PhD Position - The Impact of Microplastics on Glacier Albedo and Melt Dynamics

Organisation/Company

Reykjavik University

Department

Human Resources

Research Field

Environmental science

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Recognised Researcher (R2)
Established Researcher (R3)
Leading Researcher (R4)

Positions

PhD Positions

Application Deadline

15 Apr 2026 - 00:00 (Atlantic/Reykjavik)

Country

Iceland

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Other EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

About the project

This PhD project investigates how microplastic (MP) pollution affects the reflectivity (albedo) of snow and ice and its potential to accelerate glacier melt. While black carbon and mineral dust have been studied as contributors to reduced albedo, the role of MPs, recently found in glacial regions such as Iceland’s Vatnajökull ice cap, remains poorly understood. The project hypothesises that MPs embedded in snow and ice lower albedo and increase solar energy absorption, thereby enhancing melt rates. Through a combination of fieldwork, laboratory experiments with synthetic glacier ice, and glacier energy balance modelling, the research will quantify the effect of MP contamination on melt dynamics under varying conditions. Key research questions address how MPs are incorporated into snow and ice, how their characteristics influence radiative absorption, and how they affect glacier melt models.

The project builds on the research project “Microplastics in Glaciers” and benefits from established fieldwork infrastructure and a strong collaborative network. It is the first study to experimentally and numerically assess MP-induced albedo changes, contributing critical insights into the intersection of plastic pollution and cryospheric change. Findings will inform glaciological forecasting, climate modelling, and environmental policy.

Available PhD position

Reykjavik University invites applications for a full-time, on-site PhD position in this project. The successful candidate will work across three interconnected research areas:

• Microplastic integration in snow and ice: Investigating how MPs are retained within snowpacks and ice at Vatnajökull, including their spatial distribution, morphological characteristics, and interaction with solar radiation.
• Laboratory measurements of albedo alteration: Quantifying how MPs affect light absorption in both synthetic and natural glacial ice, comparing laboratory and field samples from Vatnajökull.
• Glacier melt modelling: Integrating empirically derived MP data into a surface energy and mass balance model of Vatnajökull to simulate MP-induced albedo reduction under current and projected climate conditions.

The student will be based at Reykjavik University and will undertake research visits (approximately 3-6 months in years 1 and 2) to the Ice and Microplastics Laboratory at the University of Gothenburg for specialised training and laboratory measurements. The student will contribute to research publications and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of experts in glaciology, microplastic analysis, and climate modelling.

Supervision and funding

The student will be supervised by Prof. Hlynur Stefánsson (Reykjavík University), with co-supervision by Prof. Mark Peternell (University of Gothenburg) and Prof. Guðfinna Th. Aðalgeirsdóttir (University of Iceland). The position is funded by the Research Fund at Reykjavík University for the three year duration of the PhD, subject to satisfactory academic progress.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Glaciology, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with laboratory techniques and/or numerical modelling is advantageous.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research team.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Application requirements

Applications must be submitted via the official recruitment website and include:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and relevant qualifications.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) with educational background, work experience, publications, and references.
• Two letters of recommendation confirming your academic abilities, or contact information of two referees.
• Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts.
• Any research publications (if available) or a copy of the Master thesis if relevant to this project.

The application deadline is April 15, 2026.

Inquiries by email: hlynur@ru.is

Join us in advancing cutting-edge research on the role of plastic pollution in glacier melt and cryospheric change.

About Reykjavik University (RU)

Reykjavík University has around 3.700 students and 300 faculty and employees in addition to numerous adjunct faculty in two schools: Technology and Social Sciences. We offer a welcoming and stimulating environment in which to work and live. The University is centrally located in Reykjavík, the capital city of Iceland. The role of Reykjavik University is to create and disseminate knowledge to enhance the competitiveness and quality of life for individuals and society, guided by good ethics, sustainability, and responsibility. Education and research at RU are based on strong ties with industry and society. We emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, international relations, and entrepreneurship.

About Iceland

Iceland is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with volcanoes, hot springs, lava fields and glaciers offering a dramatic landscape. It consistently ranks as one of the best places in the world to live. It offers a high quality of life and is one of the safest places in the world, with high gender equality and strong healthcare and social support systems. Reykjavik is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that provides an ideal environment for combining cultural and family activities with an active lifestyle.

Website

https://jobs.50skills.com/ru/is

Research Field

Environmental science

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Level

Excellent

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Reykjavík University

Country

Iceland

State/Province

Reykjavík

City

Reykjavík

Postal Code

102 Reykjavík

Street

Menntavegur 1

Geofield

City

Reykjavik

Website

http://www.ru.is/

Street

Menntavegur 1

Postal Code

101

E-Mail

hlynur@ru.is

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