Researcher in Geoscientific Modelling

GEUS Århus; Denmark; On-site; DKK 520,000 - 760,000; Full time

Job summary

GEUS in Aarhus invites applications for a three-year researcher position bridging geology, geophysics, and numerical modelling. You will develop computational approaches that integrate observations with process-based and probabilistic models to represent subsurface and glacial environments.

Initial work on ICESYNC and DREAM projects, plus groundwater mapping. You will build reproducible workflows and open-source software, publish results, and collaborate with Danish and international partners.

Qualifications

• PhD in geoscience, geophysics, computational geoscience or a closely related field.
• Strong background in geology with experience in quantitative geoscience.
• Proficiency in Python or Matlab and scientific software development.

Responsibilities

• Develop computational methods combining geological observations with probabilistic models.
• Work on ICESYNC and DREAM projects and contribute to groundwater mapping.
• Create reproducible workflows and open-source software for geoscientific analysis.

Skills

Geology

Numerical modelling

Scientific software development

Python

Education

PhD in Geoscience

Tools

Python

Matlab

Open-source workflows

Job description

Do you want to develop new methods for quantitative modelling of the shallow subsurface and geological processes? The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) is looking for a researcher with a strong geological background and an interest in combining geoscientific observations, numerical modelling and scientific software development.

The position is a three-year, time-limited researcher position in the Department of Near Surface Land and Marine Geology (SURFACE) in Aarhus, expected to start on 1st of January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

About the position

The position lies at the intersection of geology, geophysics, glaciology, numerical modelling and scientific software development. You will develop computational approaches that combine geological and geophysical observations with process-based and probabilistic models to create quantitative representations of the subsurface and glacial environments.

You will initially contribute to two ongoing research projects, ICESYNC and DREAM, while also taking part in research and development related to the national groundwater mapping programme and other activities at GEUS.

In ICESYNC, you will work with process-based modelling of erosion, sediment transport and deposition and investigate how modelled ice dynamics and sedimentary processes can be linked to geological and geomorphological observations. The work includes development of reproducible modelling workflows and pilot studies in Greenland and Denmark.

In DREAM, you will contribute to the development of a high-resolution probabilistic geological modelling framework based on drone-based TEM data. You will work with the integration of high-resolution resistivity models and their uncertainties with geological prior knowledge and other geoscientific data. The aim is to develop a semi-automatic, open-source workflow for constructing detailed geological voxel models and to test the approach using synthetic and field data.

Across these activities, you will work with numerical, probabilistic and process-based approaches to geological modelling and with integration of geophysical observations, geological data and process-based models. An important part of the position will be the development of reproducible computational workflows and scientific software for geoscientific analysis and modelling. You will also contribute to geological interpretation and modelling in research projects and applied activities, including the national groundwater mapping programme.

The position includes publication and communication of research through peer-reviewed papers, project deliverables, presentations and open-source software. You will also be expected to contribute to the development of new research ideas, project proposals and collaborations with Danish and international partners.

Who are you?

You hold a PhD, or have submitted your PhD before the application deadline, in geoscience, geophysics, computational geoscience or a closely related field.

We are looking for a researcher with a strong geological background and a good understanding of geological processes, combined with experience in quantitative geoscience. This may include numerical modelling, geological modelling, probabilistic or statistical methods, inverse problems, geostatistics or related approaches.

You should have a good understanding of geophysical data and their geological interpretation and strong programming skills, with experience in scientific software development, for example in Python, Matlab or a similar language. You should be able to work independently and systematically while contributing actively to an interdisciplinary research environment, and you should communicate well in written and spoken English.

Experience with TEM data, process-based modelling, 3D geological or voxel-based modelling, open-source scientific software or reproducible computational workflows would be valuable. Knowledge of Quaternary geology, glacial geology, sedimentology or groundwater geology would also be relevant, as would experience from externally funded research projects and preparation of research proposals. We do not expect applicants to cover all of these areas.

As Danish is the primary organisational language at GEUS, you should be prepared to learn Danish if you are not already a Danish speaker.

Meet your new colleagues

At GEUS, you will join the Department of Near Surface Land and Marine Geology, where we conduct research on a wide range of topics related to the processes, resources and geology of the upper 300 metres of the subsurface, both onshore and offshore.

Based at the university campus in Aarhus, the department consists of around 35 enthusiastic colleagues working in an interdisciplinary environment. We combine field observations, laboratory analyses, and advanced modelling to address scientific questions and societal challenges.

As part of the team, you will work alongside colleagues committed to scientific excellence, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. We work closely with public authorities, universities, and international research networks, providing a strong platform for developing your research, building collaborations, and making a meaningful contribution to both science and society.

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 associated physiotherapists.

Salary and terms of employment

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

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

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.

Further information

If you would like additional information, please contact the contact Acting Head of Department Verner Brandbyge Ernstsen Verner [e-mail] or Senior Researcher Anders Damsgaard on [e-mail].

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

The employment procedure

A professional assessment committee consisting of one internal and two external assessors at minimum senior researcher level will carry out an individual assessment of all applicants’ professional qualifications, and the applicants will be assessed as qualified or unqualified for the position. Afterwards, an internal employment committee will decide which of the professionally qualified candidates will be invited for a job interview. This procedure is in accordance with the “Order on employment and assessment of scientific staff at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland § 4 and 7”.

Kontaktperson

Verner Brandbyge Ernstsen, Afdelingsleder Telefon: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail]