Principal Technical Developer for Underwater Instrumentation

The Department of Biology at SDU invites applications for a position as special consultant to serve as principal technical developer in the research team associated to the ERC Synergy project RECLESS for a 6-year period from May 1^st 2025 with the possibility of permanent employment hereafter.

RECLESS aims to predict how ongoing ocean deoxygenation impacts microbial nitrogen transformations and thereby the future availability of nitrogen to support oceanic primary production and carbon sequestration. The project involves researchers from the universities of Southern Denmark, Gothenburg, and Vienna, as well as Carnegie Science, and synergistically integrates innovative oceanographic, biogeochemical, ecophysiological, and model-based investigations.

A key component of RECLESS is the development of in situ instrumentation for high sensitivity oxygen measurements and microbial ecological experiments. We seek an experienced and creative candidate to lead these developments and the testing and deployment of the resulting instruments in coastal and open ocean systems. Specific tasks include integration of high-sensitivity oxygen sensors on oceanic gliders and development of an in situ incubation system for determination of rates of nitrogen transformations and other microbial processes in oxygen-depleted waters.

Suitable candidates must have a Ph.D. in biology or biogeochemistry and extensive experience with experimental studies of aquatic systems. Candidates with proven experience in optical oxygen sensing and development of in situ instrumentation, including both mechanic components and embedded systems, and with an aptitude for field work, will be preferred. 

The position will involve close interactions with project partners at other RECLESS institutions, and substantial international travel activity including participation in month-long oceanic research cruises.

Questions concerning the position can be addressed to Professor Bo Thamdrup, [email protected].

Employment shall take place in accordance with the framework agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Application must include cover letter, CV and certificate. All documents in connection with the application should not contain CPR number (civil registration number) – in that case, the CPR number must be crossed out.

All attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. Cover letter and CV can contain max. 5 Mb.

We recommend that you read how to apply before you apply.

Application deadline 3 March 2025 at 23.59 CET.

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

About SDU

The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.