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:
PhD position in microbial physiology focusing on upcycling of alkaline wastes based on CO2 mineralization

Research area and project description:
We invite applications for a 3-year PhD position in microbial physiology at the Department of Biology at Aarhus University (AU).

The position is part of an interdisciplinary project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, aimed at developing a bacterially mediated approach to capturing CO₂ in alkaline waste products. CO₂ mineralization based on alkaline waste sources has attracted significant interest and holds great potential, though it also faces challenges. This project will investigate how specific types of bacteria can overcome process constraints and maximize efficiency. Additionally, novel strategies will be explored to ensure high-value applications for the final products.

The focus of the PhD project associated with this call is to identify, cultivate, and characterize carbonic anhydrase-producing microorganisms suitable for use in CO₂ mineralization processes. The work will involve microbial genome mining, high-throughput cultivation, characterization of enzyme activity, and monitoring of microbial growth and activity using molecular biology approaches. The successful candidate will join a cross-disciplinary research team, including experts in microbiology, chemical sensing, and both fundamental and applied materials science, and will collaborate closely with another PhD student at the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering at AU. An open call for the latter PhD position can be found here https://phd.tech.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/saeropslag/upcycling-of-alkaline-wastes-based-on-co2-mineralization

About the place of work

The Section for Microbiology at AU employs 9 professors is a vibrant, international research environment to study microbial physiology, evolution, ecology, and biogeochemistry (https://bio.au.dk/en/about-biology/sections/microbiology). We integrate basic and applied research, addressing the role, ecophysiology and evolution of microorganisms in natural and biotechnological systems. The section has well-equipped laboratories and a permanent supporting staff of highly skilled laboratory technicians and has access to advanced microscopy imaging facilities at AU campus.

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:
We seek candidates that hold a MSc-degree in biology, molecular biology, or similar subjects, and ideally have a background in microbiology, microbial ecology and experience with laboratory and/or microbial bioinformatics work.

Besides a solid educational background, the following qualifications/ characteristics are considered important:

• Motivation and ability to structure your own workflow.
• Good communication skills, science is a team effort and you will work and learn in a team.
• Fluent written and spoken communication in English.

Previous experience with scientific research (e.g. internships) are an asset.

The application should include the following documents:

• A cover letter explaining your motivation and qualifications to join this project.
• A CV documenting your MSc degree and other qualifications for the position.
• Contact details to 1-2 relevant persons who could provide a reference letter.

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Biology, Section for Microbiology, Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. 

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact assoc. prof. Kasper Urup Kjeldsen at AU (kasperuk@bio.au.dk) or assoc. prof. Min Wu (mnwu@cae.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: “PhD position in microbial physiology focusing on upcycling of alkaline wastes based on CO2 mineralization (Ppmpfu)”

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.