Postdoctoral Fellowship: Postdoc in Soil Ecotoxicology – Aarhus University, Denmark

About the role

Aarhus University, Denmark, invites applications for a fixed-term, three-year postdoctoral position in soil ecotoxicology. The successful candidate will investigate the fate and effects of contaminants in soil ecosystems, working within the Department of Ecoscience – Terrestrial Ecology. The position is based at the Aarhus Campus and is expected to start on 1 December 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) and continue until 30 November 2029.

Job description

Research focus

• Study the fate and transport of contaminants in soils, including adsorption/desorption, mobility, leaching, and trophic transfer.
• Assess the ecological impacts of emerging and conventional contaminants such as PFAS, microplastics, metals, biochar, digestate, and sewage sludge.
• Evaluate soil ecosystem responses and contribute to environmental risk assessment frameworks.

Experimental work and collaboration

• Conduct experimental research with soil systems and organisms.
• Perform leaching experiments to track contaminant movement through soil.
• Work within interdisciplinary research teams, collaborating with national and international partners.
• Contribute to environmental advisory tasks, including activities related to the Danish Soil Monitoring Law, as needed.

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a PhD in environmental science, ecotoxicology, ecology, soil science, or a closely related field. We expect candidates to:

• Possess a strong academic background in soil ecotoxicology or a related discipline.
• Have experience with experimental and/or analytical work in environmental systems.
• Demonstrate interest in soil fauna ecology (e.g., earthworms, springtails, mites).
• Preferably have knowledge of taxonomy and/or environmental DNA (eDNA) methods.
• Be motivated to work in interdisciplinary research environments.
• Exhibit strong English communication skills.

About the department

The Department of Ecoscience at Aarhus University conducts internationally recognised research in environmental science, covering soil processes, biodiversity, ecotoxicology, and environmental risk assessment. The department offers a strong interdisciplinary research environment and maintains close collaborations with leading national and international partners.

What we offer

• Well-developed research infrastructure, including access to advanced laboratories.
• An interdisciplinary research environment with extensive national and international partnerships.
• A research climate that encourages open and critical scientific discussion.
• A workplace characterised by professionalism, equality, and a healthy work-life balance.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans, information on research activities, a teaching portfolio (if applicable), and verified documentation of previous teaching experience. Shortlisting will be used: after the deadline, the head of department selects candidates for evaluation by an expert assessment committee. All applicants will be notified whether their application has been forwarded for evaluation. Selected applicants may comment on the part of the assessment concerning themselves.

Deadline: 1 September 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
Expected start: 1 December 2026.

Contact:
Senior Researcher Marianne Bruus – +45 25 58 06 71, [email protected]
Senior Researcher Stine Slotsbo – +45 22 62 15 82, [email protected]

Salary and terms follow the collective agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations, with salary depending on seniority. Aarhus University welcomes all applicants and promotes equality and diversity. Periods of leave without research activities should be specified in the application, as research productivity will be evaluated relative to actual research time. International researchers and their families can access relocation services and career counselling through the university’s International Staff Office.

Original vacancy