Two-year postdoc in soil microbial ecology

Aarhus Universitet; Roskilde; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University in Roskilde, Denmark, invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral researcher position in soil microbial ecology, focusing on the effects of biochar on soil microorganisms in Danish agricultural soil.

The position involves field sampling across Denmark, planning and conducting both field and laboratory experiments, and disseminating results through publications and conferences. Collaboration across disciplines is essential.

Qualifications

• The candidate has a PhD in environmental microbiology, agronomy, environmental science, or molecular biology.
• Experience in soil environmental molecular microbial ecology and soil health.
• Experience planning and executing field work with minimal supervision.
• Experience planning and executing lab work.
• Skilled at analysing eDNA and eRNA from the soil environment.
• Skilled in aseptic techniques for isolating and culturing soil microorganisms.
• Understanding of climate-mitigating actions in agriculture.
• Curiosity and interest in pursuing a scientific career; strong publication record.
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary team; autonomous field research.
• A valid driver’s licence is preferable.

Responsibilities

• Collect soil from field sites across Denmark alongside fellow scientists and field station personnel.
• Plan and execute field- and lab-experiments.
• Achieve laboratory data, analysis, and reporting thereof.
• Disseminate research findings through international peer-reviewed publications and conferences.
• Collaborate as part of the Danish Biochar Long-Term Experiment team.

Skills

soil microbiology

eDNA analysis

eRNA analysis

fieldwork

lab work

autonomy

team collaboration

Education

PhD in environmental microbiology

Tools

molecular sequencing

aseptic techniques

Job description

Two-year postdoc in soil microbial ecology

The Department of Environmental Science at Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark, welcomes applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in soil microbial ecology with a focus on the effects of biochar on soil micro-organisms in Danish agricultural soil.

Expected start date and duration of employment

The expected start date is 1st of October 2026. This is a two-year fixed-term position to end 24 months after the start date.

This opportunity is positioned at the heart of a collaboration across different biological and agronomic disciplines at Aarhus University. Crucial long-term field and shorter-term laboratory studies will underpin the research endeavour of investigating the potentials and issues of biochar amendment to Danish agriculture on soil health and a healthy living microbiome. Central to this role is investigating the effects on biochar of different feedstocks and in different concentrations on the soil microbiome. This will include the study of interactions between biochar and biofilm-forming microorganisms, interactions among microbes, invertebrates, and plant roots.

Additionally, this position aims to deepen our understanding of biofilm formation on biochar particles with possible biochar-degrading/modifying microorganisms and the functional and genetic activity of the microorganisms.

• The selected candidate will take on several duties, including collecting soil from field sites across Denmark alongside fellow scientists and field station personnel.
• Planning and executing of field- as well as lab-experiments.
• Achievement of laboratory data, analysis, and reporting thereof.
• Dissemination of research findings will be a key facet, involving contributions to international peer-reviewed publications and participation in relevant conferences.
• Moreover, a spirit of collaboration is vital, as the selected postdoc will be an integral part of our research team of soil and the Danish Biochar Long-Term Experiment.

This position is closely linked to the Danish Biochar Long-Term Experiment (Danish Biochar LTE).

Your profile

The ideal applicant should possess substantial knowledge of soil microbial ecology and an understanding of climate change mitigation actions in agriculture.

On the technical side, the ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in the use of molecular nucleotide analyses based on eDNA and eRNA; functional activity analyses like enzymatic or respiratory analyses, and with isolating and culturing microorganisms from soil and biofilms.

A deep understanding of interactions among soil microorganisms and other soil food web members is essential, along with published work in peer-reviewed journals and experience presenting at both national and international conferences. We want a motivated, inquisitive professional with a genuine commitment to research, given your important role in the research setting. The role involves supervising early-career scientists and participating collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team across several institutions.

Qualifications requirements (academic and personal)

The candidate has to have:

• A PhD in a subject related to environmental microbiology, agronomy, environmental science, and molecular biology
• Research experience in the areas of soil environmental molecular microbial ecology and soil health
• Experience in planning and executing field work with minimal supervision
• Experience in planning and executing lab work
• Skilled at analysing eDNA and eRNA from the soil environment
• Skilled in aseptic techniques isolating and culturing individual soil microorganisms
• Understanding of climate-mitigating actions in agriculture
• Curiosity and interest in pursuing a scientific career
• Presented original research at national and international meetings
• An emerging productive publication record in international peer-reviewed ISI journals
• Worked in an interdisciplinary research team,
• A readiness to carry out autonomous field research
• Furthermore, a valid driver’s licence is preferable.

Who we are

The Department of Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary department under the Faculty of Science & Technology at Aarhus University. Our work spans fields from physics, chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, and mathematical modeling to social science, geography, economics, and policy analysis. Both basic and applied research are conducted on some of the major challenges facing society, such as pollution and bioremediation, management of land, soil, water, air, and biodiversity, protection of ecosystem services, climate change, and energy systems. Science-based policy advice within these areas is offered to ministries and other stakeholders. Currently, about 160 staff and PhD-students are working at the department. Further information can be found at https://envs.au.dk/en/.

The Environmental Microbiology section conducts research and science-based policy advice targeted towards the understanding of the fate and role of microorganisms in ecosystems and interactions between bacteria, virus, fungi, protozoa, and microeukaryotes in glacial, terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric environments. Key areas covered by the section are:

• Microbiology in air, soil, ice, and rhizosphere
• Microbial and microeukaryotic genetics and diversity
• eDNA analysis and use in environmental monitoring
• Microbial and protist ecology
• Plant-microbe interactions
• Biodegradation of persistent organic pollutants
• Antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity

What we offer

• a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories, and access to shared equipment
• 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 place of work will be at Aarhus University, Campus Risø, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark. The city of Roskilde is located 35 km from Copenhagen. The area provides immediate access to a wealth of cultural and recreational pursuits. International candidates may find information concerning living and working in Denmark at https://international.au.dk/about/contact/international-services/ic. AU International Centre offers a full range of services to make your transition to Denmark as smooth as possible.

Contact information

For further information, please contact: Professor Anne Winding, [phone], [e-mail]. Associate Professor Rumakanta Sapkota, [e-mail].

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 30 August 2026.

Equality and diversity

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to equality and diversity.