2-year Postdoc position in soil sensing

Aarhus University; Denmark; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University’s Sensor Laboratory at the Department of Biology invites a 2-year postdoc to advance optical sensing of NH3 emissions in biochar-treated fields. You will develop in-situ imaging systems, work on lab and field sensors, and join field campaigns with partners from Copenhagen University and AU.

Applicants should hold a PhD in Biology, Chemistry or similar, have documented experience in optical sensing and publications in top journals, plus strong communication skills and readiness

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Chemistry or similar field.
• Documented experience in optical sensing.
• Publications in leading journals.
• Communication skills with stakeholders.
• Danish language skills are an asset.
• High level of self-motivation.

Responsibilities

• Develop in-situ imaging system for NH3.
• Develop optical NH3 sensors in lab and field.
• Be involved in field campaigns.
• Collaborate with Copenhagen University and AU department partners.

Skills

Optical sensing

Publication experience

Communication skills

Danish language skills

Self-motivation

Education

PhD in Biology, Chemistry or similar fields

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 DepartmentofBiology, 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.

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
• 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

The department/laboratory offers:

• 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, 8000Aarhus C, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Applications must be received no later than 31.10.2026.

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications - and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, - the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self.

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation .

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxationand the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities .

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

Aarhus University's ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU.

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website , you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates.