Researcher in volatile organic compound production coupled to decomposition of aquatic organic matter

The Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, invites applications for a researcher position exploring the links between aquatic and atmospheric carbon cycling. The position is part of a research project investigating the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the decomposition of aquatic organic matter (OM).

Expected start date and duration of employment
This is a fixed-term 1.5-year position available from 1 March 2027.

Job description
The position will focus on developing and implementing experimental and analytical approaches to investigate the coupling between OM decomposition and VOC production in aquatic settings. The work will involve advanced data processing and chemical characterization of organic compounds, with particular emphasis on identifying the VOCs produced and their potential precursors. The research will be carried out in an interdisciplinary environment, in close collaboration with researchers in aquatic biogeochemistry, analytical chemistry and atmospheric science at Aarhus University and with external partners.

Your profile
Applicants should hold a PhD in aquatic biogeochemistry, aquatic ecology, environmental chemistry or a closely related field.
The successful candidate is expected to have:

• a strong background in aquatic organic matter biogeochemistry and experimental research
• experience with advanced analytical techniques and data analysis for the characterization of environmental OM and VOCs
• a publication record appropriate to the applicant’s career stage
• excellent scientific communication skills

Experience with advanced mass spectrometric techniques (e.g., Orbitrap-MS, PTR-MS, TDS-GC-MS) and research spanning aquatic and atmospheric processes will be considered an advantage

Proficiency in written and spoken English is required. The successful candidate should also enjoy collaborative work and be motivated to contribute to research development, conference presentations, and scientific publications.

Who we are
The position will be based in the Section for Marine Ecology at the Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University (https://ecos.au.dk/en/researchconsultancy/research-areas/marine-ecology). The Department of Ecoscience (https://ecos.au.dk/en/) conducts fundamental and applied research on ecosystem processes and dynamics across terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments, alongside research-based environmental consultancy.

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.

The successful candidate will be offered:

• access to research facilities and analytical equipment
• an engaging research environment with collaborators from different disciplines
• a workplace built on professionalism, equality, and trust
• opportunities for professional and social interaction with the broader scientific community within the Department of Ecoscience

Place of work and area of employment
The place of work is at C.F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C, on the main Aarhus University campus.

Contact information
For further information, please contact Dr. Johnna Holding (johnna@ecos.au.dk).

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the assessment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. The selection is made on the basis of an assessment of who of the candidates are most relevant considering the requirements of the advertisement. All applicants will be notified within 6 weeks 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 will receive his/her assessment.

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.

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

About Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment for its 37,500 students, including PhD students, and has 9,000 employees (full-time equivalents) and an annual revenue of EUR 1.2 billion. Learn more at international.au.dk