Postdoc of molecular geobiology and organometals

Research Field: Geobiology & Trace Metal Cycling in the environment
In the field of Geobiology, we study how the biosphere impacts natural biogeochemical cycles. We investigate how microorganisms mobilizes, binds, transports, and exchanges metals across the cell–environment interface. Combining geobiology with metallomics, we are developing and applying size‑exclusion chromatography on HPLC (SEC‑HPLC) coupled to ICP‑MS to resolve metal–organic compounds in complex matrices from microbial cultures to natural organic matter including sediments. Following the metals, we can use elemental patterns and stable‑isotope labeling to quantify metal affinities, trace exchange pathways, and build budgets of cellular metal exchange in cultures and the environment.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within molecular geobiology as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management

Inquiries about the position and about the research, evaluation criteria and job tasks can be obtained from Professor Tais Wittchen Dahl, Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management: freyemilytwdamber91alyssasmith@hillign.kunelsonturner.dk

The position is open from 15 Juli 2026or as soon as possible thereafter. The position runs for 2 years.

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

Your Job
You will conduct focused and careful laboratory work within analytical, organic, and environmental (bio)chemistry. Your daily tasks include developing and applying chemical techniques to detect and isolate metal‑organic compounds, including metal proteins, from natural environmental samples such as water, cells, and sediments. This work requires in‑depth knowledge of experimental organic chemistry and biochemistry.

You will take a central role in the Dahl research group, with responsibility for laboratory activities and partial management of the Metallomics clean laboratory. This includes optimizing extraction protocols and chemical separation techniques, as well as supporting students, postdocs, and other team members in close collaboration with geoscientists. You will also work dedicatedly toward producing high‑quality data and contributing to publications in peer‑reviewed journals.

Who You Are
You are a careful, focused experimental scientist with strong laboratory skills in analytical-, organic-, and/or environmental (bio-)chemistry and interest in geobiology and metal cycling in modern environments aimed at unraveling the history and co-evolution of life and Earth from geological records. You have demonstrated the ability to conduct independent research and disseminate results in high‑impact international journals.

You bring strong experimental competences, including experience with Size Exclusion Chromatography on HPLC systems. You have a strong aptitude for data collection, method development, ideally from metal-clean laboratory, and a proven track record advancing projects toward publication. While your primary expertise may lie within the molecular biosciences, you are motivated to develop new tools and approaches for geoscience and environmental science applications aimed at tracking metal transport between organisms (cells) and the environment. Ideally, you will apply for a starting grant to establish your own research group towards the end of this position.

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 aligned with the project goals – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 10 May 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

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 https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

Interviews will be held late May/early June