Two-year postdoc in glacial microbial ecology

The Department of Environmental Science at Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark, welcomes applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in glacial microbial ecology with a focus on the role of glacial and snow algae on the darkening of the Greenland ice sheet.

Expected start date and duration of employment

1st of September 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 between Aarhus University, EPFL and DTU to understand microbiological mechanisms underpinning the Greenland Ice Sheet darkening, and relate them to ice melt at large spatial scales using remote sensing. The postdoc in this project will be the main responsible for the acquisition of data related to snow and ice algae diversity, biomass, growth, and photophysiology on various locations on Greenland ice sheet. The postdoc employed at AU will work in close collaboration with postdocs at EPFL to: 1) quantify the contributions microbial and abiotic factors to darkening dynamics — in space and time and 2) disentangle the spectral properties of the various constituents (e.g., mineral particles, algae, cryoconite) and their respective contributions to albedo. 

The selected candidate will take on several duties, including:

• Contribute to, and develop, research in environmental microbiology across cryospheric systems, with a focus on glacial and snow algae
• Plan and carry out fieldwork campaigns on the Greenland ice sheet, including taking responsibilities for logistics and international collaborations 
• Analyse Arctic microbial communities and their physiological responses to environmental conditions  
• Apply advanced laboratory and analytical techniques to environmental samples 
• Apply for external funding and participate in collaborative research projects and funding applications 
• Co-supervise PhD and Master’s students and contribute to the teaching carried out within the section 
• Participate in departmental activities, including administration and outreach 
• Moreover, a spirit of collaboration is vital, as the selected postdoc will be an integral part of our research team in Cryo-Biology

Your profile

A solid background in experimental design, field and laboratory-based research is required, including experience with algal culturing, microscopic techniques, photo-physiological measurements, as well as biogeochemical analysis of environmental samples. Experience in advanced analytical techniques is expected, including self-directed use of approaches such as DNA/RNA sequencing, microscopy, photophysiology and environmental chemistry methodologies. Experience in planning and conducting fieldwork in remote environments, including logistical coordination and international collaboration, is also required. A deep understanding of microbial ecology of glacial habitats 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.
 

Academic qualifications (relevant to the position): 

• A PhD in Environmental Science, Microbiology, Geography, or another related field 
• A robust record of peer-reviewed publications in international peer-reviewed journals 
• In-depth experience in environmental microbiology, particularly in cryospheric environments 
• Profieciency in laboratory-based microbial and analytical techniques, including culturing, genomic sequencing, microscopy, photophysiological, and biogeochemical approaches 
• Demonstrated collaboration with environmental microbiologists through joint projects and/or publications 
• Experience in field-based research, including international collaboration
• Experience co-supervising undergraduate or Master’s level students 
• Demonstrated the ability, or clear potential, to attract external research funding 

 
Personal qualifications/social skills (relevant to the position): 

• Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary research environments 
• A motivated and professional approach to research 
• Solid organisational and leadership skills, particularly in field-based research
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment 
• Effective communication skills, including teaching and research dissemination

Who we are

The Department of Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary department under the Faculty of Science & Technology at Aarhus University. Our work spans fields from physics, chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, and mathematical modeling to social science, geography, economics, and policy analysis. Both basic and applied research are conducted on some of the major challenges facing society, such as pollution and bioremediation, management of land, soil, water, air, and biodiversity, protection of ecosystem services, climate change, and energy systems. Science-based policy advice within these areas is offered to ministries and other stakeholders. Currently, about 160 staff and PhD-students are working at the department. Further information can be found at https://envs.au.dk/en/.
The Environmental Microbiology section conducts research and science-based policy advice targeted towards the understanding of the fate and role of microorganisms in ecosystems and interactions between bacteria, virus, fungi, protozoa, and microeukaryotes in glacial, terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric environments. Key areas covered by the section are:

• Glacial Microbiology
• Microbiology in air, soil, ice, and rhizosphere
• Microbial and microeukaryotic genetics and diversity
• eDNA analysis and use in environmental monitoring
• Microbial and protist ecology
• Plant-microbe interactions
• Biodegradation of persistent organic pollutants
• Antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity

We speak English on a daily basis in the department.

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 Alexandre Anesio, +45 22568980, [email protected]. 
 

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 8th of July 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 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.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

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.