Research Assistant in Marine Taxonomy

Aarhus University; Aarhus; Híbrido; DKK 420.000 - 520.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Aarhus University invites applications for a 2-year fixed-term Research Assistant position in marine taxonomy, focusing on phytoplankton, macroalgae and benthic fauna. Based in Aarhus, the role supports national monitoring and links taxonomy with new methods such as eDNA and ROV surveys.

The candidate should hold a Master’s degree in biology or marine biology and possess strong identification, field, and data handling skills, with good English.

Formación

• Master's degree in biology, marine biology or a related field.
• Experience identifying marine organisms, especially phytoplankton, macroalgae or benthic fauna.
• Experience with marine field work and laboratory work.

Responsabilidades

• Identify and quantify phytoplankton, macroalgae and benthic fauna from field and monitoring samples.
• Manage data, perform quality assurance and contribute to reporting for authorities.
• Contribute to research projects on marine biodiversity and related topics.

Conocimientos

Marine species identification

Field work experience

Laboratory techniques

Data management & QA

English proficiency

Teamwork

Educación

Master's degree in biology / marine biology

Herramientas

eDNA methods

ROV / image-based surveys

R (data analysis)

Descripción del empleo

Research Assistant in Marine Taxonomy

Do you have a sharp eye for marine species and want to put your taxonomic skills to work in both research and national monitoring? The Department of Ecoscience at Aarhus University, Denmark, invites applications for a 2-year position as research assistant in marine taxonomy, focusing on phytoplankton, macroalgae and benthic fauna. The place of work is Aarhus, and the position starts on 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a 2-year fixed-term position from 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Taxonomic expertise is the foundation of reliable knowledge about marine biodiversity, and of the monitoring that Danish authorities use to assess the state of the marine environment. You will help maintain and develop the department's taxonomic expertise and link it to new methods such as eDNA, ROV-based surveys and model-ling. Your tasks will include:

• Identification and quantification of phytoplankton, macroalgae and benthic fauna in samples from field surveys and monitoring programmes


• Data management, quality assurance and reporting as part of the department's advisory work for the Danish Environmental Protection Agency


• Contributing to research projects on marine biodiversity, e.g. in cultivated seaweed

You will work in close collaboration with experienced taxonomists and researchers at the Department of Ecoscience.

Your profile

Applicants should hold a Master's degree in biology, marine biology or a related field. We expect that you have:

• Documented experience in identifying marine organisms, preferably within phytoplankton, macroalgae and/or benthic fauna


• Experience with marine field work


• Experience with laboratory work and good laboratory practice


• Experience with data handling, quality assurance and reporting


• Good English skills, written and oral


• A structured and careful approach to your work and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team

It will be an advantage if you have:

• Experience with national monitoring programmes, e.g. NOVANA


• Experience with molecular methods such as eDNA, or with ROV or other image-based survey methods


• Skills in data analysis, e.g. in R


• An interest in research-based advice to authorities

Who we are

The Department of Ecoscience conducts national and international research and advisory projects covering all major subdisciplines within marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecology. The department is a recognised authority in research-based advice to Danish authorities and is responsible for large parts of the national monitoring of the marine environment. We are currently about 340 employees.

• the opportunity to work with experienced taxonomists and to develop your skills within both classic and new methods


• a combination of field work, laboratory work, research and advice to authorities


• a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment


• 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 place of work is Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark, and the area of employ-ment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Contact information

For further information, please contact: Head of Section, Annette Bruhn, [phone], [e-mail].

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than Tuesday 1 December 2026.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxationand the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.

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.