Agroecological approaches to reduce nitrogen losses in vegetable production

Technical Sciences - Institut for Fødevarer; Denmark; Vor Ort; DKK 335.000 - 424.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Monthly allowance

Academic staff position

Zusammenfassung

Agroecological approaches to reduce nitrogen losses in vegetable production is a PhD fellowship at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark. The position is available from 15 January 2027 or later and falls under the Food Science programme.

The project investigates mitigation measures such as catch crops, precision fertilisation and irrigation in open-field vegetable crop rotations, using field trials and modelling to assess nitrogen use efficiency and environmental

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree in Plant, Horticultural, Agricultural, Biological, Environmental or Soil Science (120 ECTS).
• Fluent English is required.
• Experience in handling and analysing experimental data.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience in field experiments.
• Advantage: experience conducting plant and soil experiments; proven scientific writing record.

Kenntnisse

English fluency

Data analysis

Independent work

Team collaboration

Field experiments

Ausbildung

Master's degree in Plant, Horticultural, Agricultural, Biological, Environmental or Soil Science

Jobbeschreibung

Agroecological approaches to reduce nitrogen losses in vegetable production

Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Food Science programme. The position is available from 15 January 2027 or later.

Title Agroecological approaches to reduce nitrogen losses in vegetable production

Research area and project description This PhD project will investigate how to reduce nitrogen losses from vegetable production systems. The aim is to successfully introduce and optimise mitigation measures such as catch crops, biomass removal, precision fertilisation and irrigation in open field vegetable crop rotations to reduce residual soil N. The focus will be on losses by nitrate leaching as well as vegetable growth and nitrogen use efficiency. The aim is to optimise resource use and reduce environmental and climate impact of both organic and conventional vegetable systems using agroecological approaches. Relationships will be studied by experimental and modelling methodologies between soil nitrogen availability, crop nitrogen uptake and nitrate leaching losses based on soil water, soil and plant sampling from field trials at research and commercial fields. Investigations of losses of nitrous oxide may be included.

Research questions to be addressed include:

• How do crop traits influence the effectiveness of various mitigation measures in efficiently reducing nitrogen losses in organic and conventional vegetable production?
• How to optimise fertilisation and irrigation practices for adequate root zone availability of nitrogen for high yielding and low nitrogen leaching vegetable production?

Statistically designed field experiments will be available for studying mitigation measures on nitrate leaching in vegetable crop rotations at the research station AU-Auning. Fields at vegetable producers are equipped and available. The Department provides access to the state-of-the-art field and laboratory facilities. The PhD student will join the Science Team of Plant, Food and Sustainability, which includes PhD students and other scientific and technical staff. We foster a friendly and respectful working environment in an international atmosphere. We aim to collaborate and enjoy while contributing to the sustainability of food production.

Qualifications and specific competences Applicants are expected to have a relevant master's degree in Plant, Horticultural, Agricultural, Biological, Environmental or Soil Science (120 ECTS)

• Write and speak English fluently
• Knowledge of handling and analysing experimental data
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Experience in field experiments

It is an advantage to have:

• Experience in conducting plant and soil experiments
• A proven record in scientific writing

Place of employment and place of work The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is FOOD, Agro Food Park 48, 8200 Aarhus N., Denmark.

Contacts

• Hanne Lakkenborg Kristensen, e-mail: [e-mail] (main supervisor)
• Mesfin T. Gebremikael, e-mail: [e-mail] (co-supervisor)

Preferred starting date is 15 January 2027.

Application deadline is 01 December 2026 at 23:59 CET.

Formalities and salary range Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions. You will be employed as an academic staff member at basic salary grades 4–8. As a PhD fellow you will also receive a monthly non-pensionable allowance.

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