The posting
Join a growing interdisciplinary research team developing next-generation tools for biodiversity monitoring and environmental genomics. The Department of Ecoscience at Aarhus University invites applications for a Villum Foundation funded postdoctoral position in environmental genomics, microbiome ecology and pollinator health.
Pollinator declines represent one of the most pressing challenges facing biodiversity conservation worldwide. This project investigates how freshwater habitats influence pollinator microbiomes, physiology and ecological interactions. By combining environmental genomics, microbiome science, field ecology and biodiversity monitoring, the project aims to uncover novel links between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
The position is located in Risø and is available from 1 February 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter, for a fixed-term period of 2 years.
Expected start date and duration of employment This is a two-year position from 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Job description Pollinator declines represent one of the most pressing challenges facing biodiversity conservation worldwide. While research has traditionally focused on terrestrial habitats and floral resources, freshwater ecosystems may provide critical but overlooked resources that support pollinator diversity, resilience and health.
This project investigates how freshwater habitats influence pollinator microbiomes, physiology and ecological interactions. By combining environmental genomics, microbiome science, field ecology and biodiversity monitoring, the project aims to uncover novel links between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
The selected candidate will lead research investigating microbial communities associated with freshwater habitats and pollinator species, with a particular focus on identifying ecological and functional connections between environmental and host-associated microbiomes.
The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with a PhD student and an international network of collaborators in ecology, envi-ronmental genomics, pollinator biology and biodiversity monitoring.
Key Responsibilities The post doc will:
- Design and coordinate large-scale field studies across multiple seasons.
- Collect and process environmental and insect samples for DNA sequencing.
- Analyse microbial communities associated with freshwater habi-tats and pollinators.
- Direct and support to the analysis of high-throughput sequencing datasets, including eDNA, metabarcoding and metagenomic, data.
- Integrate molecular, ecological and environmental datasets to address research questions related to biodiversity, pollinator health and nature restoration.
- Co-supervising MSc and PhD students.
- Publishing research in leading international journals.
- Participating in international collaborations and scientific conferences.
Your profile Applicants should hold a PhD in ecology, molecular ecology, genomics, microbiology, bioinformatics, environmental science, or a related discipline.
We seek candidates with experience in several of the following areas:
- Pollinator or insect ecology.
- Microbial ecology.
- Environmental DNA (eDNA).
- Environmental genomics.
- Metagenomics and/or metabarcoding.
- Bioinformatics and analysis of high-throughput sequencing data.
- Statistical analysis using R and/or Python.
- Reproducible computational workflows.
- Scientific writing and publication.
- Microbiome research and host-associated microbial communities.
The ideal candidate will have a solid publication record relative to career stage and demonstrate the ability to work both independently and within interdisciplinary teams.
No candidate is expected to meet all criteria. Applicants with complementary backgrounds and a strong interest in expanding their expertise in insect ecology, microbiome analyses, shotgun meta-genomics, microbial functional annotation, and high-performance computing are encouraged to apply.
Who we are
The Department of Ecoscience at Aarhus University is engaged in research programs and advisory work covering the major biological sub-disciplines. We conduct innovative, advanced research in the areas of aquatic biology and ecology, Arctic environments and ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation biology, and wildlife management. The Department currently employs approximately 300 academic and technical staff, as well as many PhD students.
The qualified candidate will work in a supportive and internationally engaged scientific environment at the Centre for Nature-based Solutions. The department aims to be a supportive and encourag-ing workplace that offers interesting challenges, collaborative colleagues, and avenues for academic growth. The department actively facilitates a healthy integration of work and personal life and aspires to recruit and maintain highly skilled individuals who prioritise curiosity and trust.
What we offer The department/centre 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 is Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark, approximately 40 km west of Copenhagen.
Contact information For further information, please contact: Georgina Brennna ([email protected])
Deadline Applications must be received no later than 30 October 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 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. 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.
