2-year Postdoc position in soil sensing

Mikrobiologi; Aarhus; On-site; DKK 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Two-year contract

Access to shared equipment

Interdisciplinary environment

Networking opportunities

Job summary

Aarhus University’s Sensor Laboratory, Department of Biology, invites applications for a 2-year postdoc position on optical sensing of NH3 emissions in biochar-treated fields.

You will develop in-situ imaging systems for NH3, advance optical NH3 sensors in lab and field, and participate in field campaigns in collaboration with Copenhagen University and AU colleagues.

Starting 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible; salary follows Danish scales; excellent facilities and international collaborations.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Chemistry or similar fields.
• Documented experience in optical sensing.
• Publication experience in leading discipline or interdisciplinary journals.
• Collaboration skills.
• Communication skills with different stakeholders.
• Danish language skills are an asset as the work also includes working with local stakeholders.
• High level of self-motivation.

Responsibilities

• You will be contributing to/establishing/developing an in-situ imaging system for NH3.
• You will be further developing optical NH3 sensors in the laboratory and in the field.
• You will be involved in field campaigns.
• These activities will be in close collaboration with project partners from Copenhagen University and AU.

Skills

Optical sensing

Collaboration

Communication

Danish language

Self-motivation

Education

PhD in Biology/Chemistry

Job description

Are you interested in optical sensors and ammonia (NH3) emissions? Then you might want to contribute to the BholdN project where we want to make NH3 emissions visible in biochar treated fields. We offer a 2-year postdoc position in the field of optical sensing at the Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Denmark

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a 2-year position from 1.1.2027 or as soon as possible.

Job description

• You will be contributing to/establishing/developing an in-situ imaging system for NH3.
• You will be further developing optical NH3 sensors in the laboratory and in the field.
• You will be involved in field campaigns.
• These activities will be in close collaboration with the project partners from Copenhagen University and the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering from AU.

Your profile

Applicants must hold a PhD in Biology, Chemistry or similar fields.

Applicants are expected to have:

• Documented experience in optical sensing (requirement)
• Publication experience in leading discipline or interdisciplinary journals
• Collaboration skills
• Communication skills with different stakeholders
• Danish language skills are an asset as the work also includes working with local stakeholders
• High level of self-motivation.

Who we are

The Sensor Laboratory at the Department of Biology is internationally recognized for the development and application of advanced chemical sensing technologies. We have pioneered several innovative approaches to chemical sensing and imaging for environmental and biological applications. Led by Prof. Klaus Koren and Associate Prof. Ugo Marzocchi, the laboratory combines fundamental sensor development with real-world applications in complex biological systems, from soils and sediments to microbial communities and aquatic environments. The laboratory currently hosts three PhD students and six postdoctoral researchers, bringing together an interdisciplinary team with backgrounds spanning chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering. This combination of expertise enables us to develop new sensing technologies and translate them into tools for investigating chemical processes in complex, heterogeneous environments

What we offer

• A well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment
• An exciting interdisciplinary environment with many national, international and industrial collaborators
• A research climate encouraging lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research
• A work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities
• A workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus C, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Contact information

For further information, please contact Prof. Klaus Koren, < email deleted for security reasons >

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 31.10.2026.

Formalities and salary range

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions at basic salary steps 4-8.

Equality and diversity

We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.