PhD Scholarship in PFAS Effects on Blue Mussels.
DTU Aqua - National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark.
DTU Aqua is offering a PhD position to study the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on blue mussels. Chemical pollution is a major stressor to marine ecosystems and can impair the development and long-term survival of benthic invertebrates, such as mussels. However, it is unclear how chemicals of global concern, such as PFAS, affect several key processes during their larval life beyond early development.
The larvae of mussels are the most sensitive life stage and the bottleneck for population growth and survival. Still, there is a lack of understanding of how susceptibility to pollutants differs between larval stages.
The aim of this PhD is to determine development stage-specific sensitivities to PFAS throughout the entire pelagic phase of mussels and investigate whether changing climate conditions modulate the effects of PFAS.
The PhD is based on experimental lab work, combining methods and approaches of ecotoxicology, physiology and marine ecology. The majority of the 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.
Primary Tasks:
The position is based in the Section for Oceans and Arctic in DTU Aqua, which covers a wide research spectrum from oceanography, population ecology, observation technology and the Arctic. The research integrates biological, physical and chemical parameters' interactions in the ocean, focusing on understanding the key processes that govern the structure and function of pelagic food webs, as well as climate and ecosystem interactions.
Expected starting date is 1 June 2026 (or according to mutual agreement).
The position is full-time for 3 years.
Kgs. Lyngby (Copenhagen area), Denmark, with research stays in Greenland and Spain.
Not specified.
Applications must be submitted online as one PDF file containing: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale, and a draft project description (1-2 pages with a concise proposal on the research idea, including relevance, motivation, theoretical framework and preliminary suggestion of methodology). Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
For further information, contact Sinja Rist at siri@aqua.dtu.dk.
01/03/2026.
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