Postdoctoral Researcher in Protist Single-Cell Genomics

Aalborg University; Aalborg; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Aalborg University’s Center for Microbial Communities seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to develop next-generation methods for single-cell genomics and transcriptomics of uncultured protists. The appointment starts 1 January 2027 or soon after, for three years, with international collaboration and opportunities for bioinformatics training.

You will lead lab technology development, tackle bottlenecks in protist processing, and publish results while building a global research network.

Qualifications

• PhD completed before start date or expected to complete.
• First-author publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience with protists or microbial eukaryotes is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory technology development for single-cell genomics of protists.
• Collaborate with international partner laboratories and share protocols.
• Publish results in leading journals and contribute to bioinformatics training.

Skills

Molecular lab methods

Nucleic acid extraction

Whole-genome amplification

Library preparation

Sequencing

Genomics/transcriptomics

Microfluidics/droplet methods

Flow cytometry/cell sorting

Education

PhD in microbiology/biotechnology or related field

Job description

Do you want to push the frontiers of technology to read the genomes of uncultured, unicellular eukaryotes that shape ecosystems across our planet?

At Aalborg University’s Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, we seek a skilled and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to develop next-generation laboratory methods for single-cell genomics and transcriptomics of uncultured protists. The position is part of an international project funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and conducted in collaboration with the Earlham Institute, the Scottish Association for Marine Science, and the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa. The appointment starts from 1 January 2027 or soon hereafter and is a fixed-term position for 3 years.

Your work tasks

You will lead laboratory technology development for single-cell genomics of protists in close collaboration with Prof. Ramunas Stepanauskas and his group. Protists are notoriously difficult to process at the single-cell level because of their diverse, often robust cell walls and intracellular structures, as well as their large, complex genomes. Your work will address these bottlenecks. Key tasks include:

• Integrating cutting-edge technologies, including droplet microfluidics with semi-permeable capsules, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and long-read sequencing, into analytical workflows tailored to protists in diverse environmental samples.
• Improving single-cell lysis and DNA amplification methods tailored to diverse protist lineages.
• Publishing results in leading journals and openly sharing protocols with the research community.

You will also be able to train in bioinformatics tools for microbial single-cell genomics through work alongside our bioinformatics team. The project involves close collaboration with partner laboratories in the UK and the US, including shared benchmark samples, research stays, and workshops. This makes it a strong platform for building diverse, international research experiences and professional networks.

Your competencies

You must hold a PhD in microbiology, biotechnology, or a related field (or expect to complete it before the start date) and have a track record of first-author publications in international peer-reviewed journals. The ideal candidate has documented hands-on experience with one or more of the following: molecular laboratory methods, including nucleic acid extraction, whole-genome amplification, library preparation, and sequencing; genomics or transcriptomics of microorganisms; microfluidics or droplet-based methods; and flow cytometry and cell sorting.

Experience with protists or other microbial eukaryotes, and either experience or a strong interest in bioinformatics, are advantages. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential, as is genuine enthusiasm for working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and international research environment.

Who we are

The position is based at the Center for Microbial Communities, which brings together approximately 50 scientists at various career stages to study the structure and function of microbial communities in environmental and biotechnological contexts. The Center is part of the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a dynamic hub for research and education that generates fundamental knowledge and addresses global challenges across biology, chemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, environmental science, and chemical engineering. You will join a newly established, state-of-the-art laboratory for microbial single-cell genomics, led by Prof. Ramunas Stepanauskas, who founded the world’s first single-cell genomics center for environmental microorganisms.

The position is based on the University’s campus in Aalborg, a vibrant Danish city known for world-class architecture, a thriving cultural scene, and youthful energy fueled by its large student population. With stunning North Jutland nature on the doorstep and a cost of living well below that of Copenhagen, Aalborg University combines a cutting-edge academic environment with an outstanding quality of life.

We are committed to making our department an exceptional place to work and study. Alongside flexible hours and a full calendar of social events at both the department and section levels, we foster a culture of openness, curiosity, transparency, and genuine inclusion. We respect and celebrate the diversity of individuals, communities, and cultures that make us who we are. We’d love to have you join us!

Read more about the department here: https://www.en.bio.aau.dk/

Qualification requirements

Appointmentaspostdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

Do you have any questions?

If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information

Read more about our recruitment process here

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

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) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities.

You can find information about the salary and salary structure for the position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Scientific positions (VIP). Please refer to the introductory section of the page and the section entitled “Postdoc”.

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.