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 August 2025 or later.

Title:
Identifying terrestrial sources of atmospheric microbial ice-nucleation proteins in the Arctic

Research area and project description:

The Arctic is warming four times faster than the global average due to positive feedback mechanisms triggered by sea and land ice melt. One of the largest uncertainties in climate predictions—both globally and in the Arctic—is cloud formation and cloud properties, as highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Aerosols play a crucial role in cloud processes, with up to 25% of atmospheric aerosols being of biological origin (bioaerosols). Among these, biological ice-nucleating particles (BioINPs) are particularly important, as they initiate cloud ice formation—a prerequisite for over 60% of global precipitation events—and influence cloud radiative properties and lifetime.

As Arctic ice continues to retreat, newly exposed land and sea surfaces are altering the distribution and activity of ice-nucleation active microorganisms as well as emissions of BioINP that these microbes produce. Such changes could alter cloud ice formation in ways that remain poorly understood, introducing new uncertainties into Arctic climate projections. To improve predictions, it is critical to identify the key atmospheric BioINP sources and the environmental conditions that drive their production.

Project GOALS & Approach

This PhD project aims to identify key terrestrial sources of atmospheric BioINPs by analysing various source samples (e.g., soils, glacier sediments, and plant species) alongside atmospheric samples. The project adopts an interdisciplinary approach and includes fieldwork in the Arctic.

The PhD candidate will employ a range of molecular, microbiological, and atmospheric science techniques, including:

• Molecular techniques: DNA extraction, quantitative PCR, and next-generation sequencing.
• Microbiological techniques: Microbial cultivation, flow cytometry, and microscopy.
• Atmospheric science techniques: Droplet-freezing assays for BioINP quantification and particle measurements.

This project presents an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of microbiology, environmental science, and climate research, contributing to a better understanding of bioaerosol-related climate feedbacks in the Arctic.

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Qualifications and specific competences:
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a solid background in natural sciences, such as Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Environmental Science, Bioinformatics, or related fields.

Qualifications:

• MSc degree in a relevant discipline.
• Experience in some or all of the following microbiological techniques: next-generation sequencing, amplicon sequencing, metagenomics analysis, and bioinformatics.
• Familiarity with some or all of the following: microbial cultivation, flow cytometry, microscopy, and analytical and statistical skills.
• Experience with polar fieldwork, atmospheric sampling, and handling low microbial density samples is beneficial.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work on your own and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to advanced research in Arctic microbiology and climate. Should you have a keen interest in microbiology, climate, and polar regions, and enjoy working in an innovative scientific environment, we encourage you to apply!

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: Associate Professor Tina Santl-Temkiv, temkiv@bio.au.dk or Professor Kai Finster, kai.finster@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 March 2025)

1. Choose May 2025 Call with deadline 1 May 2025 at 23:59 CEST.
2. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme “Biology”.
3. In the boxed named “Study”: In the dropdown menu, please choose: “Identifying terrestrial sources of atmospheric microbial ice-nucleation proteins in the Arctic (Itsami)”

Please note:

• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.

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.