Summary
The Department of Environmental Science at Aarhus University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate the effects of biochar on the soil microbiome in Danish agricultural soil. This position is central to the Danish Biochar Long-Term Experiment (Danish Biochar LTE) and involves interdisciplinary collaboration across biological and agronomic disciplines to evaluate soil health and climate-mitigating actions.
Postdoc Position in Soil Microbial Ecology, Aarhus University, Denmark
Key Position Details
| Feature | Details |
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc) |
| Department | Department of Environmental Science (Environmental Microbiology section) |
| Faculty | Technical Sciences, Aarhus University |
| Employment Type | Full-time, fixed-term (Tidsbegrænset fuldtidsstilling) |
| Duration | 2 Years (24 months) |
| Expected Start Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Position ID | 165553 |
Research Area
- Soil Microbial Ecology: Investigating the impacts of varying biochar feedstocks and concentrations on the soil microbiome.
- Microbial Interactions: Studying interactions between biochar, biofilm-forming microorganisms, invertebrates, and plant roots.
- Functional & Genetic Activity: Deepening the understanding of biofilm formation and potential biochar-degrading or modifying microorganisms.
Location
- Place of Work: Aarhus University, Campus Risø, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark (located 35 km from Copenhagen).
Eligibility / Qualification
The ideal candidate must fulfill the following criteria:
- Education: A PhD in environmental microbiology, agronomy, environmental science, molecular biology, or a closely related subject.
- Technical Skills:
- Demonstrated experience with molecular nucleotide analyses based on eDNA and eRNA from soil environments.
- Proficiency in functional activity analyses (e.g., enzymatic or respiratory analyses).
- Skilled in aseptic techniques for isolating and culturing individual soil microorganisms and biofilms.
- Experience & Attributes:
- Research experience in soil environmental molecular microbial ecology and soil health.
- Proven capability to plan and execute both field and laboratory work autonomously.
- A developing, productive publication record in international peer-reviewed ISI journals and experience presenting at conferences.
- An understanding of climate-mitigating actions in agriculture.
- Other: A valid driver’s license is preferable for field research across Denmark.
Job Description
The successful candidate will be an integral part of a multidisciplinary research team. Primary responsibilities include:
- Planning, executing, and analyzing data from both long-term field and short-term laboratory experiments.
- Collecting soil samples from various field sites across Denmark alongside team members and station personnel.
- Investigating microbial food web interactions and functional/genetic activity on biochar particles.
- Disseminating research findings through international peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
- Supervising early-career scientists and collaborating across multiple partner institutions.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through Aarhus University’s official recruitment portal.
The application must be written in English and must include:
- A complete Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Degree certificate(s).
- A full list of publications.
- A statement of future research plans and description of research activities.
- A teaching portfolio with verified evidence of any prior teaching experience.
Note for International Applicants: Aarhus University offers relocation services, career counseling for expat partners, and a Junior Researcher Development Programme. For more details on international transition services, you can visit the AU International Centre.
Last Date for Apply
- Application Deadline: Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 23:59 CEST.
