The Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen is seeking a motivated and talented candidate for a fully-funded 3-year PhD position This position is part of the research project: Peatland Exchange of Atmospheric volatile carbon: Kinetics and mechanisms, led by assistant professor Yi Jiao and funded by a Villum Young Investigator Grant.
Start date is (expected to be) 1 August 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
About the Project
Peatlands are critical ecosystems for global carbon storage and greenhouse gas dynamics, yet their role in the exchange of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with the atmosphere remains poorly understood. This project aims to fill key knowledge gaps in peatland-atmosphere interactions by investigating (1) the production and consumption processes of volatile carbon, (2) how vegetation mediates VOC exchange between peatlands and the atmosphere, (3) microbial taxa and pathways responsible for VOC transformations, and by (4) incorporating these findings into process-based models to predict peatland carbon dynamics under climate change, and vice versa. The project is hosted by the Center for Volatile Interactions.
About the Center for Volatile Interactions (VOLT)
The Center for Volatile Interactions (https://volt.ku.dk/) is a Center of Excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation, hosted at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, and led by Professor Riikka Rinnan. The center brings together a dynamic team of leading scientists, advanced research facilities, and an extensive international network. VOLT is dedicated to exploring the transformative role of VOCs in ecosystems and their interactions with the atmosphere. With state-of-the-art instrumentation, including PTR-ToF-MS and GC-MS instruments, isotope analyzers, and climate chambers, VOLT offers an unparalleled environment for cutting-edge research and collaboration. As a PhD fellow at VOLT, you will have the opportunity to work in a vibrant, interdisciplinary, and international setting that supports both scientific innovation and career development.
Who we are looking for & Key responsibilities
We are seeking a motivated and ambitious candidate with a strong desire to contribute to cutting-edge research on peatland biogeochemistry. The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or a related field and have experience in one or more of the following areas: gas measurements and analyses, microbial ecology, stable isotope labeling, molecular biology, or biogeochemistry. Excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken) are essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry through an independent research project on VOC production, consumption, and exchange in peatlands using biogeochemical, molecular, and microbiological approaches under supervision
- Participate in fieldwork in Sweden.
- Conduct laboratory experiments using stable isotope probing, microbial community analysis, and gas flux measurements.
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
- Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
- Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
- Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
- Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project
What We Offer
The project aims to provide an excellent foundation for a career in academia. The successful candidate will join a vibrant, collaborative research environment at the Center for Volatile Interactions, University of Copenhagen. VOLT offers strong support for academic career development, including mentoring, opportunities to publish high-quality papers, and guidance for securing future funding. You will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, as well as to participate in international conferences and research stays abroad. Supervision and mentoring will be provided by assistant professor Yi Jiao and Professor Riikka Rinnan, alongside support from other leading experts in the field.
Principal supervisor is Professor Riikka Rinnan, Department of Biology, riikkar@bio.ku.dk, +45 51 82 70 39.
Eligibility and Terms of Employment
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.
Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.
Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
- Publication list (if possible)
- Reference letters (if available)
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is Sunday 16 March 2025, 23:59 GMT +1.
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
The further process After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert committee. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.
The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Contact and Further Information
For specific inquiries about the position, contact: Dr. Yi Jiao, email: yi.jiao@bio.ku.dk or Prof. Riikka Rinnan, email: riikkar@bio.ku.dk. For general information about PhD studies at the Faculty of SCIENCE, visit: PhD School website.
The University of Copenhagen values diversity and encourages all qualified individuals to apply, regardless of personal background.
