Postdoc on the filter function of agricultural soils

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Section of Environmental Chemistry and Physics invites applicants for a postdoc on the filter function of agricultural soils. The postdoc is part of the project, PHISHES, an EU horizon soil mission project. The project starts 1st September 2024 and runs for 48 months. Depending on availability and competences we seek 1-2 postdocs to take part in the project for three years.

Agricultural soils have a dual role as growth medium and filter for pollutants. In the PHISHES project we investigate how different managements affect the soils ecosystem services with focus on the filter function for nitrate, pesticides, PFAS and Nitrification Inhibitors (NI). We compare conventional agricultural practices (tillage) with conservations agricultural, focusing on how these two practices affect the build up of organic matter in and on (mulch layer) the soil and thereby the soil’s filter function. The project is cross-disciplinary combining agricultural science with environmental chemistry and toxicology, with the aim at developing digital tool(s) to investigate how agricultural management affects the soil filter function and thereby the water quality in adjacent streams.

The task of the postdoc(s) will include data handling, model setup and development, applying the soil-crop-atmosphere model Daisy, as well as collaboration with the project partners.

Required qualifications

The applicants should hold professional as well as personal skills and qualifications as stated below:

• A PhD degree in agronomy, agricultural engineering, geography, soil science or related disciplines.
• An understanding of crop rotations and field management, in Denmark and EU.
• An understanding of the dual role of soil as a growth medium and a filter for pollutants.
• An understanding of how water and solutes move in the soil-crop-atmosphere-system.
• Experience witch mechanistic field scale modelling, preferably including Daisy.
• Ability to work with multiple models and large datasets.
• Strong English communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work with a diverse group spanning multiple nationalities, educational backgrounds, ages, genders, both on-site and online.

We offer

• Cross discipline and optional deep dives.
• Mixed environment where we appreciate each other’s strength.
• Flexibility in organizing your own workday.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within agrohydrology and soil science as well as teaching and related duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor Bjarne W. Strobel, [email protected] or Special Consultant Per Abrahamsen, [email protected]

The position(s) is open from 1st October 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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)
• Motivation / Research statement – a description of previous/current research, your research ambitions, and how it relates to the advertised position
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 16th August 2024, 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 http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held at the 4th September 2024.