211-0744/26-2E Associate Professor of Ice Physics and Flow Modelling

Associate Professor of Ice Physics and Flow Modelling

Niels Bohr Institute

Faculty of Science

University of Copenhagen

A fixed-term position as Associate Professor is available in the Ice and Climate research group at the Niels Bohr Institute starting on 15 January 2027 or as soon as possible hereafter. The position is for up to 3 years, ending on 31. August 2029.

Scientific environment

The candidate will join the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Centre “PRECISE – PREdicting Changes in Ice Sheets on Earth” with the overall aim of reducing uncertainties in the projected contributions from ice sheets to the global mean sea-level rise. PRECISE research involves ice flow and climate modelling, ice cores, theoretical ice physics, as well as integration of data and numerical models, to enable better simulations of ice sheet melt and mass loss under global warming. The overall goals of the Centre are to include ice physics and material physics processes in large-scale ice flow modelling and to develop data-driven emulators for climate-forcings of ice sheets. The Centre is an international collaboration between the Ice and Climate group and the Complex Physics group, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) and the Northumbria University in Newcastle, UK, led by Professor Christine S. Hvidberg.

Main tasks and responsibilities

The associate professor will lead research within non-linear viscous flow modelling of ice sheets in the Centre and collaborate with the international research team towards reaching the project goals. The associate professor will apply and develop a framework for modelling the coupled ice flow and evolving ice crystal anisotropy in large ice sheets. The modelling work will involve applications and development of fabric evolution for ice sheets and other applications, e.g. in geology or biophysics, building on current developments in the Centre on modelling crystallographic preferred orientation of polycrystalline materials with the SPECFAB model. A key part of the modelling will be to combine data from various sources, including ice cores, laboratory measurements, radar surveys, and remote sensing data. The associate professor will further contribute to ice core drilling projects led by the Ice and Climate group, both in developing software for equipment and instruments, in conducting the field work, and in proposing new measurements to be made. The associate professor will be responsible for publishing results and leading scientific publications from the team. In addition, the associate professor will also be responsible for supervision of students at all levels.  

Qualifications

We seek an independent and ambitious candidate with a strong track record at high international level in ice physics and flow modelling research using computational and mathematical approaches combined with an in-depth knowledge of ice crystal fabric and radar glaciology, demonstrated by the publication record. Strong theoretical understanding of ice flow and computational proficiency are key skills. Experience with ice core drilling projects and field work is essential. The candidate should be comfortable working in teams with collaborative mindsets.

Applicants are required to have university level teaching experience, documented teaching competencies and must be able to explain and reflect upon own teaching practice and portfolio. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen teacher training programme for assistant professors is required.

The candidate must be qualified to teach advanced courses in continuum mechanics at MSc level, as well as supervise MSc and PhD students in ice flow modelling projects. Duties include the applicant’s own research, development of the field, assessment tasks, grant applications, and research management such as supervision and training of research fellows and other staff. The successful applicant must also teach, supervise, prepare and participate in examinations, and fulfill other tasks requested by the Department.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, original scientific production at an international level, including contributions to developments in their field, as well as their documented teaching qualifications. Managerial and out-reach qualifications of applicants including ability to attract external funding will also be considered.

General criteria apply to the appointment as associate professor at the University of Copenhagen. The criteria (research, teaching, Innovation & societal impact, organisational contribution and leadership) are considered as a framework for an overall assessment of the applicant. In addition, each applicant will be assessed according to the specific requirements listed in this advertisement.

Applicants are encouraged to read the University of Copenhagen's guidance on the merit criterion Innovation and Societal Impact here link til Guidance on the merit criterion Innovation and Societal Impact for applicants and assessors

The position will be hosted in the section for Physics of Ice, Climate and Earth at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. The Ice and Climate group is a world-leading research group in ice-core related climate research, with state-of-the-art ice core research laboratories and HPC computing facilities. The group has a large network of national and international collaborators.

For more information on the activities in the section, visit https://nbi.ku.dk/english/research/pice/. Further information on the Niels Bohr Institute is linked at https://nbi.ku.dk/english/ . Inquiries about the position can be made to Head of Institute Joachim Mathiesen head_of_institute@nbi.ku.dk .

The position is open from 15 January, 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect on the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae including information about external funding
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Description and documentation of teaching experience and qualifications according to university guidelines
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 17-06-2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held 27 October. 

Please refer to the following no. in future communication in this case: 211-0744/26-2E