Two-year postdoc position in environmental microbiology and molecular biology

GEUS builds knowledge of the entire water cycle and contributes to a future-proof water resource management in Denmark. In the Department of Geochemistry, we are looking for applicants with a strong background in molecular microbiology and microbiology, and a passion for applying it to environmental improvement. The start date is as soon as possible, and your daily workplace will be at our office in Copenhagen.

About the position

You will work as part of our microbiology team which focuses on understanding the processes controlling degradation of pollutants in the aquatic and terrestrial environment. You will initially be involved in ongoing projects focused on understanding the microbial processes that control water quality during groundwater infiltration. These projects include studies on Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR), where surface water is intentionally infiltrated into aquifers for storage and later use.

Additionally, there are projects investigating the infiltration of urban runoff in local settings to evaluate its impact on groundwater quality and availability as well as research centered on denitrification processes in aquifers. You will collaborate with other scientists including analytical chemists, geochemists, microbiologists, and geologists where you will contribute with knowledge on the role of microbial communities in transformation processes. Experimental work can for example include a MAR laboratory column experiment and optimization of ddPCR protocols for quantitation of antibiotic resistance genes.

Who are you?

The candidate is expected to hold a PhD-degree in Environmental Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or similar, with a good understanding of environmental challenges and good analytical skills.

You have hands-on experience in molecular microbiology including DNA extraction, cutting-edge sequencing technologies, bioinformatic processing of sequencing data, and quantifying specific genes by e.g., qPCR or ddPCR. Experience or good understanding of analytical chemistry is preferred but not required.

You must be able to collaborate across different professional disciplines, which at GEUS include geologists, geochemists, and analytical chemists.

You must have strong written and oral communication skills (English) and academic writing, and willing to learn Danish if not already native speaking or speaking at a professional level.

The right candidate will have the ability to work independently and in a team environment and be willing to collaborate with all members of the research team. We expect your active participation in the scientific community and that you hold documented research qualifications.

Meet your new colleagues

You will become part of the Department of Geochemistry. The department researches the fate of chemical substances in the entire water cycle, but with a particular focus on soil, groundwater and drinking water as well as the deeper underground. The activities are characterized by a high degree of experimental work in the form of laboratory and field trials, which are often supplemented with numerical models. Our research includes naturally occurring substances as well as microbiology, pesticides and other harmful substances, and we have as a common denominator that we would like to create knowledge that can contribute to a better environment for future generations.

We are broadly based professionally with, among others, engineers, geologists, environmental chemists and microbiologists, all of whom work with groundwater-related data, e.g. in relation to the national groundwater monitoring as well as to understand geochemical processes in the subsoil, e.g. in connection with CO2 storage, pollution with natural and environmentally foreign substances, nitrate in groundwater and surface water, etc. We are approx. 40 employees divided into administrative staff, technicians and researchers at different stages of their careers.

Focus on professional development and well-being

There are many good reasons why you should choose a working life at GEUS.

We are a diverse staff of about 300 committed employees. Trust and flexibility are keywords. The working environment is lively, informal and international. Our tasks are versatile and there are plenty of opportunities for you to influence the development of your task portfolio.

We prioritise professional development, among other things by offering access to courses and other relevant activities. Socialising is also very important at GEUS, and we have a rich social life with a staff club, an art association and more.

At GEUS, we prioritise the well-being of every single employee. We prioritise that the Heads of Departments are close to the employees, and we have flexible working hours that allow you to organise your life so that there is time for what matters to you. If you need to work from home occasionally, that is also possible.

Furthermore, we have a gym with associated physiotherapists.

Salary and terms of employment

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the relevant trade union agreement.

The appointment area is the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities and its institutions.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities considers diversity to be an asset and encourages anyone regardless of gender, age, religion or ethnicity to seek the position.

Further information

If you would like additional information, please contact the Head of Department Claus Kjøller on +45 5172 8202 or [email protected].

If you are a foreign applicant, you can read more about living and working in Denmark on GEUS’ website.

Are you interested?

If you are interested in the position, we would like to hear from you. The application must include a CV, incl. your ORCID, a list of publications with a separate indication of articles registered in ISI Web of Science and any copies of individual publications of particular relevance to the position. Please enclose Master’s and PhD diplomas in either Danish or English as well as other material documenting qualifications at postdoc level. Submitted PhD theses that have not yet been defended may be sent with the application and will be included in the assessment. If possible, please provide a pre-approval.

Please submit the application via GEUS’ website at the latest on 20th of November 2024 (Danish time).

Applications or other material received after the deadline will not be considered.

The employment procedure

A professional assessment committee consisting of two internal assessors at minimum senior researcher level will carry out an individual assessment of all applicants’ professional qualifications, and the applicants will be assessed as qualified or unqualified for the position. Afterwards, an internal employment committee will decide which of the professionally qualified candidates will be invited for a job interview. This procedure is in accordance with the “Order on employment and assessment of scientific staff at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland § 4 and 7”.