Postdoc in tidal flat sediment dynamics

Københavns Universitet; København; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a 20-month postdoc position starting 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The project WadProof investigates how sea-level rise and coastal squeeze affect tidal flats and sediment characteristics in Danish coastal wetlands.

The successful candidate will collect and analyze tidal flat sediments, test UAV-based remote sensing methods, and contribute to teaching and

Qualifications

• PhD in geosciences or a related field.
• Interest in estuarine and coastal geomorphology.
• Good communication in spoken and written English; experience with empirical data and satellite/UAV data is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on sea-level rise, coastal squeeze and tidal flat dynamics.
• Collect and analyse surface sediment and core data; test remote sensing techniques using UAVs and orthophotos.
• Collaborate across groups, contribute to teaching, and disseminate results.

Education

PhD degree

Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious postdoc researcher for a 20-months position commencing 1 February 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management invites applicants for a postdoc position, dealing with the impact of sea-level rise and coastal squeeze on tidal flat evolution and sediment characteristics in coastal wetlands. The project is part of the research project ‘WadProof - Future-proofing the intertidal resource capital of the Danish Wadden Sea World Heritage Site’, funded by the Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation.

The research project

The postdoc is part of the multidisciplinary ‘WadProof’ project focusing on advancing knowledge on the effects of sea-level rise and coastal squeeze on coastal wetland tidal flats sediment characteristics, the benthic fauna and the feeding opportunities for migratory birds in the Wadden Sea. The primary focus of the research will be to explore recent and historical changes in tidal flat development and texture, assess the effects of dikes and evaluate controlling drivers and forcing of tidal flat sediment characteristics and dynamics.

The applicant will be collecting and analysing tidal flat surface sediment and core data, collect hydro- and sediment dynamic data and test remote sensing techniques using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and orthophoto to map intertidal marine sediment type distributions. During the fellowship there will be periods with fieldwork in the Wadden Sea, laboratory and course work, teaching and dissemination.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates within the fields of physical geography, marine geology or other geosciences. Applicants should have a PhD degree and interest in estuarine and coastal geomorphology and good communication skills in spoken and written English. Experience with collection and analysis of empirical data, including processing of satellite and UAV data is considered an advantage.

Our group and research - and what do we offer?

The postdoctoral researcher will be a member of the research group ‘Geomorphology, processes and landscapes’ in the Section for Geography. The research group studies processes that shape coastal, estuarine, marine, fluvial and glacial landscapes. We work at multiple temporal and spatial scales ranging from grains to landscapes and from seconds to millennial. The group uses quantitative methods with a strong focus on empirical data collection to map, analyse and understand the physical processes that shape the earth surface. Our group currently comprises two professors, two associate professors, postdocs and PhD students.

The group is a part of Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen. In the project you will be collaborating with researchers from Aarhus University and from the coastal department of the Danish Environmental Agency.

The postdoc’s duties will include research as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://ign.ku.dk/english/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor Mikkel Fruergaard at email: [e-mail].

The position is open from 1 February 2027or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Universitywishesour staff toreflect the diversity ofsociety and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

Please include

• Cover letter, including the candidate’s motivation and a brief outline of suggested research contribution to the project(max 1,000 words).
• Curriculum Vitae, including a complete publication list, conference presentation list, and overview of teaching experience.
• Documentation: Diplomas for Master’s and PhD degrees. If the PhD is not yet awarded, please specify the expected date of submission and/or defence in the CV.
• Publications:Up to five selected articles (published or unpublished). The selected articles must be uploaded as attachments and marked with an asterisk (*) on the publication list.

The deadline for applications is29 November 2026, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

Interviews will be held during week 1 in 2027.