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.

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.

Job description

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, and
• A readiness to carry out autonomous field research
• Furthermore, a valid driver's license is preferable.

What we offer

The department offers:

• 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, +45 30254675, [email protected]. Associate Professor Rumakanta Sapkota, [email protected].

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications - and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, - the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self.

Formalities and salary range

Technical Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here. Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

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. Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity. 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 Denmark here.

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

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University's recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.