The National Institute of Aquatic Resources at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Aqua) is seeking a PhD candidate to assess the transgenerational effects of PFAS on blue mussels.
Job Description
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
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” on the job page, 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.
More information about the PhD can be found on the job portal.