We are looking for a dynamic and motivated researcher to join the Department of Near Surface Land and Marine Geology (SURFACE) in Aarhus. The position is for a three-year period.
At the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), we are experiencing a substantial growth in our marine offshore activities and aim to strengthen our research output. As part of the SURFACE department, you will work in our new offices on the University of Aarhus campus. We are looking for a strong research profile in Marine and Coastal Geomorphology and Habitats to drive our innovative projects forward. If you are passionate, driven, and have a proven track record, we want to hear from you!
About the position This position is a strategic expansion of our research on geodiversity and nature within the marine and coastal domain, focusing on geomorphology and habitats. This includes contributing to the national and international goals of nature conservation and nature restoration.
The position encompasses acquiring, processing, and analysing acoustic, optical, and sampling data. Tasks include benthic ecological proxies, such as benthic foraminifera, for seabed conditions in marine and coastal environments. In addition, you will also work on mapping and modelling spatiotemporal distributions of morphology, sediments/substrates, and habitats in marine and coastal environments, as well as planning and managing projects.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing research ideas, applications, and projects related to geomorphology, sediment dynamics, habitats, and benthic ecological proxies for physical and environmental conditions at the seabed, in marine and coastal environments.
- Developing conceptual models of marine and coastal geomorphology and habitats, including links between seabed morphology, sedimentary processes, and responses in benthic environmental proxies.
- Developing, writing, and publishing scientific publications, and presenting and disseminating research findings.
GEUS is a national survey with a significant focus on Denmark and Greenland, with a substantial global outreach, giving you a possibility to participate in projects and conduct research both locally and globally.
Who are you? You hold a background in geology, geophysics, physical geography, geoinformatics, or oceanography with a solid understanding of geomorphology, morpho-, hydro- and sediment dynamics, and habitats. You have experience, or a strong interest, in integrating benthic proxies such as foraminifera, which reflect physical environmental seabed conditions (e.g. oxygenation, substrate type, hydrodynamic regime, and organic matter supply), with geological and geophysical data. You will need to link theory to practice in collaboration with geologists, physical geographers, geophysicists, geochemists, and other specialists within our department and GEUS.
Specifically, we expect our new research colleague to have, or be willing to develop, experience in spatial and timeseries analyses, semi-automated mapping methods, conceptual and numerical modelling, and working with a systems and process-based approach.
As our new colleague you can expect to further develop your skills withing multibeam data, benthic foraminifera, project management and Danish culture if you find us interesting from outside of Denmark. We welcome new solution-based ideas and collaboration between projects and backgrounds. You must be able to communicate in English, and since the primary language of the organisation is Danish, you should be prepared to learn Danish.
Meet your new colleagues You will become part of the Department of Near Surface Land- and Marine Geology, where we conduct research within a wide range of topics related to nature, resources, processes, and geology of the surface and the upper 300 meters of the subsurface, on- and offshore.
The department has a strong expertise within quaternary geology, glacial geology, geomorphology, near-surface geophysics, and quantitative geological modelling, which acts as the foundation for a range of research topics and consulting assignments. These includes paleoclimate, geomorphology and habitats, nature conservation and restoration, groundwater mapping and protection, raw materials mapping on- and off-shore, shallow geothermal energy, geohazards, landslides and geological tasks in connection with offshore installations, such as bridges or tunnels, harbour constructions, cable trenches and wind farms as well as the geology and geomorphology of the coastal zone.
We have a long tradition for geological and geophysical mapping and investigations on- and offshore, and we have a full shallow-marine geophysical mapping capacity and well data laboratory facilities.
Based in Aarhus, the department consists of 35 enthusiastic colleagues comprising of researchers, consultants, postdocs, technicians, and students.
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.
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 consider diversity to be an asset and encourages anyone regardless of gender, age, religion or ethnicity to apply for the position.
It is a prerequisite for employment that you can be security cleared and maintain the security clearance throughout your employment.
Further information If you would like additional information, please contact the Head of Department Torben Bach on telephone +45 6026 1883, e-mail tba@geus.dk or Verner Brandbyge Ernstsen on telephone +45 9133 3656, e-mail vbe@geus.dk.
If you are a foreign applicant, you can read more about living and working in Denmark on GEUS’
website.
Are you interested? If you are interested in the position, we would like to hear from you. The application must include a CV, incl. your
ORCID, a list of publications with a separate indication of articles registered in ISI Web of Science and any copies of individual publications of particular relevance to the position. Please enclose Master’s and PhD diplomas in either Danish or English as well as other material documenting qualifications at researcher level. Submitted PhD theses that have not yet been defended may be sent with the application and will be included in the assessment. If possible, please provide a pre-approval.
Please apply for the position through our
website. We must have your application at the latest on
Wednesday March 18th 2026 (23.59 Danish time). Applications or other material received after the deadline will not be considered.
The employment procedure A professional assessment committee consisting of two internal 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”.
