Postdoc in Crop root development, and its effects on root zone water and nitrogen dynamics

KU; København; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 560,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Copenhagen invites applications for a 34-month Postdoc position in Crop root development and its effects on root zone water and nitrogen dynamics. The successful candidate will join the Crop Physiology and Production Systems group and work with advanced root research facilities to study deep root interactions with soil water and nutrient cycling.

Tasks include running experiments, generating high-quality datasets, and contributing to publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in agricultural science or related disciplines.
• Solid knowledge of whole plant physiology and soil-water–nutrient relations.
• Practical experience with field crop experiments and plant analyses.
• Strong data management and statistical analysis skills.
• Proven record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent English writing and speaking abilities.
• Good interpersonal and collaboration experience in multinational teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan and run experiments in the RootAccess facility.
• Produce well organized datasets and clearly present results.
• Collaborate with project team and contribute to publications.
• Monitor crop root development and soil water/nitrogen dynamics across depths.

Skills

PhD in agricultural science

Crop physiology

Field experiments

Data management

Statistical analysis

Scientific publications

Interpersonal skills

English proficiency

Education

PhD degree in agricultural science

Tools

Minirhizotrons

Soil water sensors

Soil gas samplers

Isotopic tracers

Job description

Postdoc in Crop root development, and its effects on root zone water and nitrogen dynamics

Department of Plant and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen is offering a 34-months Postdoc position in Crop root development, and its effects on root zone water and nitrogen dynamics commencing February 1st 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Job description
The postdoc will be working on crop root and root zone research in our newly established root research facility RootAccess ( https://plen.ku.dk/english/research/crop_sciences/cpps/rootaccess/ ). The facility is equipped to allow the study of crop root growth to 3 meters depth and to follow the dynamic effects on soil water and nitrogen (uptake, leaching and denitrification) to the same depth. During the project, a number of common crops will be grown in rotation in the facility, allowing the study of their different exploitation of the root zone for water and nitrogen, both during the crop growth seasons as well as during periods without crops, to cover rotational effects over the years. Studies will be based on soil water sensors, minirhizotrons, soil water suction cells, and soil gas samplers, all installed at several depths in the soil profile. Furthermore, we use isotopic tracers to follow root uptake. The postdoc will be part of the team working on the project and facility, and co-responsible for running the experiments in the facility. Apart from the experimental work and contribution to publishing the results, a main task for the postdoc will be to produce well organized datasets and clear result presentation, continuously updated during the project.

Description of the scientific environment
The postdoc will be hosted in the Crop Physiology and Production Systems research group ( https://plen.ku.dk/english/research/crop_sciences/cpps/ ), which focuses on crop growth and quality at the crop, crop rotation, and cropping system level. The group has a specific focus on crop root research, using field-scale root research facilities, including the RadiMax root phenotyping facility as well as the newly developed RootAccess facility.

Required qualifications
The applicants should hold professional and personal skills and qualifications as stated below:

• A PhD degree in agricultural science, or related disciplines.
• Solid knowledge of whole plant and crop physiology, including plant and soil water and nutrient relations.
• Good technical skills and practical experimental experience with whole plant or preferably field crop experiments, as well as modern plant analyses and monitoring techniques.
• Competent on data management and statistical analysis, etc.
• Good record, considering your early career stage, of peer-reviewed scientific publications
• Good interpersonal skills, experience with collaborative work in multinational teams.
• Excellent English writing and speaking abilities.

Key criteria for the assessment of candidates

• Professional qualifications relevant to the position
• Scientific publications
• Relevant research experience
• Other professional activities

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement betweenthe Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The deadline for applications is15 November 2026, 23:59 GMT +1. Interviews are expected to be held in week 50 2026.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

Part of the InternationalAllianceof Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.

Department/Location: Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences

Contact: University of Copenhagen
[e-mail]