This postdoctoral position offers an exceptional opportunity for researchers interested in microbial ecology, syntrophic interactions, and advanced biological imaging. The research focuses on aggregate-forming archaea-bacteria consortia from deep-sea environments, combining physiological studies with high-resolution structural and chemical imaging.

Project Overview & Research Focus

Microbial life in oxygen-free environments often depends on close physical and metabolic cooperation. The project, titled “Teaming Up: Archaea–Bacteria Partnerships to Thrive in Low-Energy Anoxic Environments,” aims to uncover how these partnerships form, function, and persist under extreme energy limitations. Using deep-sea microbial aggregate models, the postdoctoral researcher will investigate energy conservation, microbial communication, and cellular organization at the microscale.

The postdoctoral researcher will work hands-on with advanced methodologies, including:

• Cultivation and experimentation with anaerobic syntrophic microbial cultures.
• Stable isotope labelling combined with NanoSIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry).
• Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and advanced confocal laser scanning microscopy.
• Collaborating with local and international research teams.

Key Position Details

• Institution: Aarhus University, Department of Biology, Denmark
• Duration: 33 months (full-time)
• Target Start Date: April 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: January 30, 2026 (23:59 CET)
• Position ID: 19865
• Location: Ny Munkegade 116, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

Qualifications & Requirements

• A PhD (doctoral degree) in Microbiology, Biogeochemistry, Microbial Ecology, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in anaerobic microbial cultivation and molecular ecology.
• Familiarity with advanced imaging techniques (such as confocal microscopy or electron microscopy) is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills, with a strong record of scientific publications.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in international, multidisciplinary teams.

What Aarhus University Offers

• A highly collaborative and international work environment with state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure.
• Employment governed by Danish collective labor agreements, offering a competitive salary and pension scheme.
• Comprehensive relocation support and career services for accompanying partners through the International Staff Office.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted in English through Aarhus University’s online recruitment system by January 30, 2026. Submissions should include a motivation letter, a detailed CV, copies of academic diplomas/transcripts, and contact details for references.

To submit your application online, please visit the official Aarhus University portal: Official Aarhus University Application Portal.

For scientific enquiries, contact Associate Professor Niculina Musat at niculina.musat@bio.au.dk or phone +45 9352 1373.

This PhD project is embedded in the DFG-funded Research Training Group (RTG) 2530: “Biota-Mediated Effects of Carbon Cycling in Estuaries (BiCEst)”. The program is jointly hosted by IGB and the University of Hamburg, offering doctoral researchers a structured training environment, international networking opportunities, and excellent career development support.

Project Scope & Research Focus

In this PhD project, parasites and viruses are studied as key drivers of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in the Elbe Estuary. Using biochemical, molecular, and ecological approaches, the project investigates how microbial interactions influence carbon cycling under current and future climate conditions. The work combines field sampling, laboratory analysis, and computational methods to provide a holistic view of estuarine microbial ecology.

Key responsibilities include experimental design, data generation (using high-throughput sequencing and PCR), statistical modeling, publication of research in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and presentation of findings at international conferences.

Key Position Details

• Institution: Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Germany
• Location: Lake Stechlin, Germany
• Duration: 36 months
• Compensation: Salary based on TVöD Bund, E13 (65% scale)
• Target Start Date: April 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
• Job Reference Number: 28/2025

Qualifications & Requirements

Required:

• A Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, or a related natural science field.
• Solid knowledge of molecular biology, particularly DNA-based methods (PCR, sequencing).
• Experience with bioinformatics and statistical analysis tools.
• Ability to analyze complex ecological datasets and work effectively in teams.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English.

Desirable:

• Programming skills and experience with network analysis.
• Prior experience in scientific writing and publication.
• A valid driver’s license (beneficial for field sampling trips).

What IGB Offers

• A fully funded PhD position for 3 years under German public service regulations.
• An international, interdisciplinary research environment with state-of-the-art facilities.
• Flat hierarchies and active participation in scientific decisions.
• Individual freedom to develop creative scientific approaches.
• Structured training and qualification programs within RTG 2530.
• Strong institutional support for work-life balance and family compatibility.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application as a single PDF file via the official IGB online recruitment portal by January 31, 2026. Applications must include a cover letter explaining your research interests, a detailed CV, and contact information for 2-3 academic references.

