Postdoc in Soil Ecotoxicology - Fate and Effects of contaminants in Soil Ecosystems

The Department of Ecoscience at Aarhus University invites applications for a 3-year postdoctoral position in soil ecotoxicology, focusing on the fate and effects of contaminants in soil ecosystems. The position is based at Aarhus University, Aarhus Campus, Denmark.

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a fixed-term 3-year position from 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Job description

You will contribute to and further develop research on the fate and ecological effects of contaminants in soil ecosystems. The position focuses on both fundamental and applied aspects of soil ecotoxicology in close collaboration with national and international partners.

• Conduct research on the fate and transport of contaminants in soils, including adsorption/desorption, mobility, leaching and trophic transfer
• Investigate impacts of emerging and conventional contaminants such as PFAS, microplastics, metals, biochar, digestate and sewage sludge
• Assess soil ecosystem responses and contribute to environmental risk assessment
• Conduct experimental work with soil systems and organisms
• Conduct experimental work on leaching of contaminants from soil
• Collaborate within interdisciplinary research teams

The position may also include contributions to environmental advisory work, including activities related to the Danish Soil Monitoring Law.

Qualifications

Applicants should hold a PhD in environmental science, ecotoxicology, ecology, soil science, or a related field.

We expect that you:

• Have a strong academic background in soil ecotoxicology or related disciplines
• Have experience with experimental and/or analytical work in environmental systems
• Have an interest in soil fauna ecology (e.g. earthworms, springtails, mites)
• Preferably have knowledge of taxonomy and/or environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches
• Are motivated to work in interdisciplinary research environments
• Have strong communication skills in English

Who we are

The Department of Ecoscience at Aarhus University conducts internationally recognised research within environmental science, including soil processes, biodiversity, ecotoxicology and environmental risk assessment. The department provides a strong interdisciplinary research environment and collaborates with leading national and international partners.

What we offer

The department offers:

• A well-developed research infrastructure and access to advanced laboratories
• An interdisciplinary research environment with strong national and international collaborations
• A research climate encouraging open and critical scientific discussion
• 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, C.F. Møllers Allé 4, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Contact information

For further information, please contact: Senior Researcher Marianne Bruus at Se telefonnummer på nature.com Se e-mailadresse på nature.com, or Senior Researcher Stine Slotsbo at Se telefonnummer på nature.com, Se e-mailadresse på nature.com.

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 1 September 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.