Funded PhD position in the DUSTHILA project, Iceland

The Agricultural University of Iceland (AUI) invites applications for a funded PhD position in the Rannís-funded DUSTHILA project. The successful candidate will help advance our understanding of dust impacts on high-latitude environments through cutting-edge field observations, laboratory analyses, and modelling.

DUSTHILA investigates the transport, deposition, and impacts of mineral dust in the high-latitude North Atlantic and Arctic regions. The research integrates atmospheric observations, geochemical analysis, and modelling to assess environmental and climatic effects.

• Conduct field sampling and laboratory analyses of dust and deposition.
• Analyse data to identify dust sources and transport pathways.
• Contribute to scientific publications and project reports.
• Participate in workshops, meetings, and international collaborations.

The role also requires completion of doctoral studies in accordance with university requirements.

The position offers opportunities for international fieldwork, collaboration with a broad polar-research network, conference participation and publication in peer-reviewed journals. DUSTHILA results will support open-access publications, forecasting tools and assessments for organisations and networks including AMAP, WMO SDS-WAS, UNCCD, the European Aerosol Assembly, UArctic, CAMS and GIOS.

Applicants should hold an MSc degree in environmental science, atmospheric science, Earth sciences, geography, geology, physics, chemistry, environmental engineering, or a related discipline. Strong analytical, scientific writing, and communication skills are essential, along with excellent written and spoken English.

Field campaigns may involve demanding conditions, including remote desert environments without access to electricity. The successful candidate should therefore be flexible and prepared to work in challenging field conditions.

Experience with fieldwork, aerosol or cryosphere measurements, laboratory analysis, remote sensing, data analysis or scientific programming is an advantage. We welcome applicants who can work both independently and as part of an international, interdisciplinary research team, and who are willing to participate in field campaigns and international travel.

Please email the following documents to Dr Pavla Dagsson-Waldhauserova at firstname@lbhi.is:

1. A cover letter describing your motivation, research interests and relevant qualifications.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates.
4. Contact information for two referees.

For further information, please contact Dr Pavla Dagsson-Waldhauserova. Employment terms and salary follow the applicable agreements of the Agricultural University of Iceland.

Learn more about High Latitude Dust activities through IceDust, CAMS National Collaboration Programme Iceland, and the UArctic High Latitude Dust Thematic Network.