Postdoc in Identification and characterization of novel nitrifiers

Jobbeskrivelse
At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a 2.5 year position as Postdoc in “Identification and characterization of novel nitrifiers” is open for appointment from December 2025 or soon thereafter.

Your work tasks
The research is a part of the project “Microflora Danica - the microbiome of Denmark“. We have identified putative novel nitrifiers from habitats across Denmark and we want to obtain a basic understanding of their ecophysiology, distribution and importance. The microbes will be selected based on metagenomic investigations (metagenome-assembled genomes) and the characterization may include use of isotopes, advanced microscopy and other means, e.g. isolations.
The position will be anchored in the Center for Microbial Communities with approx. 50 scientists at various career levels, working with the structure and function of microbial communities, primarily related to environmental microbiology and biotechnology. The Center has state of the art equipment for DNA analyses, computing and advanced microscopy including Raman microspectroscopy. The project is a collaboration between University of Vienna and Aalborg University.

Your competencies
We seek an outstanding scientist with a proven research record in studies of complex microbial communities including studies of ecophysiology. Some important skills:

• A PhD degree, in microbial ecology or related fields
  • Excellent oral and written English language skills are a requirement
  • The applicant must be interested in working in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Contacts

• Professor Per Halkjær Nielsen: +4599408503,
• HR Support:

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.

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) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only in Danish).

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).

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.

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.

Further information
Read more about our recruitment process here

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.

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.

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

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma)
• List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of ten publications. If you are applying for a position at The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), you must submit a co-author statement, see template for co-author statement
• Documentation of teaching qualifications. Depending on which faculty you are applying for employment, please see guidelines for teaching portfolio at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, The Faculty of Engineering and Science and The Faculty of Medicine orguidelines for teaching portfolio at The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. If this is not enclosed, the applicant must enclose the reasons for this .
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position
• References/recommendations

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

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.

Qualification requirements
Appointment as postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

Ansøgningsfrist
06-11-2025

Ref. nummer
2025/583

Afdeling
Department of Chemistry and Bioscience