Two-year postdoc in greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient retention in agricultural waters

Two-year Postdoc in Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Nutrient Retention in Agricultural Waters

The Department of Ecoscience at Aarhus University invites applications for a two-year postdoc position in the Section for Catchment Science and Environmental Management in Aarhus, starting 1 February 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position combines research on nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural nitrogen losses to surface waters with a synthesis of greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen and phosphorus retention in mitigation measures for agricultural drainage water.

This is a two-year position from 1 February 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

We are seeking a motivated postdoc to work on two closely linked research activities throughout the position.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from nitrogen that leaches from agricultural fields to streams, lakes and other water bodies are estimated to make up around 5% of the Danish agricultural sector's greenhouse gas emissions, but this estimate is highly uncertain. The Aqua-N2O project, funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (DFF), aims to identify the drivers of these aquatic N2O emissions using high-frequency in-situ sensor monitoring, providing the scientific basis for modelling the emissions at regional scale and for evaluating mitigation strategies.

Drainage mitigation measures. Measures that intercept nutrients in agricultural drainage water before it reaches streams, such as surface flow and subsurface flow constructed wetlands, integrated buffer zones, saturated buffer zones and controlled drainage, are a key part of Danish water management. They can remove substantial amounts of nitrogen, but some may also release phosphorus and emit greenhouse gases such as N2O and methane. You will synthesise results on greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen and phosphorus retention from Danish drainage mitigation measures to give an overall assessment of their environmental performance and trade-offs. Your main tasks will be to:

• carry out fieldwork, including sensor deployment and water and gas sampling
• process and analyse high-frequency sensor data and monitoring data
• compile and synthesise existing data on greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen and phosphorus retention in drainage mitigation measures
• write scientific papers for international peer-reviewed journals

The successful candidate must hold a PhD degree in biogeochemistry, aquatic ecology, environmental science, hydrology or a related field, and have a valid driving licence, as the position involves fieldwork in Danish agricultural landscapes.

It is an advantage if you have:

• experience with measurements of greenhouse gases (e.g. N2O, CH4) in aquatic systems or soils
• knowledge of nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in agricultural catchments, wetlands or constructed wetlands
• experience with analysis of large or high-frequency datasets, e.g. in R or Python
• a documented record of publishing in international peer-reviewed journals

We are looking for a candidate who can work independently as well as in a team, and who has good written and spoken English.

The department 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.

The place of work is Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. Fieldwork will take place at sites in Denmark.

Applications must be received no later than 1 December 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.

Tagged as: Life Sciences