<!-- ko if: isJobTitleVisible --> Two postdoc positions on the ecology and physiology of microbial key players exposed to oxygen depletion <!-- /ko --> <!-- ko if: isAlreadyAppliedVisible --><!-- /ko -->

Two 2-year postdoctoral positions in environmental microbiology, with the possibility of extension, are available in the Nordcee research group , Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark.

The successful candidates will study the physiology and ecology of microbial key players in global element cycles exposed to oxygen depletion. Aquatic oxygen-depleted environments are hotspots of microbial activity, including microbial processes that are sources or sinks of greenhouse gases. For example, aerobic methanotrophic and ammonia-oxidizing microbes are frequently found in such oxygen-deficient environments, even though they require molecular oxygen for their metabolism.  While ammonia-oxidizers can produce traces of oxygen in the dark via nitric oxide dismutation themselves, aerobic methanotrophs rely on an external source of oxygen. However, their lower limits and adaptations regarding oxygen requirements are largely unknown. 

The adaptations of different groups of environmentally relevant microbial isolates to oxygen depletion, will be studied. 

Depending on the applicant’s background and interests, different research directions are possible: 

• Identification of the activity and distribution of the above-mentioned microbes in oxygen-depleted environments
• Identification of the enzymes catalyzing the NO-dismutation reaction in AOA. 
• Exploration of the physiological adaptations and energetic constrains ammonia-oxidizing and methane-oxidizing microbes exhibit under oxygen depletion (and while producing oxygen) including single cell activity assays. 

Applicants should have a PhD in environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, microbial physiology or related fields demonstrated by scientific publications. We are looking for a highly motivated and curiosity-driven candidate with experience in one of the following directions: Analysis of meta-omics data sets, microbial physiology and cultivation, enzyme biochemistry or activity-based microscopy techniques (e.g. BONCAT). 

The successful candidates are expected to start in fall 2025. Application deadline: 25 July 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time.
For further information please contact Associate Professor Beate Kraft: bkraft@biology.sdu.dk .

About SDU
The University of Southern Denmark is Denmark’s third largest university with campuses across the country. As part of the Faculty of Science, the Department of Biology is located in Odense, the University’s largest campus. Odense is the country’s third largest city and is centrally located with easy commutes to Copenhagen and Aarhus (approximately 1½ hour).

Living and working in Denmark
Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training  as part of the employment. International Staff Office  (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. Among other things, the staff answers questions concerning salary, taxation, housing  and accompanying family . Additional information about working in Denmark can be found at Work in Denmark .

Application, salary etc.
The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary  (only available in Danish) and taxation .

The application must include the following:

• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation, and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) 
• A curriculum vitae including information on previous employment 
• A full list of publications 
• Copy of PhD diploma - if PhD diploma has not yet been received, please include statement from your supervisor 
• Two reference letters

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

To qualify you must have passed a PhD or equivalent. Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

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

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply now". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU  before you apply.

• Job Identification 2900
• Job Category VIP
• Posting Date 05/26/2025, 09:48 AM
• Locations Campusvej 55, Odense M, 5230, DK
• Apply Before 07/25/2025, 05:59 PM
• Job Schedule Full time