Postdoc in Field Validation of Methane Mitigation Technologies

Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Science

University of Copenhagen

The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in the quantitative validation of a full-scale methane mitigation system operating in a commercial dairy barn environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive field measurement and analysis program to document system performance under real-world conditions.

Key responsibilities include:
Field measurements and instrumentation
Deployment, calibration, and operation of sensors for methane (CH₄), ammonia (NH₃), and related gases
Integration of measurement systems with ventilation and process data streams
Ensuring data quality (QA/QC) in long-term monitoring campaigns
Performance evaluation
Quantification of methane removal efficiency under varying environmental and operational conditions
Analysis of system energy consumption and overall efficiency
Statistical analysis of seasonal and operational variability
Data analysis and modelling
Processing large, time-resolved datasets from field campaigns
Linking measured performance to system design and operating conditions
Supporting validation of models developed in other work packages
Sustainability and impact assessment
Contribution to life cycle assessment (LCA) of the system
Quantification of climate and environmental benefits
Scientific dissemination
Lead authorship of peer-reviewed publications on:
Methane removal performance
System energy use and environmental impact
Contribution to reports and stakeholder communication

The position involves close collaboration with engineers, modelers, and industry partners, and requires regular presence at the field site.

We are looking for a candidate with:
PhD in atmospheric chemistry, environmental engineering, or related field
Strong experience with field measurements and environmental monitoring
Demonstrated ability to work with large, real-world datasets
Experience with gas-phase measurements (e.g., CH₄, NH₃, VOCs) is highly desirable
Competence in data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R)
Experience with uncertainty analysis and validation of environmental data
Track record of scientific publishing

Preferred qualifications:
Experience with agricultural emissions or ventilation systems
Familiarity with LCA or sustainability assessment
Experience working in interdisciplinary or industry-linked projects

Further information on the Department is linked at https://chem.ku.dk/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Prof. Matthew Johnson.

The position is open from 1 August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, the initial position is for a period of one year.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 1 May 2026, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held the week of June 1, 2026.