Postdoctoral researcher in environmental microbial ecology

The Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Denmark, invites applications for a two-year, fixed-term postdoctoral position in environmental microbial ecology, starting 1 February, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is part of a project funded by the Villum Foundation's Villum Experiment programme.

The project

Electrically conductive iron minerals are widespread in anoxic aquatic sediments, yet Mikrobiologi knows little about the microorganisms that live on them. The project aims to characterize the phylogenetic identity and ecophysiology of microorganisms associated with these minerals. Mikrobiologi hypothesizes that, by facilitating extracellular electron transfer, the minerals provide a distinct niche that selectively enriches electroactive microorganisms relative to the surrounding sediment.

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a two-year position from 1 February, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. This is a fixed-term position to end on 31 January, 2029.

Job description

You will identify, visualize and characterize bacterial and archaeal cells associated with iron minerals by combining fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and correlative imaging, DNA- and/or RNA-based omics, and stable isotope incubation experiments. You will have considerable freedom to shape the methodological approach and to develop your own ideas within the project framework. Project collaborators in Germany will contribute chemical characterization of the minerals, giving you the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary team. Participation in supervision of BSc, MSc and PhD students and possibly some classroom teaching is also expected.

Your profile

You hold a PhD in biology, earth and environmental science, biotechnology or a related field (or expect to complete it before the start date), and you have a research background in microbiology or microbial ecology.

Essentials:

• Experience with advanced microscopy and/or molecular microbial ecology methods.
• Interest in microbial physiology and electromicrobiology.
• A systematic approach to method development and testing.
• A publication record in international peer-reviewed journals, relative to your career stage.
• Very good written and oral communication skills in English.

Desirable:

• Experience with FISH, correlative microscopy, stable isotope probing, or omics data analysis.
• Experience working with sediment or other environmental samples.
• Experience with microbial physiology and/or electromicrobiology.
• If you are excited about the project but your experience does not match every point, Mikrobiologi still encourages you to apply.

At the Department of Biology, Mikrobiologi values a collegial and inclusive working environment and places strong emphasis on good relationships among colleagues and students. Mikrobiologi welcomes colleagues who bring an open, constructive and collaborative approach.

Who Mikrobiologi is

The Department of Biology (Aarhus University) provides a framework for research and teaching in all major biological subdisciplines. The department currently encompasses approximately 200 academic and technical staff and 45 PhD students while 400 students follow the BSc and MSc programs offered by the department.

The Section for Microbiology (https://bio.au.dk/en/about-biology/sections/microbiology) employs 12 associate and full professors and offers a vibrant, international research environment for studying microbial physiology, evolution, ecology, and biogeochemistry. The section integrates basic and applied research, addressing the functions, eco-physiology, and evolution of microorganisms in natural and biotechnological systems. The section has well-equipped laboratories, a permanent support staff of highly skilled laboratory technicians, and access to advanced imaging facilities on the AU campus.

What Mikrobiologi offers

• A two-year position in a stimulating, international research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and imaging facilities.
• A work environment encouraging lively, open and critical discussion.
• A work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities.
• A workplace characterized by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is Aarhus University, and the place of employment is Section for Microbiology within the Department of Biology (https://bio.au.dk/en/), Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

Contact information

Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact Assoc. Prof. Kasper Urup Kjeldsen at AU (kasperuk@bio.au.dk).

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 29 November, 2026.

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 themselves.

Formalities and salary range

Natural 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.

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. Mikrobiologi views equality and diversity as assets, and Mikrobiologi welcomes all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, Mikrobiologi encourages 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.

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, Mikrobiologi strives to support Mikrobiologi's scientific staff in their career development. Mikrobiologi focuses on competency development and career clarification and wants to make your opportunities transparent.

On Mikrobiologi's website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria Mikrobiologi uses when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how Mikrobiologi can assist you in your career planning and development.

Om Aarhus Universitet

Aarhus Universitet er et fagligt bredt og forskningsintensivt universitet med høj kvalitet i uddannelse og forskning, og et stærkt engagement i samfundsudviklingen nationalt og globalt. Universitetet tilbyder et inspirerende uddannelses- og forskningsmiljø for 37.500 studerende og 9.000 medarbejdere med en årlig omsætning på 8,9 mia. kr. Læs mere på www.au.dk