Postdoctoral researcher in environmental microbial ecology

1000scholars; Aarhus; Sur place; DKK 420 000 - 480 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Relocation services

Junior Researcher DevelopmentProgramme

Career counselling for expats

Support for international researchers

Résumé du poste

The Department of Biology at Aarhus University invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral position in environmental microbial ecology, starting 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The role combines FISH-based visualization, omics analyses and isotope probing in a European research team.

Salary follows Danish terms; applicants should have a PhD and strong English communication skills. Supervisory activities and some teaching may be expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology or related field, or expected before start date.
• Experience with advanced microscopy and molecular ecology methods.
• Strong Publication record relative to career stage.

Responsabilités

• Identify and visualize bacterial and archaeal cells on iron minerals.
• Combine FISH, imaging, omics, and isotope incubation experiments.
• Collaborate with German partners and supervise students where applicable.

Connaissances

Microscopy techniques

Molecular ecology

FISH

English communication

Formation

PhD in biology or related field

Outils

FISH

Correlative microscopy

Omics data analysis

Stable isotope incubation

Description du poste

The Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Denmark, invites applications for a two-year, fixed-term postdoctoral position in environmental microbial ecology, starting 1 February, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is part of a project funded by the Villum Foundation's Villum Experiment programme.

The project

Electrically conductive iron minerals are widespread in anoxic aquatic sediments, yet we know little about the microorganisms that live on them. The project aims to characterize the phylogenetic identity and ecophysiology of microorganisms associated with these minerals. We hypothesize that, by facilitating extracellular electron transfer, the minerals provide a distinct niche that selectively enriches electroactive microorganisms relative to the surrounding sediment.

This is a two–year position from 1 February, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. This is a fixed-term position to end on 31 January, 2029.

Job description

You will identify, visualize and characterize bacterial and archaeal cells associated with iron minerals by combining fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and correlative imaging, DNA- and/or RNA-based omics, and stable isotope incubation experiments. You will have considerable freedom to shape the methodological approach and to develop your own ideas within the project framework. Project collaborators in Germany will contribute chemical characterization of the minerals, giving you the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary team. Participation in supervision of BSc., MSc. and PhD students and possibly some classroom teaching is also expected.

Your profile

You hold a PhD in biology, earth and environmental science, biotechnology or a related field (or expect to complete it before the start date), and you have a research background in microbiology or microbial ecology.

Essentials:

• Experience with advanced microscopy and/or molecular microbial ecology methods.
• Interest in microbial physiology and electromicrobiology.
• A systematic approach to method development and testing.
• A publication record in international peer-reviewed journals, relative to your career stage.
• Very good written and oral communication skills in English.

Desirable:

• Experience with FISH, correlative microscopy, stable isotope probing, or omics data analysis.
• Experience working with sediment or other environmental samples.
• Experience with microbial physiology and/or electromicrobiology.
• If you are excited about the project but your experience does not match every point, we still encourage you to apply.

At the Department of Biology, we value a collegial and inclusive working environment and place strong emphasis on good relationships among colleagues and students. We welcome colleagues who bring an open, constructive and collaborative approach.

Who we are

The Department of Biology (Aarhus University) provides a framework for research and teaching in all major biological subdisciplines. The department currently encompasses approximately 200 academic and technical staff and 45 PhD students while 400 students follow the BSc and MSc programs offered by the department. The Section for Microbiology (https://bio.au.dk/en/about-biology/sections/microbiology) employs 12 associate and full professors and offers a vibrant, international research environment for studying microbial physiology, evolution, ecology, and biogeochemistry. The section integrates basic and applied research, addressing the functions, eco-physiology, and evolution of microorganisms in natural and biotechnological systems. The section has well-equipped laboratories, a permanent support staff of highly skilled laboratory technicians, and access to advanced imaging facilities on the AU campus.

What we offer

• A two-year position in a stimulating, international research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and imaging facilities.
• A work environment encouraging lively, open and critical discussion.
• A work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities.
• A workplace characterized by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is Aarhus University, and the place of employment is Section for Microbiology within the Department of Biology (https://bio.au.dk/en/), Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

Contact information

Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact Assoc. Prof. Kasper Urup Kjeldsen at AU ([e-mail]).

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 29 November, 2026.

Salary and terms

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 offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU.

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.

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