PhD in Radar Glaciology & Greenland Ice Sheet Firn Hydrology

About the role

This PhD project investigates how the near‑surface firn layer of the Greenland Ice Sheet has changed since the early 1990s using airborne radar records. It is part of the ERC‑funded FirnMelt project, which examines meltwater storage and runoff.

Key responsibilities

• Analyse airborne radar data collected over the Greenland Ice Sheet from the early 1990s to the present.
• Map long‑term changes in firn properties, including the expansion of ice slabs and ice layers.
• Assess regional impacts on firn meltwater storage and, where feasible, map englacial channels and drainage pathways.
• Contribute observations for evaluating firn and hydrological models and integrate results with upcoming airborne campaigns and ground‑based measurements.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in geophysics, physics, geosciences, geology, geography or a related natural‑science field.
• Proficiency in English.
• Interest in working with large observational datasets in an international research environment.

Required skills

• Airborne radar data analysis.
• Radar measurements and remote sensing techniques.
• Scientific programming for data processing and model evaluation.
• Firn and hydrological model assessment.