PhD scholarship in analysis of marine eDNA - DTU Aqua
Job Description
A PhD Scholarship to study biodiversity at offshore floating wind farms using eDNA to monitor spatial and temporal biodiversity variation, and to contribute to the development of eDNA into a robust cost-efficient tool for marine environmental impact assessment. Floating wind farms are offshore turbines mounted on floating structures rather than fixed foundations, allowing installation in deep waters (>60 meters) where stronger, more consistent winds exist. They unlock vast, deeper maritime areas, however their effect on marine biodiversity is relatively unknown. The project will apply advanced autonomous robotic instruments for in situ eDNA sampling and be aimed at revealing the potential biodiversity succession following the installation of a floating wind turbine in the North Sea. The scholarship is part of the “OWESOME” (Offshore Wind Environmental Survey Optimisation for Monitoring Impacts on Ecosystems) project, financed by and in collaboration with Total Energies from the wind energy sector.
OWESOME tests an integrated biodiversity monitoring solution combining several technologies to create a comprehensive picture of biodiversity impacts, which besides eDNA also include passive and active acoustics, underwater video and artificial intelligence (AI) for data analysis. The project will primarily be carried out at the Section for Marine Living Resources’ genetics group situated in Silkeborg, Denmark, but will potentially also include sampling trips to offshore windfarms and the possibility of an external study period abroad.
The position is imbedded in the genetics/genomics group at DTU Aqua. The group applies cutting edge molecular methods with the aim to generate knowledge and develop DNA based tools for aquatic biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries management. The primary focus of the group is within population genetics/genomics and eDNA analyses. The group currently consists of around 20 people including researchers at different career stages, postdocs and PhD students as well as an experienced technical staff.
Responsibilities And Qualifications
The ongoing climate and biodiversity crises call for new precise, fast, and cost-efficient methods for detection, monitoring and protection of biodiversity. For example, it has been decided that the massive build-up of offshore wind-power across the globe, should not be done at the expense of biodiversity. However, the monitoring of biodiversity using traditional methods is challenged by logistical, economical and time constraints. Accordingly, eDNA based methods could prove highly valuable, as eDNA analysis is a general tool with high species resolution, which can be applied without any specific taxonomical expertise by the investigator. However, eDNA based applications does also include significant challenges before they can be applied in routine offshore biodiversity monitoring.
The overarching goal of the PhD projects is to develop eDNA from a “blue sky” basic science approach into a robust monitoring tool, which can be approved by and transferred to the industry and national authorities. Thus, the development of transparent and reproducible analytical pipelines from sampling to biodiversity inferences, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), is a requirement.
The successful students will work on the full pipeline of eDNA analysis, from sampling design and practical sampling, over molecular genetic/genomic analysis (dPCR and metabarcoding), to bioinformatics and subsequent statistical analysis of biodiversity data. You will work within a team consisting of experienced researchers and postdocs, where you will have daily interaction, including supervision, with other team members. Thus, you will be responsible for your own part of the project, but at the same time contribute to the overall output of the project and interact with external project partners and stakeholders.
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.
A background in eDNA analysis including metabarcoding is preferred and experience with bioinformatic analyses of large genomic data sets is an asset.
In addition, we are looking for candidates who have:
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 .
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Einar Eg Nielsen and Senior Scientist Magnus Wulff Jacobsen.
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 PhD student will be based at DTU Aqua in Silkeborg, Denmark, and will be integrated within WINDNA project group across DTU Aqua and in the genetics/genomics group at DTU Aqua. Exchange visits to world leading collaborators within the field of eDNA analysis are anticipated.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Einar Eg Nielsen, tel.: +45 40210231, email: een@aqua.dtu.dk .
General information may be obtained from Susan Zumbach Johannesen (szjo@aqua.dtu.dk).
You can read more about DTU Aqua at www.aqua.dtu.dk and about the genetics group at https://www.aqua.dtu.dk/english/research/population_genetics
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 24 May 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:
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 National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua) conducts research, provides advice, educates at university level and contributes to innovation in sustainable exploitation and management of aquatic resources. We investigate the biology and population ecology of aquatic organisms, aquatic physical and chemical processes and ecosystem structure and dynamics, taking account of all relevant natural and anthropogenic drivers.
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
DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.
