Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Biology programme. The position is available from November 2025 or later.
Title:
Readvertisement: Investigating in-cloud processes of Arctic bioaerosols
Research area and project description:
The Arctic is warming approximately four times faster than the global average, largely due to positive feedback mechanisms triggered by the loss of sea and land ice. One of the most critical and uncertain components of climate prediction—both globally and in the Arctic—is the representation of clouds. As highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), our limited understanding of in-cloud processes, including cloud microphysics and phase transitions, presents a major challenge for accurate climate modeling.
Aerosols are central to cloud formation and evolution, and up to 25% of atmospheric aerosols are of biological origin (bioaerosols). Among these, biological ice-nucleating particles (BioINPs) play a particularly pivotal role. BioINPs initiate ice formation within supercooled cloud droplets—an essential step in mixed-phase cloud dynamics. These in-cloud ice formation events not only influence the onset and efficiency of precipitation (accounting for more than 60% of global precipitation), but also modulate cloud radiative properties and lifetimes, thereby affecting atmospheric energy balance and climate feedbacks.
Despite growing evidence that BioINPs are active in Arctic clouds, the mechanistic understanding of their role in in-cloud processes remains limited. Key uncertainties include how these particles behave under atmospheric conditions, how they interact with cloud microphysics, and how they influence cloud evolution. Addressing these knowledge gaps is crucial to improving our ability to simulate cloud-related climate feedbacks, particularly in the rapidly changing Arctic environment.
PROJECT GOALS & APPROACH
This PhD project aims to investigate model ice-nucleation-active (INA) microorganisms under simulated atmospheric conditions using an interdisciplinary research framework.
The candidate will apply a diverse suite of atmospheric science, molecular biology, and microbiological methods—either directly or through collaboration with specialists—to explore the behavior and impact of INA microorganisms in the atmosphere. Techniques include:
Depending on the candidate’s prior experience, targeted training will be provided to ensure proficiency in complementary disciplines. The PhD student will work closely with researchers and peers from multiple fields, creating an integrative and collaborative research environment.
This project offers a unique opportunity to operate at the interface of microbiology, environmental science, and climate research—contributing to a deeper understanding of the role of bioaerosols in Arctic climate feedback mechanisms.
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Qualifications and specific competences:
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a solid background in natural or technical sciences, such as microbiology, atmospheric science, physics, chemistry, engineering, nanoscience, environmental science or related fields. The ideal candidate will have a genuine interest in interdisciplinary research and a collaborative mindset, with a willingness to engage across disciplinary boundaries.
Qualifications:
MSc degree in a relevant discipline.
- Experience with one or more of the following areas:
- aerosol and bioaerosol research: particle levitation, hygroscopicity, ice-nucleating particles, real-time particle analysis and/or
- microbial techniques: microbial cultivation, flow cytometry, microscopy, bioinformatics, analytical and statistical skills.
- Experience with polar field work, atmospheric sampling, and handling sensitive samples is considered an asset.
- Effective oral and written communication skills in English.
- Ability to work on your own and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Biology, Ny Munkegade 114-116, 8000 Aarhus Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Assoc. Prof. Tina Santl-Temkiv, temkiv@bio.au.dk, Prof. Kai Finster, kai.finster@bio.au.dk or Assist.Prof. Bernadette Rosati
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 June 2025)
Please note:
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
