PhD fellowship in geochronology and mineralogy Full-time

PhD Fellowship In Geochronology And Mineralogy

The Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN) invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in geochronology and mineralogy, with a focus on detrital zircons and heavy minerals. The project is part of the research project “Testing the Veracity of Detrital Zircon”, which is financed by the Independent Research Fund of Denmark.

Start date is 4 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter, with fieldwork in New Zealand planned for Feb-March 2027.

The main task of the Ph.D. is to characterise heavy mineral populations, including the U-Pb ages of zircons in both metasedimentary source rocks as well as in modern detrital sediments. The main supervisor is Professor Tod Waight.

We are looking for a candidate with a two-year Master's degree in geoscience and a background and/or interest in mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry. Experience with geochronology (especially U-Pb) and statistical methods would be advantageous.

The geology section is a part of the Geology Section at IGN, at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Our section focuses on teaching and research in geology, covering a wide range of core disciplines including sedimentology, hydrogeology, geophysics, paleoclimate, paleontology and geobiology. You will be part of the 'Hard Rock' group with a focus on geochemistry, mineralogy and petrology. Our research facilities include modern laboratories such as electron microprobe, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry and thermal ionization mass spectrometry. We also collaborate closely with colleagues at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) and the University of Aarhus.

Principal supervisor is Professor Tod Waight, todw@ign.ku.dk

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.

Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Carry through an independent research project under supervision

Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ 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

Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project

Relevant publications

Relevant work experience

Other relevant professional activities

Curious mind-set with a strong interest in mineralogy and geochemistry and geoscience in general

Good language skills

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically.

Motivated letter of application (max. one page)

Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position

Original diplomas for Bachelor or Master 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.

Publication list (if possible)

Reference letters (if available)

The deadline for applications is 16 August 2026, 23:59 +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.

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in September 2026

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.