservation laws.
• Detect early-warning signals of tipping points in future climate scenarios.
• Spend 3-6 months aboard visiting international partners, planned with you.
• Take part in teaching and knowledge-sharing as part of the DTU PhD program.

Skills

Scientific programming

English proficiency

Mathematical foundation

Differential equations

Numerical methods

Statistics

Machine learning

Education

Master’s degree in physics or mathematics

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent

Job description

PhD scholarship in Physics-Informed Machine Learning for Greenland’s Firn Tipping Point - DTU Space

Are you interested in turning natural phenomena into equations and code, and then applying them to big open questions in climate science? If so, we are looking for a PhD student with a background in physics and/or mathematics to help predict when Greenland’s porous near-surface firn layer, which currently stores much of the ice sheet’s meltwater, loses that capacity, and what that means for sea-level rise.

You will build models that combine physics, machine learning, and satellite data, and apply them to climate scenarios from the EU’s Destination Earth initiative. You will join a diverse and collaborative group at DTU Space and develop skills in scientific computing and machine learning that are valued in both research and industry. No prior experience in glaciology or climate science is needed; we will help you learn the field.

Responsibilities and qualifications

In the FirnTip project, you will develop a framework that predicts when and where Greenland’s firn stops being able to store meltwater, a possible climate tipping point. You will work closely with your supervisors at DTU Space as well as international partners.

Your main tasks will be to:

• Identify which climate factors control when firn stops absorbing meltwater
• Combine satellite-derived firn density with firn models (data assimilation)
• Develop machine-learning models (e.g., graph neural networks) that obey physical conservation laws.
• Detect early-warning signals of tipping points in future climate scenarios
• Spend 3-6 months aboard visiting international partners, planned in collaboration with you
• Take part in teaching and knowledge-sharing as part of the DTU PhD program

To do well in the role, we think you need:

• A master’s degree in physics, mathematics or a field with a comparable mathematical foundation
• Experience writing scientific code, e.g., from your thesis or projects
• Good knowledge of at least one of: differential equations, numerical methods, statistics, or machine learning
• Good written and spoken English

Experience with glaciology, remote sensing, or machine learning is not required.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be conducted by Senior Researcher Sebastian B. Simonsen (DTU), Researcher Kirk M. Scanlan (DTU), and Senior Researcher Anja Rutishauser (GEUS) using common criteria for all applicants. Shortlisted applicants will have a structured interview, possibly including a short computational exercise. If you meet most, but not all, of the qualifications, please still apply. Let us know if you need any adjustments to the recruitment process.

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 appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The start date is February 1st or soon thereafter.

The position is a full-time position.

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 Senior Scientist Sebastian B. Simonsen, [e-mail]. Questions about the project or the application are welcome.

You can read more about our DTU Space cryosphere research at https://www.space.dtu.dk/english/research-divisions/geodesy-and-earth-observation/research-areas/cryosphere

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “ PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

You will join the Cryosphere Research Group in the Geodesy and Earth Observation Division at DTU Space, Lyngby Campus. We use satellites, models and on-the-ground measurements to understand how ice sheets and glaciers are changing and what this means for sea level, in projects for ESA and the EU. Our group is international and collaborative, and we value curiosity, good supervision and a healthy work-life balance.