To apply online, please visit the official job page: Official IGB Application Portal.

For scientific questions regarding the project, contact Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Grossart at hanspeter.grossart@igb-berlin.de.

The postdoctoral researcher will lead the project “Ecological Network Synthesis across Ecosystem Boundaries” (PP1), focusing on synthesizing interaction data from terrestrial and aquatic subsystems in the Elbe Estuary. Using ecological network theory, the researcher will develop metanetwork and multilayer network models to capture cross-boundary biota-mediated effects on carbon cycling.

Key Position Details

• Institution: University of Hamburg, Germany
• Duration: Fixed-term until March 31, 2029
• Compensation: E13 TV-L scale (German public service wage agreement, full-time)
• Start Date: April 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: March 6, 2026
• Reference Number: 48

Candidate Qualifications & Skills

Required:

• A PhD in Ecology, Environmental Modeling, Systems Biology, or a related quantitative natural science discipline.
• Strong quantitative background, including advanced statistics, ecological modeling, and experience handling diverse biological datasets.
• Familiarity with network analysis methods or graph theory.
• A proven record of peer-reviewed scientific publications (including first-author papers).

Desirable:

• Experience integrating both aquatic and terrestrial ecological data.
• Knowledge of estuarine biology and carbon cycle processes.
• Experience in programming languages (such as R or Python) and reproducible workflows.

What the University of Hamburg Offers

• Opportunities for funded international research stays and visits with global scholars.
• Excellent academic infrastructure and support for interdisciplinary science.
• 30 days of annual leave, flexible hours, and comprehensive work-life balance programs.
• University pension scheme, health management, and continuing education.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted by March 6, 2026, referencing Reference Number 48. Candidates should check the University of Hamburg official recruitment portal or submit their documents directly via email to the contact persons.

For inquiries and application coordination, contact the supervisors: Prof. Jochen Fründ or Prof. Nicole Aberle-Malzahn. Detailed contact information and official application instructions can be found on the University of Hamburg jobs portal.

This is a unique opportunity to join a world-leading Center of Excellence that studies elemental cycling and microbial life under extreme hydrostatic pressures in the deepest ocean trenches (6,000–11,000 meters). The positions offer comprehensive graduate-level training, international research expeditions, and collaborations with prominent global institutions.

Core Project Focus Areas

The five doctoral research projects cover various aspects of deep-sea biogeochemistry and microbiology:

• Marine carbon and nitrogen cycling in hadal environments.
• Microbial ecology and metabolic adaptations under extreme hydrostatic pressure.
• Biogeochemical flux modeling and deep-sea sediment analysis.
• Viral-microbe interactions and nutrient release in trench ecosystems.

Key Position Details

• Institution: University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
• Vacancies: 5 PhD positions
• Duration: 3 years (fully salaried under Danish academic collective agreements)
• Target Start Date: July – October 2026
• Application Deadline: May 4, 2026 (23:59 CET)

Candidate Qualifications

• A Master’s degree (MSc) in Marine Science, Microbiology, Biogeochemistry, Environmental Sciences, or a related discipline (must be completed before enrollment).
• Strong laboratory skills, with experience in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, or analytical chemistry being highly desirable.
• Ability to work in collaborative, international teams and a willingness to participate in marine research expeditions lasting several weeks.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted in English via the official SDU recruitment system by May 4, 2026. Candidates should prepare a motivation letter (max 2 pages) detailing their project preferences, a CV, copies of academic diplomas/transcripts, and contact details for two referees.

To submit your application online, please visit the official SDU job listing: Official SDU Application Portal.

For scientific inquiries, applicants can contact the project supervisors: Beate Kraft (bkraft@biology.sdu.dk), Elvis Genbo Xu (elvis@biology.sdu.dk), or Ronnie N. Glud (rnglud@biology.sdu.dk).

