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 2026 or later.
Title:
Cultivation and functional characterization of novel anaerobic hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms
Research area and project description:
The Research Group Archaea within the Department of Biology – Microbiology, investigates the physiology, metabolism, and ecology microorganisms that catalyze the anaerobic oxidation of volatile alkanes like ethane, propane, and butane. These hydrocarbons are major components of natural gas and play key roles in the carbon and energy fluxes of marine sediments.
In this PhD project, you will cultivate, identify, and metabolically characterize previously undescribed hydrocarbon-oxidizing Archaea, Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB), and Archaea-SRB consortia from diverse environments. The project is centered on the development of enrichment cultures using single or mixed hydrocarbons as substrates. Sediments collected from deep-sea sites, hydrocarbon seeps, and mud volcanoes will serve as inocula. Participation in sampling campaigns is possible during the early phase of the PhD.
The resulting cultures will be analyzed using anaerobic physiology assays, metagenomics, and metabolomics to identify substrate utilization pathways and enzymes. Hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms will be identified using community sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and fluorescence microscopy. These approaches will be used to identify key community members and reconstruct their metabolic potential.
Microbial interactions and substrate utilization will be investigated using combinations of stable isotope probing, molecular biology, and advanced imaging, including confocal laser scanning microscopy and nano scale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (nanoSIMS) chemical imaging.
The overarching goal is to discover and characterize previously unknown anaerobic hydrocarbon-
oxidizing microorganisms and to determine how they metabolize hydrocarbons and interact with partner organisms in anoxic environments. The project will contribute to our understanding of the functional and phylogenetic diversity, evolution, and ecological roles of microorganisms involved in anaerobic alkane oxidation.
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When - as here - you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.
Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants must have a relevant MSc degree in biology, biochemistry, microbiology or equivalent and have graduated before the application deadline.
We expect the applicants to
• Have a strong background in one of the following research fields: microbiology, microbial physiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, microbial ecology, or other relevant research areas
• Have excellent collaborative skills, strong potential to publish at a high international level, excellent command of English, and an interest to join an interdisciplinary team. International applicants who do not have English as their first language must prove excellent English language writing skills and fluency.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Ny Munkegade 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Associate Professor Florin Musat, florin.musat@bio.au.dk
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 2026)
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. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
