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.

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 a fixed-term full-time position from 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2029.

Job description

While research has traditionally focused on terrestrial habitats and floral resources, freshwater ecosystems may provide critical but overlooked resources that support pollinator diversity, resilience and health.

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.

Key Responsibilities

The postdoc will:

• Design and coordinate large-scale field studies across multiple seasons
• Collect and process environmental and insect samples for DNA sequencing
• Analyse microbial communities associated with freshwater habitats and pollinators
• Direct and support the analysis of high-throughput sequencing datasets, including eDNA, metabarcoding and metagenomic data
• Integrate molecular, ecological and environmental datasets to address research questions related to biodiversity, pollinator health and nature restoration
• Co-supervise MSc and PhD students
• Publish research in leading international journals
• Participate in international collaborations and scientific conferences

Your profile

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. No candidate is expected to meet all criteria. Applicants with complementary backgrounds and a strong interest in expanding their expertise in insect ecology, microbiome analyses, shotgun metagenomics, microbial functional annotation, and high-performance computing are encouraged to apply.

Who we are

The Department of Ecoscience at Aarhus University is engaged in research programs and advisory work covering the major biological sub-disciplines. We conduct innovative, advanced research in the areas of aquatic biology and ecology, Arctic environments and ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation biology, and wildlife management. The Department currently employs approximately 300 academic and technical staff, as well as many PhD students.

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 actively facilitates a healthy integration of work and personal life and aspires to recruit and maintain highly skilled individuals who prioritise curiosity and trust.

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

Place of work

The place of work is Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark, approximately 40 km west of Copenhagen.

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