Postdoc in Peatland Hydrology with Focus on Groundwater and Machine Learning

Cph Ai Hub; København; Hybrid; DKK 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International collaboration

Career development opportunities

Interdisciplinary environment

Publications in leading journals

Job summary

Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) invites applications for a 2.5‑year Postdoc position in Copenhagen to study groundwater dynamics in peatlands and develop data‑driven tools for predictive modelling. The role is part of the Horizon Europe PEAT-GENIE project and involves international collaboration across Europe.

You will work with GIS, remote sensing, Python, and large environmental datasets to link groundwater with emissions, biodiversity and land use, contributing to climate

Qualifications

• PhD in geosciences, environmental engineering, hydrology, environmental science, or related field.
• Strong experimental and analytical skills in hydrology or related environmental sciences.
• Experience with data-driven modelling and machine learning is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop ML models to predict groundwater dynamics in peatlands.
• Create an assessment tool linking hydraulic models with machine learning.
• Collaborate across disciplines within the PEAT-GENIE project and disseminate results.

Skills

Machine learning

Data-driven modelling

Python programming

GIS

Education

PhD in geosciences

Tools

GIS software

Remote sensing

Python

Job description

In this Postdoc position, you will investigate groundwater dynamics in peatlands and develop cutting-edge tools to model these dynamics. Your research on peatland hydrology will help inform future management strategies that support climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and sustainable land use.

The position is primarily within the Horizon Europe PEAT-GENIE project. PEAT-GENIE will develop a user-friendly, Digital Twin platform for monitoring, restoring, and managing peatlands across Europe. The project brings together 20 partners from 10 European countries, offering a highly international and interdisciplinary research environment. You will actively interact with the project partners to link groundwater with greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, and land use processes within the peatland scope.

The position is for 2.5 years, starting February 1, 2027. The work location is GEUS in Copenhagen.

About the position

The focus of the position is on developing new data-driven approaches to understand and predict groundwater dynamics in peatlands and their response to climate change and land restoration.

The specific objectives of the Postdoc project are to:

• Develop machine learning models for predicting groundwater dynamics in peatlands across space and time.
• Develop an assessment tool for evaluating the impacts of climate change and peatland restoration on groundwater dynamics through linking numerical hydrological models with machine learning.

The project combines hydrological modelling, remote sensing, machine learning, and the analysis of environmental data. You will have the opportunity to broaden your expertise by working across these disciplines and by collaborating closely with researchers from different backgrounds within PEAT-GENIE.

Your research findings are expected to be published in leading international peer-reviewed journals. You will also contribute to the international activities of PEAT-GENIE by participating in project meetings, workshops, and international conferences, and by collaborating with project partners across Europe.

PEAT-GENIE offers:

• An exciting research project within Horizon Europe including international collaboration with leading European research institutions
• Excellent opportunities for scientific publication and career development
• A highly interdisciplinary research environment spanning peatland ecology, hydrology, remote sensing, biogeochemistry, computer science, and stakeholder engagement
• The opportunity to develop expertise in emerging applications of AI and machine learning for environmental research

Who are you?

You are expected to hold a PhD in geosciences, environmental engineering, hydrology, environmental science, or a related field. The appointment will be based on your scientific achievements, academic record, and relevant professional experience.

Special emphasis will be placed on experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Process understanding at the intersection of catchment hydrology, groundwater, and peatland ecosystems
• Numerical hydrological modelling
• Groundwater hydrology
• Machine learning and data-driven modelling

Experience with geographical information systems (GIS), satellite remote sensing, Python programming, and the processing and analysis of large environmental datasets will be an asset. Previous experience disseminating scientific results through peer-reviewed publications and international conferences will also be positively evaluated.

As the project is highly interdisciplinary and collaborative, particular emphasis will be placed on your ability to work across disciplinary boundaries, engage with colleagues from different backgrounds, and contribute actively to a collaborative research environment.

Personal competencies include being structured, independent, responsible, proactive, and inquisitive in a research context, as well as the ability to embrace a broad range of activities and contribute positively to teamwork.

You must have an excellent command of English, both written and spoken. If you do not speak Danish, you are encouraged to take Danish language classes and to develop an appropriate level of understanding during your employment.

Meet your new colleagues

You will be part of the Department of Hydrology. The department works with the characterisation, monitoring, modelling and management of the water cycle and solute transport in Danish and international contexts. Within current issues, the department contributes with research, advice and capacity building within: Integrated understanding and quantification of the flow of fresh water in the water cycle, including the interaction between groundwater and surface water (e.g. groundwater close to the ground, streams, lakes, drinking water reservoirs); Solute transport in the underground in connection with the protection of drinking water and the aquatic environment; Effects of climate change on the water cycle incl. flood and drought; Climate adaptation and the importance of hydrology for greenhouse gas emissions from peatlands; Human impact on hydrology; Sustainable management of water resources; The importance of hydrology in nature. Most of the department’s activities are carried out in close cooperation with Danish as well as foreign research institutes and universities. We approx. 30 employees in the department, of which more than 20 are researchers, scientific assistants, PhD students or postdocs.

A working environment with a focus on professional development and well-being

There are many good reasons why you should choose a working life at GEUS.

We are a diverse staff of about 300 committed employees. Trust and flexibility are keywords. The working environment is lively, informal and international. Our tasks are versatile and there are plenty of opportunities for you to influence the development of your task portfolio.

We prioritise professional development, among other things by offering access to courses and other relevant activities. Socialising is also very important at GEUS, and we have a rich social life with a staff club, an art association and more.

At GEUS, we prioritise the well‑being of every single employee. We prioritise that the Heads of Departments are close to the employees, and we have flexible working hours that allow you to organise your life so that there is time for what matters to you. If you need to work from home occasionally, that is also possible.

Furthermore, we have a gym with associated physiotherapists.

Salary and terms of employment

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the relevant trade union agreement.

Employment

Employment is at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, located in central Copenhagen, and for a 2.5-year period (30 months) which is to be filled by 1. February 2027.

The appointment area is the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities and its institutions.

Diversity and inclusion

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities considers diversity to be an asset and encourages anyone regardless of gender, age, religion or ethnicity to seek the position.

If you would like additional information, please contact Senior Researcher Julian Koch on tel. e‑mail: or the Head of Department Heidi Barlebo on tel. , e‑mail:

If you are an international applicant, you can read more about living and working in Denmark on GEUS' website.

The employment procedure

After the application deadline has expired, the Head of Department reviews all submitted applications together with the Chair of the Assessment Committee. They assess which applicants best match the requirements set out in the job advertisement and forward the most relevant applications for professional assessment.

The professional assessment is then carried out. Candidates are assessed by an Assessment Committee consisting of two internal assessors, who determine whether each candidate is qualified for the advertised position. Based on the professional assessment, an internal Appointment Committee decides which of the qualified candidates will be invited for an interview.