Developing advanced imaging tools to understand microbe–electrode interfaces

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 February 2027 or later. 

 

Title:
Developing advanced imaging tools to understand microbe–electrode interfaces

Research area and project description:
Microbe–electrode interactions are central to the performance of bioelectrochemical anaerobic digestion systems, yet the organisation, activity and stability of these interfaces remain poorly understood.

This PhD project will develop and apply advanced structural and chemical imaging approaches to investigate how microorganisms grow on and attach to electrode materials, form biofilms and aggregates in response to electric fields and long-term adaptation. The work will involve defined microbial cultures and complex microbiomes, combining microbial cultivation, stable-isotope and fluorescence labelling, live-cell microscopy and nanoscale chemical imaging.

The PhD candidate will work at the interface of microbiology, bioelectrochemistry and advanced imaging. At Aarhus University (AU), the candidate will have access to MicroCorr, a newly established facility for correlative structural, functional and chemical imaging led by Associate Professor Niculina Musat. The candidate will collaborate closely with the research groups led by Associate Professor Jacek Fiutowski and Professor Amelia Rotaru at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), gaining access to electrochemical systems, complementary imaging expertise and facilities.

The project is part of PROMETHEUS (Microbial Electrochemical Methanation Initiative, www.linkedin.com/company/prometheusbiotech/posts/, a large interdisciplinary research initiative funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. PROMETHEUS investigates the adaptive evolution of microbiomes and microbial consortia in bioelectrochemical systems designed to enhance the recovery of carbon from organic waste as biomethane. Being embedded in this initiative will provide the candidate with opportunities to collaborate with researchers addressing complementary aspects of this scientific challenge, participate in joint research activities and knowledge exchange, and develop a broad interdisciplinary network.

The successful candidate will join the research team in correlative imaging and microbial interactions led by Associate Professor Niculina Musat at the Section for Microbiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University. The position is particularly suited to candidates interested in microbial physiology, biofilms, bioelectrochemistry and advanced microscopy.

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 with:

• a relevant MSc degree in environmental microbiology, molecular ecology, microbiology, bioelectrochemistry or a closely related field
• an excellent academic track record
• a strong commitment to sustainable technology developments
• interest in interdisciplinary research
• ability to write and communicate professionally in English
• ability to collaborate tightly within a multidisciplinary consortium and across career stages Applicants are asked to highlight any experience with microbial cultivation, isotope labelling, molecular microbial ecology, microscopy, and electrode associated microbial communities.

The application should include the following documents:

• A letter explaining your motivation and qualifications to join this project
• A CV documenting your MSc degree and other qualifications for the positions
  
   

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, Ny Munkegade 114-116, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark, Denmark.  

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: 
Niculina Musat, niculina.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 September 2026)

1. Choose November 2026 Call with deadline 1 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.
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: “Developing advanced imaging tools to understand microbe–electrode interfaces (Daitum)”

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. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.