Supervised by Prof. Filip Meysman, this interdisciplinary research project bridges marine ecology, biophysics, chemistry, and quantum biology, offering an outstanding foundation for a career in academic research or the green bio-electronics industry.

Project Overview & Scientific Scope

Cable bacteria are unique multicellular microorganisms that act as living electrical wires, conducting electric currents across centimeter-scale distances within marine sediments. This project aims to unravel the physiological, biochemical, and biophysical mechanisms of this biological conduction. Research outcomes could inspire the development of sustainable, nature-based electronic materials and green technologies.

The doctoral researcher will gain hands-on experience in:

• Isolating and culturing cable bacteria from marine environments.
• Applying advanced microscopy, biophysics, and spectroscopy techniques.
• Conducting protein biochemistry analyses.
• Collaborating with top European research institutions including University College London, TU Delft, Max Planck Institute, and the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB).

Funding, Stipend & Benefits

• Duration: 4-year full-time doctoral scholarship (2 years initial, renewable for another 2 years following evaluation).
• Financials: Monthly stipend in line with standard Belgian doctoral scales.
• Allowances: Bicycle allowance or full public transit reimbursement, internet allowance, and eco-cheques.
• Training: Full access to professional development courses at the Antwerp Doctoral School.

Candidate Profile

• Must hold a Master’s degree (MSc) in Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Microbiology, Bio-engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or related natural sciences.
• Excellent academic record and a strong interest in interdisciplinary marine research.
• Fluency in written and spoken English, with strong scientific writing skills.
• Highly motivated, curious, and comfortable working within an international research group.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the University of Antwerp recruitment portal by March 23, 2026 (midnight CET). Submissions must include a motivation letter and an updated academic CV.

For full vacancy details and to apply, visit: Official University of Antwerp Online Platform.

Academic inquiries can be directed to Prof. Filip Meysman.

The research will be conducted within the Marine Evolutionary Ecology research unit (Division of Marine Ecology), under the supervision of PI Prof. Dr. Thorsten Reusch. The position is part of the German Research Foundation (DFG) Research Unit “PlantsCoChallenge”, which explores stress tolerance mechanisms across terrestrial and aquatic plants.

Project Scope & Research Focus

The project focuses on the widespread eelgrass species Zostera marina. While eelgrass exhibits broad tolerance to abiotic stressors like marine heatwaves and oxygen-free sediments, the impact of biotic stressors—specifically microbial pathogens like endophytic protists—remains poorly understood. The postdoctoral researcher will examine resource allocation, defense responses, and host-pathogen dynamics using advanced transcriptomic, metabolomic, and systems biology approaches.

Key collaborators include Prof. Dr. Sabine Hilt at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) Berlin, working on comparative freshwater macrophyte systems.

Key Position Details

• Institution: GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany
• Duration: 20 months
• Compensation: Up to TVöD-Bund E13 scale (German public service tariff)
• Target Start Date: May 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: March 1, 2026

Qualifications & Requirements

Required:

• A PhD (doctoral degree) in Biology, Marine Science, Ecology, or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in plant-pathogen interactions or plant-microbe research.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology or plant stress ecology.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.

Preferred/Desirable:

• Experience designing and executing eco-evolutionary experiments.
• Basic programming/scripting skills (e.g., Python, PERL, or R statistical package).
• Familiarity with metabolomics, transcriptomics, or high-throughput microbiome analysis.
• Knowledge of seagrass ecosystems and macrophyte biology.

What GEOMAR Offers

• An exciting international research environment situated right on the scenic Kiel Fjord.
• Excellent work-life balance options (mobile working, flexible hours, child care support).
• 30 days of annual leave plus additional time off on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
• Company pension plan and capital-forming benefits.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application (cover letter and detailed CV) online through the GEOMAR recruitment portal by March 1, 2026.

To apply online, please visit: Official GEOMAR Application Portal.

For inquiries regarding the scientific project, contact Prof. Dr. Thorsten Reusch at treusch@geomar.de. For general application inquiries, email bewerbung@geomar.de (referencing the keyword “PlantsCoChallenge”).

