PHD STIPEND IN DETECTION OF PEPTIDE-BASED PESTICIDES

The Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Functional Ecology a; Aalborg; In loco; DKK 335.000 - 379.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Flexible hours

Social activities

Diversity

Descrizione del lavoro

The Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Functional Ecology and Genomics at Aalborg University invites applications for a PhD stipend in Detection of Peptide-based Pesticides. The project focuses on environmental fate, non-target effects, and molecular analyses within an interdisciplinary setting.

Successful candidates hold a master’s degree in biotechnology, biology, toxicology or biochemistry and will pursue PhD studies in environmental engineering and

Competenze

• Master's degree required; PhD stipend for 3 years.
• Applicant enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science.
• Experience with molecular techniques and bioinformatics is advantageous.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills are required.

Mansioni

• Investigate detection methods for small peptides in environmental samples.
• Study environmental fate of peptide-based products and non-commercial compounds.
• Assess species-specific effects using molecular techniques and omics approaches.
• Engage with a multidisciplinary team and contribute to teaching when needed.

Conoscenze

Molecular techniques

Transcriptomics

Proteomics

Bioinformatics

Data analysis

Statistics

Communication skills

Collaboration

Formazione

MSc in biotechnology

MSc in toxicology

MSc in biology

MSc in biochemistry

Descrizione del lavoro

PHD STIPEND IN DETECTION OF PEPTIDE-BASED PESTICIDES

The Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Functional Ecology and Genomics

At Aalborg University (AAU), Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a PhD stipend is available within the PhD study program of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering. The stipend is open for appointment from 1 December 2026 or soon hereafter. The stipend is available for 3 years.

The Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Section for Ecology and Genomics, invites applications for a PhD Stipend to study the biological effects and environmental fate of biotechnological pesticides based on small peptides. The project will focus on quantifying impacts on non-target organisms and uncovering mechanisms driving species-specific sensitivities.

This PhD Stipend is part of the ENSAFE project (ENvironmental SAFEty of biotechnological plant protection products based on double-stranded RNA and peptides) funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The project aims to develop tools and methods to support evidence-based risk assessment frameworks for bio-based plant protection products (PPPs).

The PhD will specifically investigate:

• Detection methods for small peptides in environmental samples (e.g., soil), including direct molecule identification and indirect assessments via physiological effects on soil organisms.
• The environmental fate of newly commercialized peptide-based products and other non-commercial products.
• Species-specific effects of peptide-based PPPs using molecular techniques, such as transcriptomics and proteomics, to explore physiological changes in organisms. Focus will also be on microbiomes.
• A master's degree in biotechnology, toxicology, biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field is an advantage.
• Knowledge to, or experience with advanced molecular techniques (e.g., transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics) and bioinformatic analysis will be advantageous.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistics, and excellent communication and collaboration skills are also desired.
• Excellent oral and written English language skills are a requirement.
• The applicant must be interested in working in an interdisciplinary research environment.

The position includes close collaboration with project bioinformaticians developing genomic-based models to predict species sensitivity. The project involves partnerships with the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Wallingford and the University of Copenhagen, facilitating interdisciplinary training in ecotoxicology and biopesticide risk assessment.

The PhD student will follow courses according to the university’s PhD program. The candidate is also expected to engage in teaching within ecology, global change biology, and ecosystem modelling and be involved in project-based student supervision within the section. All educational programs at Aalborg University are based on Problem Based Learning, with projects making up half the teaching load at all semesters.

Qualification requirements PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student atthe Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

Who we are At the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience (BIO), our high-level research spans from basic to applied within both natural sciences and engineering. With approx. 150 employees, 75 PhD students, and 775 bachelor and master’s students at our campuses in Aalborg (main campus) and Esbjerg, we are a vital research and educational institution when it comes to creating new basic knowledge as well as contributing to solving the world’s challenges within biology, chemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, environmental science, and chemical engineering.

We continuously improve our department as an attractive place of work and study. We offer flexible hours, social activities throughout the year both at the department level and in each Section. We are inclusive and have respect for individuals, communities, and cultures. Our work culture is founded on openness, curiosity, transparency, and involvement. Come join us!

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Salary and terms of employment The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Furthermore, your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement).

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.

Type of employment

Type of employment Temporary position more than 6 months

Contract type

Contract type Full time

Number of positions

Number of positions 1

Full-time equivalent 37 hours/week

City

City Aalborg

County *

Country

Reference number

Reference number 2026/1187

Contact

• Vigdis Skomager-Bohnfeldt, [phone], [e-mail]