PhD Position on Engineering Technical Solutions for Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement

In the framework of SDU’s climate cluster project ‘Exploring the full potential of CO2 removal using Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE): From theory to implementation’ we are looking for a PhD student to work on the interface between engineering and ocean biogeochemistry. The position will be shared between the Department of Biology and the Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark.

OAE and alkalinization of rivers and other water bodies are considered a promising nature-based solution to combat climate change. They allow for the removal of CO₂ on time scales of thousands of years and could significantly contribute to Denmark's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. While background data is increasingly available and environmental impacts are explored, upscaling and direct applications are hampered by the lack of a suitable technological solution. This project will therefore establish intelligent sensor systems, which can take measurements and make autonomous decisions on real-time alkalinization by allowing precise mineral additions along coasts and estuaries, thus optimizing CO₂ removal.

We therefore invite applications from outstanding candidates who are interested in developing a technical solution to implement ocean alkalinity enhancement in the environment. In the framework of this project, we aim to develop an automatized, sensor-informed, machine learning-based system for mineral additions, mountable to platforms, to maximize CO₂ removal.

Qualifications/requirements
We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated and ambitious candidates with:
• A MSc degree in Ocean Biogeochemistry, Geo-engineering, Embedded Systems, Machine learning, Geosciences or similar.
• Experience with OAE and carbonate system analysis would be desirable
• Project management and project development skills
• Interest to travel and participate in field experiments nationally and internationally
• Strong communication and collaborative skills and an interest in working in an interdisciplinary environment
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

We offer:
• A three-year PhD position in a stimulating and supportive, international young research team
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and infrastructure
• Opportunity to interact with an extensive network of national and international collaborators
• A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g. health coverage, parental leave, social security etc.)
• Dedicated assistance and support with various practical, social, and legal aspects (housing, visa, administration, tax etc.), especially for international candidates through our international staff office (ISO) and department.

Application deadline: 29 April 2024 at 23:59 hours local Danish time 

Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk