Postdoc in soil nutrient dynamics in arable and ley-based crop rotations at Aarhus University

Postdoc In Soil Nutrient Dynamics In Arable And Ley-Based Crop Rotations At Aarhus University

The Department of Agroecology at Aarhus University, Denmark, is offering a postdoctoral position in the Soil Fertility Section, starting 01-03-2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position will be available for a 2-year period.

You will be part of a research environment focusing on soil fertility and nutrient turnover in agricultural soils. You will be contributing to specifically the area of ecosystem services of grassland leys and the use of biochar in arable cropping systems. The main focus of your position will be to investigate soil nutrient dynamics and soil health indicators as affected by amendments (such as biochar) and cropping systems. You will work experimentally with already established field experiments, including long term field experiments.

We expect that you will be an important part of the research environment and that you will contribute positively to the social working environment. We also expect that you will take part in our teaching activities and that you will report research results in high-impact scientific journals.

Your Profile

We are searching for a highly motivated candidate who has:

• A PhD in soil science, agronomy, biology or similar
• Collaborative skills and ability to cooperate in teams.
• A fondness of taking the initiative and the motivation to pursue a scientific career
• Documented experience in scientific writing and publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Research experience in some of the areas of soil nutrient dynamics, soil structure, soil amendments

Additional Qualifications

Further, we will prefer candidates with some of the following qualifications:

• Teaching and supervision experience at the BSc and MSc level
• Interest and experience in developing effective national and international research applications
• Experience in planning and conducting field-work
• Experience in planning and conducting laboratory work within soil structure, soil nutrient dynamics
• Insight into soil carbon dynamics, soil nutrient processes, soil chemical and physical properties
• Experience in agronomic, environmental and climate impacts of grassland mixtures in cropping systems

What We Offer

• A collaborative, international research environment that combines high academic standards with an informal and supportive atmosphere.
• An inclusive and respectful workplace culture, where mutual trust, kindness, and professional dialogue are part of daily life. We encourage open communication and develop a cohesive sense of community across teams and disciplines.
• A flexible working environment that supports work-life balance and individual needs.
• An active institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion – in recruitment, career development, and everyday interactions.
• An innovative and meaningful workplace where your work contributes to solving real-world challenges. No two days are alike, and we welcome creative thinking and new ideas.
• Support for international researchers and their families, including Relocation Service and an Expat Partner Programme

Living And Working In Denmark

• Subsidised childcare and free education from primary school through university.
• Universal healthcare for you and your family as residents.
• Five weeks of paid holiday per year.
• Generous parental leave – up to 52 weeks shared between parents, with full or partial salary.

Place Of Work

The place of work is Aarhus University, Campus AU Viborg, Blichers alle 20, 8830 Tjele. The affiliation will be with the Department of Agroecology.

More information can be obtained from Johannes Lund Jensen jlj@agro.au.dk and Lars Elsgaard lars.elsgaard@agro.au.dk

Application Procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – 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). Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions at basic salary steps 4-8.

Tagged as: Life Sciences