PhD scholarship in the use of SWOT for small-scale ocean processes - DTU Space

Technical University of Denmark · Kongens Lyngby

Small-scale ocean processes play an important role in shaping ocean circulation and freshwater distribution in the Arctic. Yet, they remain difficult to observe and represent in numerical models. This limits our ability to understand and predict the ocean and its response to a changing climate. SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) provides high-resolution observations of sea-surface height that can be used to better constrain these processes and the ocean state.

Responsibilities and qualifications
This PhD will focus on assimilating SWOT observations into a high-resolution ocean model with a focus on the Polar Regions. An emphasis will be on developing surrogate models using Scientific Machine learning to reduce the computational cost of simulations and enable efficient prediction and exploration of ocean processes.

The candidate is expected to have a background in ocean modelling and remote sensing, preferably with experience in satellite altimetry and ocean modelling using the MITgcm (MIT’s General Circulation modelling framework).

The candidate will work in a stimulating environment at DTU Space, with close collaboration with SWOT researchers, other DTU departments, and international partners. The candidate should be motivated to work in an international environment and participate in relevant research travel.

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.

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 program, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment will be made by Professor Ole B. Andersen. The assessor is also expected to be your main supervisor. A co-supervisor will also be involved.

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. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

You will be located within the Hydro group inside the Geodesy and Earth Observation Division at DTU Space.

The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
May be obtained from Professor Ole Baltazar Andersen (oand@dtu.dk)

You can read more about the Geodesy and Earth Observation Division in DTU Space at https://www.space.dtu.dk/english/Research/Research-Divisions/Geodesy-and-Earth-Observation. Information about DTU Space can be found here: https://www.space.dtu.dk/english

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 5 November 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

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.

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.

This PhD will focus on assimilating SWOT satellite observations into a high-resolution ocean model with a focus on the Polar Regions.

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