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 2026 or later.

Title:
Ecology and Physiology of Asgard Archaea

Research area and project description:
We invite applications for a fully funded, 3-year PhD position in Microbiology at the Department of Biology at Aarhus University (AU), Denmark. The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Biology program at the Graduate School of Natural Sciences (GSNS) at AU and will be part of the European Research Council (ERC) project AsgOx, headed by Thiago Rodrigues de Oliveira.

The overall aim of the AsgOx project is to understand how the ecology of Asgard archaea, the closest prokaryotic relatives of eukaryotes, may have affected the evolutionary process that led to the emergence of complex life. AsgOx pursues an interdisciplinary approach involving omics, biochemistry and cell biology, in which the PhD project will focus on investigating ecological and physiological features of Asgard archaea, which may provide crucial insights into the rise of eukaryotes. The doctoral candidate will be involved in activities such as:

• Fieldwork and sampling of aquatic environments
• Microbial diversity analyses
• Genomics
• Cultivation and cell biology techniques

About the place of work:

The Section for Microbiology at the Department of Biology is a vibrant, international research environment to study microbial physiology, evolution, ecology, and biogeochemistry. 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, direct access to key core facilities (like sequencing, imaging, and a research vessel), and a permanent support staff of highly skilled laboratory technicians.

The application should include the following documents:

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

Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact assist. prof. Thiago Rodrigues de Oliveira at AU (thiago.rodrigues@bio.au.dk).

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:
The PhD candidate must have a master’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, evolution, ecology, or a related field. Candidates should have a strong foundation in methods applicable to environmental microbiology, such as molecular biology and analysis techniques, as well as cultivation approaches. Experience in cell biology is an advantage.

The candidate should demonstrate strong teamwork skills while also working independently, contribute to scientific publications, and exhibit strong analytical skills. A high level of motivation for research in microbial ecology and evolution, proficiency in written and spoken English, and excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are required.

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Section for Microbiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, building 1540, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Assistant Professor Thiago Rodrigues de Oliveira at AU (thiago.rodrigues@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 2026)

1. Choose May 2026 Call with deadline 1 May 2026 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: “Ecology and Physiology of Asgard Archaea (EcPAsA)”

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.