PhD scholarship in PFAS effects on blue mussels - DTU Aqua

Are you concerned about marine pollution and want to study its impacts on marine organisms? Then this PhD might be just for you. Chemical pollution is a major stressor to marine ecosystems and can impair the development and long-term survival of benthic invertebrates, such as mussels. However, it is unclear how chemicals of global concern, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), affect several key processes during their larval life beyond early development. The larvae of mussels are the most sensitive life stage and the bottleneck for population growth and survival. Still, we lack understanding of how susceptibility to pollutants differs between larval stages. The aim of your PhD is to determine development stage-specific sensitivities to PFAS throughout the entire pelagic phase of mussels and investigate whether changing climate conditions modulate the effects of PFAS.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your PhD is based on experimental lab work, combining methods and approaches of ecotoxicology, physiology and marine ecology. The majority of your work will be done at DTU Aqua in Kgs. Lyngby, while some experiments will be conducted in Greenland and in Spain during prolonged research stays. 

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Determine the effects of individual and mixtures of different PFAS compounds on pelagic development stages of blue mussels using controlled laboratory experiments
• Investigate differences between acute and chronic PFAS exposure
• Analyze how climate influences population susceptibility by replicating experiments in the Arctic and Mediterranean

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree within natural sciences (e.g., marine/aquatic biology, oceanography, ecotoxicology, environmental engineering). We also expect you to have some experience in field or laboratory work within (marine) biology (preferably with plankton or benthic invertebrates). Modelling and/or technical skills are an advantage. In addition, you are expected to have:

• Flexibility concerning research stays in Greenland and Spain
• Good communication skills in English, both written and orally
• Ability to conduct research independently and good problem-solving skills
• Good collaborative skills and strong interest in participating in an inter-disciplinary and international research environment

Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education. 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. The expected starting date is 1.6.2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Sinja Rist, Institute for Aquatic Resources, Section of Ocean and Arctic (siri@aqua.dtu.dk).

You can read more about DTU Aqua at www.aqua.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 March 2026 (23:59 Danish time). 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• A draft project description: 1-2 pages with a concise proposal on the research idea that you would like to explore, including relevance, motivation, the theoretical framework and preliminary suggestion of methodology

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The Section for Oceans and Arctic in DTU Aqua covers a wide research spectrum from oceanography, population ecology, observation technology and the Arctic. The research into oceanography integrates biological, physical and chemical parameters’ interactions in the ocean, ranging from individual plankton to regional seas. We focus on understanding the key processes that govern the structure and function of pelagic food webs, as well as climate and ecosystem interactions. The research in population ecology establishes how processes affecting individuals shape populations and ecosystems.

The purpose of DTU Aqua is to provide research, advice and education at the highest international level within the sustainable exploitation of living marine and freshwater resources, the biology of aquatic organisms and the dynamics of ecosystems as well as their integration in ecosystem-based management. DTU Aqua has 260 employees, of whom a third are scientific staff. The other employees are assistant biologists, laboratory technicians, IT employees, administrative staff, ship’s crew, student assistants etc. The institute is organized into eight scientific sections which carry out the research, educational and advisory activities. In addition, the institute has a number of scientific and administrative support functions, including the research vessel DANA. DTU Aqua has employees in Lyngby, Silkeborg, Nykøbing Mors and Hirtshals as well as on Dana.

About DTU Aqua
DTU Aqua – National Institute of Aquatic Resources – works for well-functioning oceans, rivers, and lakes where biodiversity can thrive. Our research, advisory service, and education contribute to the development of a sustainable blue bioeconomy, robust aquatic ecosystems, and reduced effects of climate change. We have a large national and international network and cooperate with research partners, public authorities, industry, and NGOs. We have state-of-the-art research facilities and Denmark’s only ocean- and arctic-going research vessel. The Institute has about 360 employees, one-half being scientific staff, including about 50 PhD students. More than 35 nationalities are represented at the Institute, and we support an equal gender distribution. We are located in Lyngby, Hirtshals, Nykøbing Mors, and Silkeborg and have regular activities in Greenland. Learn more on aqua.dtu.dk

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.