Three-Year Postdoc in Ecosystem Functions & Services for Offshore MPAs

Are you a seasoned researcher in oceanography looking to push boundaries of conservation and marine biodiversity? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Department of Biology. We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral researcher for a three-year position on an impactful project focused on offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

In this role, you will contribute to the assessment of offshore ecosystem structure and the quantification of ecosystem functions and services, with a distinct focus on carbon sequestration, benthic-pelagic coupling, biodiversity-related ecosystem functions and services, and food-web dynamics. You will work collaboratively to test and apply advanced monitoring tools, including cutting-edge eDNA equipment, underwater microphones and cameras to investigate cumulative pressures on offshore MPAs such as eutrophication, fisheries, infrastructure construction, and climate change. You will work closely with an interdisciplinary team to link scientific knowledge to management and policy processes. Your work will contribute to improving MPA designation and management processes.

As part of the Horizon Europe-funded “SEAMPHONI: Strengthening Ecosystem-based Assessment and Monitoring for Protected Habitats in Offshore areas and Newly Identified MPAs” project, you will work closely with Associate Professor Cintia O. Quintana, along with other renowned researchers within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and SEAMPHONI project consortium.

Role Overview:

As the Postdoc for the SEAMPHONI project, you will focus on mapping and identifying ecosystem functions underpinning critical ecosystem services in non-protected and offshore MPAs in Europe, proposing innovative approaches that align with the EU Biodiversity Strategy towards 10% strict protection. The project spans demonstration sites in Madeira, Iceland, the North Sea and La Réunion.

Your responsibilities will include organization and participation in scientific cruises, and testing monitoring tools such as eDNA, underwater microphones and cameras. Specifically, you will concentrate on gathering data associated with these tools and investigating ecosystem interconnectedness and environmental challenges linked to the balance between human activities and protection levels of the North Sea and Wadden Sea, our demonstration site located in Denmark.

Candidate Profile:

We are looking for a candidate with a Ph.D. in oceanography, marine biology, marine ecology, environmental studies, or similar. Experience with planning and participation in scientific cruises, handling large datasets, and working on biogeochemistry, climate or biodiversity topics, offshore areas, or ecosystem structure, function, and service assessments is highly desirable. Proficiencies in areas like eDNA, biodiversity of flora and fauna, stable isotopes, programming in R, statistical analysis, and GIS, will be beneficial.

Our Department:

The Department of Biology at SDU is a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment of approximately 240 employees, conducting a wide range of research within diverse biological fields. Our work is organized into five research groups, each focusing on unique disciplines and biological areas. Our research employs state-of-the-art technology, methodologies, and facilities in a disciplinary and interdisciplinary approach to address scientifically and societally relevant biological questions at local, regional, and global scales.

We strongly believe in fostering a stimulating and inspiring environment for our staff and students, and we are committed to diversity, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Application deadline:  1st of May 2026 at 23:59 hours local Danish time

Please see the full call, including how to apply, onhttps://fa-eosd-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/da/sites/CX_1001/job/3558/?utm_medium=jobshare