PhD Fellowship in Soil Fertility - University of Copenhagen
The Department of Plant and Environmental Science, Section for Plant and Soil Science, invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in “Effects of biochar on nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in soil”. The project is part of the research project “Danish Biochar LTE”, which is financed by The Danish Agency for Green Land Use and Aquatic Environment (SGAV).
Start date is 15. December 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project
Global interest in biochar as a climate mitigation tool is rapidly increasing. However, knowledge and documentation are still lacking regarding its long-term agronomic and environmental effects under practical farming conditions. To address this gap, the project “Danish biochar LTE” is establishing long-term field experiments at four locations across Denmark. These trials examine how different biochar materials affect crop growth and yields, plant uptake and losses of nutrients and potential pollutants, soil physical properties, soil organic carbon storage and soil biology.
The current PhD project will specifically investigate the effect of biochar derived from various feedstocks on plant availability of both nitrogen and phosphorus in soil. Nutrient leaching potential will be assessed using suction cups and lysimeters. Complementary laboratory and greenhouse experiments with a larger number of treatments will provide deeper insights into how biochar alters the dynamics and transformations of nitrogen and phosphorus, and how biochar interacts with various organic and inorganic fertilizers and soil types. This will be done using isotopic labelling and various nutrient extraction methods. Another area of interest is the enhancement of phosphorus availability in biochars with low P fertilizer value. The project will involve close collaboration with a postdoc working on biochar carbon stability, ensuring a broader integration of nutrient and carbon cycling.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates within the fields of agronomy, biology or environmental science / engineering, or related disciplines.
Applicants should:
• Have a strong understanding of nutrient dynamics in soil, inculding the mechanisms governing losses and the supply of mineral nutrients for crop uptake and growth.
•Have good technical skills in designing and conducting plant experiments under laboratory, greenhouse and field conditions, with a keen interest in environmental measurements
•Have experience in the chemical characterization of soils and plants
•Have experience with data management and an interest in statistical analysis
•Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
•Have advanced English writing and speaking abilities.
Our group and research- and what do we offer?
The Soil Fertility and Nutrient Recycling research group addresses soil fertility challenges in the context of sustainable agriculture, with a particular focus on nutrient recycling from organic waste materials. The impact of different strategies on soil fertility and soil ecosystem resilience are assessed with the aim to improve our understanding of soil nutrient and organic matter dynamics. By integrating these perspectives, we aim to increase nutrient recycling and use efficiency, improve crop productivity and promote soil health for the 21st century.
The group is a part of the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.
We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include growth chambers and greenhouses as well as modern laboratories with state-of-the-art instrumentation (EA-IRMS, ICP-OES-MS, FTIR-PAS, NIR) for quantification of nutrients and detailed characterization of organic matter. We also have expertise on radio- and stable-isotopic tracer methods for elemental turnover in soils, fertilisers and plants. The department furthermore manages the Agricultural Field Station of Copenhagen University, with access to over 200 ha of land for field experiments.
Principal supervisor is Associate Professor Dorette Müller-Stöver, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, e-mail: amaldonadodsstpearsonerin@knight.dkcruz-rice.dkplen.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 35331236.
The PhD programme
A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme),
Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. agronomy, biology, environmental science. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.
Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.
Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.
The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Responsibilities and tasks
Carry through an independent research project under supervision
Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project
We are looking for the following qualifications:
- Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
- Relevant publications
- Relevant work experience
- Other relevant professional activities
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest in soil biogeochemistry and nutrient dynamics
- Good language skills
Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- Your motivation for applying for the specific PhD project
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
- Publication list (if possible)
- Reference letters (if available)
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 19 October 2025, 23:59 GMT +2.
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.
The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 40.
Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.
General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.