Now hiring: Postdoctoral Researcher
Postdoctoral Researcher in Deep Sea Benthic Biogeochemistry and Technology (2 yr +) (application deadline 30th September 2025)
We are pleased to announce a Postdoctoral position to investigate biogeochemical cycling in deep sea benthic environments using in situ technologies. This position is based at the Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in Odense, Denmark, and involves close collaboration with the Deep-Sea Ecology and Technology group at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) in Germany and with our international academic and industry partners.
The successful candidate will be embedded within Nordcee, an international research section focusing on biogeochemical cycling, earth evolution, and microbial processes. Nordcee houses a Center of Excellence for deep sea studies called HADAL. The Postdoc is expected to work closely with mechanical engineers and technicians at SDU and at AWI, and with our partners in industry to develop the next generation of our in-situ sensing technologies to investigate carbon cycling in deep sea environments. Specific tasks may include but are not limited to:
Testing underwater frames and instrumentation, including sensor testing and calibration
Quantifying benthic biogeochemical fluxes and momentum fluxes in situ from high-density datasets (e.g. using eddy covariance)
Quantifying biogeochemical fluxes in the laboratory (e.g. using oxygen microprofiling and sediment incubations)
Sediment solid phase and porewater analyses
Coordinating shipment of equipment, including servicing and maintenance
Joining expeditions aboard research vessels
Presenting results at scientific conferences and thematic workshops, and publishing peer-reviewed articles in international journals
The ideal candidate would have a PhD in geoscience, marine science, environmental engineering, or related disciplines, would have experience handling in situ instrumentation and working alongside technicians and engineers, and would have good writing and communication skills. The position is for 2 years with possibilities for extension. For further information, please contact Associate Professor Karl Attard (karl.attard@biology.sdu.dk) or Professor Frank Wenzhöfer (frank.wenzhoefer@awi.de).
To apply for this position, kindly follow this link for descriptions in English or Danish. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click ‘Apply now’.
About Nordcee
We’re an international and diverse group of researchers who are passionate about doing science. We are anchored within the Department of Biology, which is similarly international and diverse, and where the primary working language is English. We run modern laboratories and mechanical workshops with great laboratory technicians and engineers, who will make your workflow more efficient and help you reach your research goals.
About SDU
The University of Southern Denmark is Denmark’s third largest university with campuses across the country. As part of the Faculty of Science, the Department of Biology is located in Odense, the University’s largest campus. Odense is the country’s third largest city and is centrally located with easy commutes to Copenhagen and Aarhus (approximately 1½ hour).
Living and working in Odense, Denmark
Odense is a thriving, green, bike-friendly and very livable small city with great connections to the two main airports in Denmark. It is located between Denmark’s two biggest cities, Aarhus and Copenhagen, and offers great opportunities for outdoor activities. Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment. The International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. Among other things, the staff answers questions concerning salary, taxation, housing and accompanying family. Additional information about working in Denmark can be found at Work in Denmark.
