PostDoc Position: Bio-mediated conversion of CO2 from chemical capture agents

Aarhus Universitet; Denmark; On-site; DKK 520,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University in Aarhus invites a 24-month postdoc position focused on bio-mediated conversion of CO2 from capture agents into methane and acetic acid. You will design reactor systems and work within the Novo Nordisk Foundation CO2 Center (CORC) with experts in biotechnology, chemistry, and engineering.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in microbiology or biotechnology and has hands-on experience with H2/CO2 anaerobic cultures, microbial physiology and data-modeling.

Qualifications

• PhD in microbiology or biotechnology.
• Experience with H2/CO2-based anaerobic cultures.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Design and operate reactor systems for CO2 capture and conversion.
• Study anaerobic microorganisms catalyzing CO2 to products.
• Collaborate within CORC center with biotech, chemistry and engineering experts.
• Publish results and supervise students as needed.

Skills

Anaerobic cultures

Microbial physiology

Thermodynamics

Inhibition models

Data modelling

English proficiency

Education

PhD in microbiology or biotechnology

Job description

PostDoc Position: Bio-mediated conversion of CO2 from chemical capture agents

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, invites applicants for a 24-month position within the field of Carbon Capture and Utilization focused on the microbial conversion of CO2 to methane and acetic acid.
The position is available from 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible hereafter.The deadline for the application will be 23 September 2026.

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a 24-month position starting from 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Research Project

You will be part of the Novo Nordisk Foundation CO2 Center (CORC) with aim of developing knowledge and technology within the field of Carbon Capture and Utilization.
You will here be part of an interdisciplinary center, with experts inside biotechnology, chemistry, and engineering, joined in the effort to solve one of the greatest challenges of this century. For more information on the CO2 Research Center, please visit www.corc.au.dk
By using your expertise in microbiology or biotechnology you will be involved in the development of biotechnology for producing CO2-neutral chemicals in the form of methane and acetic acid from renewable energy and CO2 from industrial sources.

You will use your expertise in microbiology and biotechnology to design and operate reactor systems for capture and conversion of CO2 flue gasses, while studying the anaerobic microorganisms catalyzing the conversion of H2 and CO2 to biological products.

Your profile

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in microbiology or biotechnology and have expertise and hands-on experience with the following points:

• Hands-on experience with H2/CO2-based anaerobic pure cultures of either methanogens or acetogens
• Expertise in microbial physiology, including growth kinetics and associated thermodynamic calculations
• Experience with microbial inhibition models
• Model-based data processing
• Excellence in both written and spoken English

You will be working in the research group "Microbial Conversion Technologies" as part of the Dept. of Biological & Chemical Engineering. As a group member you will be expected to be a team player, where you contribute to student co-supervision, teaching and day-to-day work of the group.The place of work is Gustav Wieds Vej 10C, 8000 Aarhus C and the Aarhus University Energy Research Facility located at AU Campus Viborg (https://dca.au.dk/en/about-dca/au-foulum).

Who we are

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE) has strong research sections in Biotechnology, Environmental and Process Engineering.
Industrial impact is at the core of our research and translation of results into solving relevant societal challenges is a highly prioritized part of our work.

What we offer

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering offers:

• The opportunity to be part of a team developing novel technologies for sustainable fuels and to make a high impact through solving of climate change issues.
• A well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and pilot-scale facilities
• 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 area of employment is Aarhus University with affiliated institutions. The primary workplace will be Gustav Wieds Vej 10, DK-8000 Aarhus C.

Contact information

For further information please contact: Research Group Leader & Associate Professor Michael Vedel Wegener Kofoed [e-mail].

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 23 September 2026.

Salary, benefits and equality

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.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here . Please find more information about entering and working in Denmarkhere .

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here .