This is a unique opportunity for students who wish to pursue a career in wildlife biology, conservation genomics, or environmental sciences, combining intensive laboratory analysis with conservation fieldwork in California.

Project & Research Focus

The selected candidate will join the Cooper Lab at Virginia Tech to contribute to an ongoing conservation program focused on the endangered California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) in Santa Barbara County. The research centers on assessing the effectiveness of genetic rescue and headstarting strategies to combat inbreeding and habitat fragmentation.

As an M.S. researcher, you will:

• Conduct winter fieldwork in California to sample populations.
• Perform laboratory work including DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing library preparation.
• Analyze genetic diversity, relatedness, and parentage using bioinformatic and statistical tools.
• Collaborate closely with state and federal conservation agencies.

Funding and Benefits

This graduate research assistantship is fully funded for two years (subject to satisfactory progress), providing exceptional financial support:

• Annual Salary: $33,600 (approximately $2,800/month)
• Tuition: Full tuition waiver
• Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance through Virginia Tech

Qualifications

Required:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries/Wildlife Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• A strong interest in molecular ecology and conservation biology.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work in remote field settings.

Preferred:

• Experience in field sampling or molecular laboratory techniques.
• Basic familiarity with programming tools like R or Python.
• A desire to publish scientific research in peer-reviewed journals.

Application Guidelines

Applicants should compile the following documents into a single PDF file:

1. A cover letter describing your research interest and career goals.
2. A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. Contact information for 2–3 academic or professional references.
4. Unofficial transcripts.

Email the PDF to Dr. Robert Cooper at robertcooper@vt.edu with the subject format: MS Application – eDNA – Fall 2026 – [Your Last Name].

Priority review begins on January 9, 2026. Early submission is highly encouraged.

For more information on the lab and department, please visit: Cooper Lab – Virginia Tech.

This interdisciplinary role is situated within the Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology (FAME) and offers an excellent balance of independent research, collaborative science, and teaching experience, paving the way for a successful academic career in microbial ecology and bioinformatics.

Key Position Details

• Vacancy ID: 14702
• Institution: University of Amsterdam (UvA), Netherlands
• Salary: €3,546 to €5,538 gross per month
• Contract Duration: 12 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months
• Workload: 30 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
• Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
• Preferred Start Date: June 2026

Scientific Context & Research Focus

Microbial communities form the foundation of aquatic ecosystems. They drive critical nutrient cycles, maintain biodiversity, and sustain overall ecosystem stability. With the expansion of high-throughput omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics), researchers can now interrogate these complex communities at an unprecedented system-wide resolution.

This postdoctoral fellowship integrates:

• Marine and freshwater microbial ecology
• Bioinformatics and computational systems biology
• Ecosystem-level systems analysis

Role and Responsibilities

1. Ecological Research (70% Workload)

The successful candidate will lead independent research projects in microbial ecology, collaborate with scientists within the FAME department, publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and actively apply for external funding to build a long-term research profile.

2. Bioinformatics Teaching (30% Workload)

You will contribute to the Big Biomedical Data Analysis (BBDA) Master’s programme by co-coordinating bioinformatics teaching, delivering modules in genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, and supervising MSc student research projects.

Candidate Qualifications

• A PhD in microbial ecology, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in analyzing high-throughput omics data.
• A strong commitment to higher education and mentoring graduate students.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application before the deadline on April 30, 2026. Applications should be submitted online through the official UvA vacancy portal.

For full details and to submit your application, please visit the official job listing: Official UvA Application Portal.

Position Focus and Academic Environment

Based at USU’s main campus in Logan, Utah, the successful candidate will focus primarily on teaching (90% of workload) and service (10%). The department is looking for an educator to teach and develop courses in:

• Aquatic and marine ecology
• Fish ecology and fisheries science
• Limnology and stream ecology
• Aquatic macroinvertebrate identification and ecology

Classes range from 2000-level undergraduate courses to 6000-level graduate seminars, integrating classroom instruction, laboratory work, and field-based training. Teaching-focused faculty are also expected to lead curriculum innovation, such as developing new certificate programs or course-based undergraduate research experiences.