A PhD Scholarship to study biodiversity at offshore floating wind farms using eDNA to monitor spatial and temporal biodiversity variation, and to contribute to the development of eDNA into a robust cost-efficient tool for marine environmental impact assessment. Floating wind farms are offshore turbines mounted on floating structures rather than fixed foundations, allowing installation in deep waters (>60 meters) where stronger, more consistent winds exist. They unlock vast, deeper maritime areas, however their effect on marine biodiversity is relatively unknown. The project will apply advanced autonomous robotic instruments for in situ eDNA sampling and be aimed at revealing the potential biodiversity succession following the installation of a floating wind turbine in the North Sea. The scholarship is part of the “OWESOME” (Offshore Wind Environmental Survey Optimisation for Monitoring Impacts on Ecosystems) project, financed by and in collaboration with Total Energies from the wind energy sector.
OWESOME tests an integrated biodiversity monitoring solution combining several technologies to create a comprehensive picture of biodiversity impacts, which besides eDNA also include passive and active acoustics, underwater video and artificial intelligence (AI) for data analysis. The project will primarily be carried out at the Section for Marine Living Resources’ genetics group situated in Silkeborg, Denmark, but will potentially also include sampling trips to offshore windfarms and the possibility of an external study period abroad.
The position is imbedded in the genetics/genomics group at DTU Aqua. The group applies cutting edge molecular methods with the aim to generate knowledge and develop DNA based tools for aquatic biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries management. The primary focus of the group is within population genetics/genomics and eDNA analyses. The group currently consists of around 20 people including researchers at different career stages, postdocs and PhD students as well as an experienced technical staff.
Responsibilities And Qualifications
The ongoing climate and biodiversity crises call for new precise, fast, and cost-efficient methods for detection, monitoring and protection of biodiversity. For example, it has been decided that the massive build-up of offshore wind-power across the globe, should not be done at the expense of biodiversity. However, the monitoring of biodiversity using traditional methods is challenged by logistical, economical and time constraints. Accordingly, eDNA based methods could prove highly valuable, as eDNA analysis is a general tool with high species resolution, which can be applied without any specific taxonomical expertise by the investigator. However, eDNA based applications does also include significant challenges before they can be applied in routine offshore biodiversity monitoring.
The overarching goal of the PhD projects is to develop eDNA from a “blue sky” basic science approach into a robust monitoring tool, which can be approved by and transferred to the industry and national authorities. Thus, the development of transparent and reproducible analytical pipelines from sampling to biodiversity inferences, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), is a requirement.
The successful students will work on the full pipeline of eDNA analysis, from sampling design and practical sampling, over molecular genetic/genomic analysis (dPCR and metabarcoding), to bioinformatics and subsequent statistical analysis of biodiversity data. You will work within a team consisting of experienced researchers and postdocs, where you will have daily interaction, including supervision, with other team members. Thus, you will be responsible for your own part of the project, but at the same time contribute to the overall output of the project and interact with external project partners and stakeholders.
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.
A background in eDNA analysis including metabarcoding is preferred and experience with bioinformatic analyses of large genomic data sets is an asset.
In addition, we are looking for candidates who have:
- Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Biology, Computer Science or Engineering
- Keen interest in research within marine and aquatic sciences, including “molecular ecology”
- Good collaborative skills
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
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 .
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Einar Eg Nielsen and Senior Scientist Magnus Wulff Jacobsen.
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 PhD student will be based at DTU Aqua in Silkeborg, Denmark, and will be integrated within WINDNA project group across DTU Aqua and in the genetics/genomics group at DTU Aqua. Exchange visits to world leading collaborators within the field of eDNA analysis are anticipated.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Einar Eg Nielsen, tel.: +45 40210231, email: een@aqua.dtu.dk .
General information may be obtained from Susan Zumbach Johannesen (szjo@aqua.dtu.dk).
You can read more about DTU Aqua at www.aqua.dtu.dk and about the genetics group at https://www.aqua.dtu.dk/english/research/population_genetics
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 24 May 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
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 National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua) conducts research, provides advice, educates at university level and contributes to innovation in sustainable exploitation and management of aquatic resources. We investigate the biology and population ecology of aquatic organisms, aquatic physical and chemical processes and ecosystem structure and dynamics, taking account of all relevant natural and anthropogenic drivers.
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
DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.