PHD STIPEND IN USING MICROBES TO ASSESS PEATLAND HEALTH AND PREDICT RESTORATION SUCCESS

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a Ph.D. stipend is available within the general study program. The Ph.D. stipend is open for appointment from 15.08.2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for 3 years, and the workplace is in Aalborg.

Do you want to be part of exploring how microbes react to restoration of habitats? Are you passionate about microbial ecology, bioinformatics and linking microbes to climate change? And do you thrive in a collaborative research environment, but also enjoy taking initiative and working independently?

If yes, we look forward to reading your application!

Your work tasks
 The Ph.D. stipend is part of the Villum Young Investigator project grant “Restoring the Carbon Balance: Using Bacteria, Archaea and their Viruses to Assess Peatland Health and Predict Restoration Success - CArBiVoRe”. Specifically, as part of your PhD research, you will explore microbial responses to the restoration of agricultural peatland systems. This project will combine computational and experimental approaches, leveraging the large-scale Microflora Danica dataset combined with samples taken from sites undergoing restoration. You will conduct sampling, and apply experimental methods such as metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, linked to soil and emission data to help create predictive models. Within a broader framework, your work will contribute to the development of a tool that will be able to help predict a site’s restoration success based on the DNA from 1g of soil.

The Ph.D. candidate will be anchored in the Center for Microbial Communities that has approx. 50 scientists at various career levels, working with structure and function of microbial communities, primarily related to environmental microbiology and biotechnology. The Center has state of the art equipment within DNA and RNA sequencing, laboratory automation, CPU and GPU compute resources, proteomics, metabolomics, and advanced microscopy.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment, collaborating with experts in microbial ecology and bioinformatics.

Your competencies
A Master's degree in Biotechnology, Environmental Microbiology, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field is an advantage. Excellent oral and written English language skills are a requirement. Knowledge of, or experience with, molecular techniques and bioinformatics analysis is desirable. Experience in data analysis is advantageous. The applicant must be willing to travel for a 2-3 month research stay to learn new skills. The applicant must be committed to working in a diverse, international and interdisciplinary research environment.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Who we are    

At the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience (BIO), our high-level research spans from basic to applied within both natural sciences and engineering. With approx. 150 employees, 75 PhD students, and 775 bachelor and master’s students at our campuses in Aalborg (main campus) and Esbjerg, we are a vital research and educational institution when it comes to creating new basic knowledge as well as contributing to solving the world’s challenges within biology, chemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, environmental science, and chemical engineering.

We continuously improve our department as an attractive place of work and study. We offer flexible hours, social activities throughout the year both at the department level and in each Section. We are inclusive and have respect for individuals, communities, and cultures. Our work culture is founded on openness, curiosity, transparency, and involvement. Come join us!

Read more about the department here; Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience - en.bio.aau.dk - Aalborg University.

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelor and master's degree diploma)
• Project description 1-2 pages
• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website. 

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?     
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information  
We recommend that you save a copy of the job posting, as it will be removed once the application deadline has passed.  

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish). 

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).