Key Responsibilities

The Assistant Professor will:

• Teach 6 to 7 courses per academic year (approximately 18 credits).
• Deliver both large-format undergraduate lectures and smaller, specialized graduate seminars.
• Supervise undergraduate research projects, directed studies, and student theses.
• Participate in departmental committees and university-wide service.

Promotion and tenure are based primarily on demonstrated excellence in classroom and field teaching.

Qualifications Required

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in aquatic ecology, fisheries science, limnology, ecology, biology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience teaching aquatic science or ecology courses.
• Evidence of the ability to develop and deliver innovative, hands-on curricula.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Postdoctoral or professional teaching experience.
• Familiarity with active learning, inclusive pedagogy, and field-based teaching.
• Proficiency in quantitative data analysis and programming (R or Python).

Salary and Location

The position is a 9-month appointment offering an annual salary of $70,000 – $78,000. Logan, Utah, offers a high quality of life with affordable living and close access to mountain ranges, rivers, and outdoor recreation, making it an ideal location for active aquatic scientists.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online through the Utah State University Human Resources portal by January 31, 2026. The position will begin after August 1, 2026.

Application Link: Apply Online – Utah State University Faculty Jobs

Required Materials:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) and contact info for three references.
• Cover letter outlining qualifications and career interests.
• Teaching vision statement (up to two pages).
• Examples of public communication (links or PDFs).
• Links to academic profiles (Google Scholar, ORCID, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the workload distribution for this position?

This is a teaching-focused tenure-track position, with 90% of the workload dedicated to teaching and course development and 10% dedicated to university service.

Is prior professional teaching experience required?

No prior professional faculty experience is required, though candidates must demonstrate prior teaching experience (e.g., as a teaching assistant or guest lecturer) during their graduate studies.

Are new course proposals supported?

Yes. The Department of Watershed Sciences actively encourages faculty to design and propose new courses that enrich the aquatic and fisheries science programs.

Project Scope: The SEAlgaePower Project

The SEAlgaePower project aims to upcycle nutrients from saline seafood processing waters using marine microalgae-based technologies. The resulting microalgal biomass is utilized to produce valuable, sustainable food protein ingredients, contributing directly to a circular economy and supporting the growth of the seafood industry and sustainable blue economy.

Core Research Focus

The postdoctoral fellow will investigate:

• Extraction and characterization of functional microalgal protein ingredients.
• Optimization of biorefinery sequences to maximize protein yield and function.
• Assessment of nutrient digestibility and profiling volatile organic compounds.
• Collaboration with academic and industrial food partners to implement microalgae biorefinery techniques.

Candidate Profile and Qualifications

Required:

• PhD awarded within the last 3 years in Bioscience, Biotechnology, Food Science, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical skills and hands-on experience in protein extraction and analysis.
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English.
• Ability to design and run independent research projects.

Highly Desirable:

• Familiarity with microalgae cultivation or single-cell culture systems.
• Experience with omega-3 fatty acids, lipid extraction, or volatile compound profiling.
• Experience in student mentoring and teaching.

Employment Terms and Benefits

The position is a full-time, 2-year contract based in Gothenburg, Sweden, with the possibility of a 1-year extension. Chalmers University offers competitive salaries and comprehensive Swedish social benefits, including generous parental leave, free healthcare, and access to Swedish language courses. Chalmers also operates the GENIE initiative, promoting gender equality and inclusion across all engineering and science departments.

Application Guidelines

Applications must be submitted in English via the Chalmers online recruitment portal by November 16, 2025. Emailed applications will not be processed.

Application Link: Apply Online – Chalmers Job Portal

Required Submission Materials:

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) including your publication list.
• Personal statement (1-2 pages) describing your research achievements, introduction, and future career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this postdoctoral position?

The position is for 2 years full-time, with an optional 1-year extension based on research progress and funding availability.

Are there exceptions to the 3-year post-PhD eligibility rule?

Yes, extensions to the eligibility window may be granted for parental leave, military service, or extended sick leave.

Is relocation support provided?

Chalmers offers administrative assistance and support with residency permits and local relocation processes for international researchers.