PHD Stipend in Microbial Ecology to Optimise Anaerobic Digestion Processes

AAU; Aalborg; On-site; DKK 404,000 - 493,000; Full time

Job summary

Aalborg University invites applications for a PhD stipend in Microbial Ecology focusing on optimizing anaerobic digestion processes. The position is for 3 years and based in Aalborg, with a start from 01.01.2027 or as soon as possible.

The project collaborates with Shell Biogas Low Carbon Solutions and combines bench-scale bioreactor work with longitudinal microbial identification and meta-omics analyses to explore active microbiota in enhanced digesters.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field and eligibility for PhD enrollment.
• Experience with molecular techniques and bioinformatics analyses advantageous.
• Excellent English; Danish knowledge is not required but helpful.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on a project with Shell Biogas Low Carbon Solutions to enhance anaerobic digestion.
• Combine bench-scale bioreactor work with long-term microbial identification.
• Apply meta-omics approaches to study active microbiota in digesters.
• Contribute to addressing environmental challenges through interdisciplinary research.

Skills

Meta-omics

RNA-based methods

Bioinformatics analyses

Molecular biology techniques

Bench-scale bioreactor operation

Data analysis

Statistics

English proficiency

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Biotechnology

Master's degree in Microbial Ecology

Master's degree in Bioinformatics

Tools

Metagenomics

Metatranscriptomics

DNA/RNA sequencing

R (statistical software)

Job description

PHD Stipend in Microbial Ecology to Optimise Anaerobic Digestion Processes

The Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Environmental Microbiology

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a Ph.D. stipend on “Microbial Ecology to Optimise Anaerobic Digestion Processes“ is available within the general study program. The Ph.D. stipend is open for appointment from 01.01.2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for 3 years, and the workplace is in Aalborg.

Your work tasks

The PhD stipend is part of a collaboration with Shell Biogas Low Carbon Solutions, focusing on exploring enhancement technologies to improve biogas production and process stability in agricultural-based anaerobic digesters. As part of your PhD research, you will combine bench-scale bioreactor operation with longitudinal microbial identification, and advanced meta-omics (e.g., metagenomics, metatranscriptomics) to investigate the active microbiota in enhanced anaerobic digesters. Within a broader framework, your work will contribute to the development of alternatives to address real-world environmental challenges.

The Ph.D. candidate will be anchored in the Center for Microbial Communities that has approx. 50 scientists at various career levels, working with structure and function of microbial communities, primarily related to environmental microbiology and biotechnology. The Center has state of the art equipment within DNA and RNA sequencing, laboratory automation, CPU and GPU compute resources and advanced microscopy.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment, collaborating with experts in microbial ecology, bioinformatics, and environmental engineering.

Your competencies

We are looking for a motivated candidate with a Master's degree in Biotechnology, Microbial Ecology, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field.

The ideal candidate has experience with, or knowledge of, molecular techniques and bioinformatics analyses. Experience with meta-omics and RNA-based methods is an advantage. Knowledge of or experience with bench-scale bioreactor operation and understanding of full-scale anaerobic digestion processes will be considered an advantage. Experience with data analysis and statistics is likewise desirable.

Excellent oral and written English language skills are required. Knowledge of Danish language is not necessary but would be an advantage.

We are looking for a colleague who is curious, proactive, and motivated to work across disciplines. The successful candidate should be able to work independently, take initiative, and contribute actively to a collaborative research environment. We value good communication and teamwork skills, as well as an open and constructive approach to working with colleagues from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.

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 at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 872 of 6 October 2026 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!

Read more about the department here; Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience - en.bio.aau.dk - Aalborg University

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

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

Temporary position more than 6 months

Contract type

Full time

Number of positions

1

Full-time equivalent

37 hours/week

City

Aalborg

Reference number

2026/1286

Contact

• Assistant Professor Miriam Peces Gomez, [phone], [e-mail]
• Vigdis Skomager-Bohnfeldt, [phone], [e-mail]