Postdoctoral Fellowship: Postdoc in Soil Microbial Ecology — Aarhus University, Denmark

About the Role

The Department of Agroecology at Aarhus University, Denmark, invites applications for a postdoctoral position in soil microbial ecology. The position is based at Campus AU-Viborg and is available for a fixed term of one year, starting 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. You will join a research environment focused on carbon and nitrogen cycling in agroecosystems and contribute to understanding how soil microbial ecology can inform sustainable management practices that increase soil carbon stocks and reduce nitrogen losses.

Responsibilities

• Conduct soil molecular analysis and metagenomics from various field experiments.
• Evaluate microbially mediated regulation of soil carbon fractions.
• Develop a model simulating the growth of key soil microbial communities related to soil nitrogen transformations.
• Work experimentally with established field trials, including long-term experiments with different straw retention rates.
• Contribute positively to the research environment and social working atmosphere.
• Take part in teaching activities within the department.
• Report research results in high-impact scientific journals.

Your Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:

• A PhD in natural sciences (e.g., geology, soil science, microbial ecology, or a related field).
• Collaborative skills and the ability to contribute effectively in teams.
• A proactive attitude and motivation to pursue a scientific career.
• Documented experience in scientific writing and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Research experience in soil microbial ecology and its responses to climate change.

Additional Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with some of the following:

• Teaching and supervision experience at BSc and MSc level.
• Interest and experience in developing competitive national and international research applications.
• Experience in planning and conducting fieldwork.
• Experience in planning and conducting laboratory work in soil molecular analysis and bioinformatics, including qPCR, 16S rRNA/ITS amplicon sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, and advanced statistical analysis (e.g., R).
• Experience with soil biogeochemical analyses, particularly physical and chemical fractionation of soil organic carbon (e.g., POC and MAOC) to evaluate carbon sequestration.

Who We Are

The Department of Agroecology aims to contribute to sustainable solutions for global challenges in soil, plants, animals, humans, and the environment. We combine fundamental knowledge generation with sustainable production systems through innovative research, policy advice, and education. The department offers professional laboratories, greenhouses, semi-field and field-scale facilities, advanced computing capacities, and an extensive national and international researcher network. It comprises nine research sections with around 350 highly skilled employees, of whom approximately 50% are scientific staff. We are committed to inclusion, acceptance, and understanding by employing staff who bring unique perspectives.

What We Offer

• A collaborative, international research environment with high academic standards and an informal, supportive atmosphere.
• An inclusive and respectful workplace culture built on mutual trust, kindness, and professional dialogue.
• A flexible working environment supporting work-life balance and individual needs.
• Active institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruitment, career development, and daily interactions.
• Innovative and meaningful work contributing to real-world challenges.
• Support for international researchers and families, including a Relocation Service and an Expat Partner Programme.
• Subsidised childcare and free education from primary school through university.
• Universal healthcare for you and your family as residents.
• Five weeks of paid holiday per year.
• Generous parental leave – up to 52 weeks shared between parents, with full or partial salary.

Place of Work

The position is based at Aarhus University, Campus AU-Viborg, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele. Affiliation will be with the Department of Agroecology.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact Professor Diego Abalos ([email protected]). For questions about the application process, contact Nat-Tech HR ([email protected]).

Application Procedure

All applications must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system and received no later than 31 August 2026 at 23:59 CEST. The application must be 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, and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any).

Shortlisting will be used: after the deadline, the head of department selects candidates for evaluation. All applicants will be notified whether their application has been sent to an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants will be informed about the committee composition and given the opportunity to comment on the assessment.

Appointment will be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Salary depends on seniority as agreed between these parties. Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time; applicants are encouraged to specify periods of leave without research activities.

Original vacancy