Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental Genomics and Pollinator Health

Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental Genomics and Pollinator Health

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.

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, environmental genomics, pollinator biology and biodiversity monitoring.

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.

The Department of Ecoscience at Aarhus University is engaged in research programs and advisory work covering the major biological sub-disciplines. 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 encouraging workplace that offers interesting challenges, collaborative colleagues, and avenues for academic growth.

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.

For further information, please contact: Georgina Brennna ([email protected])

Applications must be received no later than 30 October 2026.

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.