PhD fellowship in geology - PhD Project in thermodynamic modelling

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Natural History Museum Denmark
Faculty of SCIENCE

University of Copenhagen

 

Natural History Museum Denmark invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in thermodynamic modelling of alkaline magmas. The project is part of the research project ’Crystallization of Rare Earth Element Minerals’, which is led by Curator of Petrology Kristoffer Szilas, and financed by Independent Research Fund Denmark.

Start date is expected to be September 1st 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

Greenland holds a significant untapped potential for sourcing much of Europe’s future metal needs for the green energy transition. The Gardar Proveince of South Greenland is in particular exceptionally prospective for the highly critical rare earth elements. This PhD project will apply thermodynamic modelling to alkaline magmas with the aim of improving our understanding of the why the Gardar Province is so enriched in rare earth elements. This PhD project will carry out a detailed examination of the alkaline rocks from the Gardar Province using our comprehensive collections at the Natural History Museum Denmark. By modelling the interplay between the mantle source region, melting conditions, and crustal assimilation, the overall goal of this project is to determine the key stages in the evolution of the Gardar Province, and the specific mechanisms that led to the crystallization of critical metal-bearing minerals.

 

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates within the fields of geology and geochemistry with a strong background in petrology. Previous experience with thermodynamic modelling is considered essential, as this will be the core of this research project.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

We are a small group of geologists who have specialized in studying the geology of Greenland, including the formation of mineral deposits. The group is a part of Natural History Museum Denmark, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located within the Botanical Garden right the heart of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories with micro-XRF, SEM, and Raman microspectroscopy as the main instruments.

Principal supervisor is Curator of Petrology, Kristoffer Szilas, Natural History Museum Denmark, szilassnm.ku.dk and Professor Owen Weller-Gibbs at Cambridge University is co-supervising the project.

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme ( 5+3 scheme) , if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. geology or geochemistry. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database .

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD candidate at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in both PhD programmes

• Complete and pass the MSc education in accordance with the curriculum of the MSc programme

 (ONLY when you are attending the integrated MSc and PhD programme)

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / 1/2 FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Good language skills
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in petrology
• Previous experience with thermodynamic modelling is considered essential

Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include: 

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. Your motivation for applying for the specific PhD project
3. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
4. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
5. Publication list (if possible)
6. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is  May 15th 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at ?url=https%3A%2F%2Femployment.ku.dk%2Ffaculty%2Frecruitment-process%2F&module=jobs&id=4508" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Femployment.ku.dk%2Ffaculty%2Frecruitment-process%2F&module=jobs&id=4508" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/­recruitment-process/ .

 

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held on June 17th 2026.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.science.ku.dk%2Fphd%2F&module=jobs&id=4508" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.science.ku.dk%2Fphd%2F&module=jobs&id=4508" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/ .

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position. 

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation - with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture - creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.

Info

Application deadline: 15-05-2026

Employment start: 01-09-2026

Working hours: Full time

Department/Location: Natural History Museum Denmark

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