PhD scholarship in transgenerational effects of PFAS on blue mussels

Are you concerned about marine pollution and how it affects organisms? Then this PhD might be just for you. Chemical pollution is a major stressor to marine biota and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of increasing concern due to their widespread and persistency. However, data on toxicity in marine systems is very scarce and we lack knowledge on how PFAS affect the development and long-term survival of benthic invertebrates, such as mussels. The larvae of mussels are the most sensitive life stage and the bottleneck for population growth and survival. However, it is unknown how their sensitivity depends on a population’s pre-exposure and how PFAS effects translate from one generation to the next. The aim of your PhD is to investigate transgenerational effects of PFAS in blue mussels and analyze whether changing climate conditions modulate these effects.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your PhD is based on experimental laboratory work, combining methods and approaches of ecotoxicology, physiology, and marine ecology. Most 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 blue mussel larvae as a factor of adult pre-exposure using controlled laboratory experiments
• Investigate whether transgenerational effects are compound-specific
• Compare offspring sensitivity for mussels from differently polluted areas
• 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:

• Interest in conducting longer research stays in Greenland and Spain to develop international collaboration.
• 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 and contributing to an inter-disciplinary and international research team

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

The period of employment is 3 years. The expected starting date is 1.2.2027 (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 Dr. Sinja Rist, DTU Aqua, Section of Ocean Science and Technology (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 30 September 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 tentative 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.