PhD Scholarship in Biodiversity changes of marine flora and fauna associated with ecosystem restoration in eutrophic coastal waters

Department of Biology recruits a PhD student for the study of biodiversity changes of marine flora (seagrasses and macroalgae) and fauna (mobile fauna and infauna) after ecosystem restoration by sand-capping, stone reef establishment and eelgrass transplantation. The position is for three years and is supported by a grant from Aage V. Jensen Nature Foundation.  

Danish estuaries are in a critical ecological condition caused by decades of excessive discharge of nutrients. This have resulted in a biodiversity crisis with massive loss of eelgrass and associated fauna in the impacted areas. At the same time, the sediments in eutrophic areas have changed from sand to organic-rich mud that can only support few flora and fauna species. The deteriorated Danish estuaries with bare muddy bottoms devoid of eelgrass also lack other 3D structures as stone reefs to support fish and other mobile fauna, because stone fishery for constructing harbors and other infrastructure has been intensive for hundreds of years. In recent years, however, efforts have been made to restore these damaged ecosystems by reducing nutrient discharge, performing sandcapping, building stone reefs and transplanting eelgrass. However, the knowledge about the effect of these actions on flora and fauna biodiversity is still limited.

The research of the candidate will focus on the changes in ecological conditions for flora (seagrasses and macroalgae) and fauna (sedentary benthic infauna and mobile pelagic fauna) after the establishment of the abovementioned three restoration approaches in Danish estuaries. The research will include 1) monitoring of flora and fauna dynamics inside and outside restored areas; 2) evaluation of eDNA as a monitoring tool; and 3) assessment of the broader ecological consequences of ecosystem restoration in estuaries. The research will have focus on the impact of restoration activities in Odense Fjord, Gyldensteen Coastal Lagoon and other Danish coastal waters. The selected candidate will be integrated in the research team of the Marine Ecology Group that manages large-scale ecosystem restoration projects in several Danish estuaries.

The candidate must have an MSc degree in biology or equivalent and should have a background in marine ecology with experience in biodiversity. The candidate will spend much time performing samplings in the field through snorkeling activities, and measurements in laboratories at the University of Southern Denmark. The candidate must be able to communicate the research results in Danish to the broader public. 

Application deadline: 18 June 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time
Expected starting date 1 October 2025
For further information please contact Erik Kristensen, tel.: +45 6550 2754, e-mail: ebk@biology.sdu.dk

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period (the 5+3 programme).

Further information about the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science can be found at the homepage of the University.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. 

Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:

• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation, and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) .
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information.
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades.
• The names and complete contact details (phone numbers and e-mail) of at least two referees details for at least 2 referees who can vouch for your skills.   

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

 Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

 Applications should be sent electronically via the link "Apply now". The faculty expects applicants to read the information "