Aarhus University
Are you interested in environmental science and risk analysis and protecting the marine environment from contamination from dumped munitions? We invite applications to a unique exciting opportunity to join new research projects. You can contribute to the development of the project MUNI-RISK and MineSweeper and work towards protecting the Baltic Sea and EU oceans. The Department of Environmental Science invites you to apply for a 19 month post-doctoral position at Aarhus University, in Roskilde, Denmark starting April 15th 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. Job description In September 2023 during the Our Baltic II conference in Palanga Lithuania, the Ministers of the Environmental from the neighboring the Baltic Sea countries (except from Russia) identified the more than 300.000 of unexploded munitions from the past World Wars as a major threat towards the environmental wellbeing of the Baltic Sea. European waters are widely contaminated with underwater munition, which are causing pollution and preventing economic development in the region. The war remnants include conventional and chemical munitions and much of the conventional munitions can be found in relatively shallow waters, near fishing activities, major shipping routes, and offshore development locations. The EU Oceans Pact highlight the need to assess and manage dumped munitions. Two EU-funded projects, MUNI-RISK (https://muni-risk.eu/) and MMinE-SwEEPER (https://mminesweeper-munition.eu/) seek to advance our understanding of the potential risks marine munition may have in the environment – and hence to support risk management of the risks. MUNI-RISK will generate detailed data on the extent of munitions-related chemical contamination in the Baltic Sea. The projects will be conducted in close collaboration with a range of universities, research institutes, authorities, commercial companies, and offshore specialists. The project will develop a framework for prioritization of areas for enhanced risk management e.g. remediation, as well as develop how to include dumped munitions in Environmental Impact Assessments: We will ensure that the frameworks are transferable to other European seas - particularly the Black Sea. Your profile The candidate will be part of the MUNI-RISK and MMinE-SwEEPER consortia that will advance scientific understanding on risks of munition in the marine environment and develop methods for risk prioritizing and implementing remediation actions of dumped munition and inclusion of dumped munitions in Environmental Impact Assessments of offshore wind turbine parks outside Denmark, Poland and Estonia. The candidate will be involved in case study work with stakeholders and assessment of risks based on collected data from the project activities from field measurements in munition dump sites in the Baltic Sea. The candidate will work on the general and site-specific risk assessment of dumped munitions in the Baltic Sea. The tasks of the candidate will also comprise working in the consortium as well as the presentation of results at national and international scientific meetings and the publication of the results in established peer-reviewed scientific journals. Qualifications: A PhD in social sciences achieved by 15th of April 2026 Experience in stakeholder engagement and co-creation and collection and analysis of information and data from stakeholder processes Experience in the quantitative and qualitative methods pertaining to characterization of contaminants and munitions Excellent English language skills (written and spoken) Willingness to work efficiently with other members on the ongoing projects Willingness to contribute to the projects management Who we are The Department of Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary department under the Faculty of Technical Sciences at Aarhus University. The expertise of the Department ranges from physics, chemistry, microbiology, social science, geography, economics, to policy analysis. Basic as well as applied research are conducted on some of the major challenges facing society, such as pollution and pollution control mechanisms, management of land, soil, water, air and biodiversity, protection of ecosystem services, and climate change. Advisory services within these areas are offered to ministries and other authorities. Currently, about 140 staff, postdocs and PhD students are working at the department. The Department believes in values of equality, diversity and inclusion, and creating an attractive work/life balance. Further information can be found at www.envs.au.dk. MITO: Section for chemistry and toxicology. The Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology (MITO) section conducts research and provides advisory work to better understand exposure sources, exposure levels, transformation routes, risks, and effective ways to reduce the danger posed by chemicals. Our aim is to increase knowledge of the fate and risk of organic pollutants in the environment and develop approaches to manage and remediate these risks in technical systems, such as water purification and soil remediation. The research section also performs environmental risk assessments for various organic pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, PCBs, flame retardants, fluorinated compounds, dioxins, PAHs, personal care products, plasticizers, chemical warfare agents, and their degradation products. In addition, our research examines the sources, transport mechanisms, distribution patterns, bioaccumulation processes, and transformation pathways of contaminants in diverse environmental and human matrices. Our work involves conducting both environmental risk assessment and public health risk assessment ( https://envs.au.dk/en/about-the-department/environmental-chemistry-and-toxiology) What we offer The department/centre offers: a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment an exciting interdisciplinary environment with many national, international and industrial collaborators a research climate encouraging lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research a work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance. Place of work and area of employment The place of work is at Aarhus University, Risø Campus, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde. Contact information For further information, please contact: Sr Scientist and MUNI-RISK coordinator Hans Sanderson, T: +45-4189-3238; E: hasa@envs.au.dk. Deadline Applications must be received no later than December 15th, 2025. Application procedure Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants. Letter of reference If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline. Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration. If you wish to add a referee after you have submitted your application, you must send this person’s details (name, job title, place of work, and email address) as well as the name of the position you have applied for to: HR.Nattech@au.dk Formalities and salary range Technical Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here. Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities. Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations. 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. Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity. Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.
Biologické centrum AV ČR
PhD Position: High-Elevation Butterfly Evolution and Adaptation Research **Position Overview** We are seeking a motivated PhD student to join our international team at the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences. This exciting research project focuses on understanding rapid evolution and adaptation in butterflies flying at high elevations. The PhD research will investigate climatic niche evolution and species diversification in tropical mountain butterflies (Pierini whites), and test for adaptive evolution of flight performance in species from the tropical Andes of Peru. **Key Responsibilities** You will conduct extensive fieldwork along two elevational transects (approximately 1,500–4,000 m) in Peru, performing behavioral experiments to quantify butterfly flight performance. Research visits to European collaborators and Natural History Museums are planned, where you will measure wing shape, size and coloration using morphometric and modern imaging tools. This comprehensive framework will enable you to assess how environmental drivers, phylogenetic history and eco-morphological variation shape high-elevation butterfly adaptation. **What We Offer** You will benefit from international networking, hands-on training and research mobility within a collaborative and multidisciplinary team environment. **Required Qualifications** - Master's degree in biology or related fields (awarded before start) - Excellent communication skills in English - Demonstrated independence and research productivity Priority will be given to candidates who have co-authored at least one scientific publication (submitted or accepted). Experience with morphometric analysis, climatic niche modelling and/or significant fieldwork experience in tropical mountains is highly advantageous. **Comprehensive Benefits Package** - 5 weeks paid holiday annually - Subsidized lunches in on-site canteen - Pension insurance contribution - Support for leisure sports and cultural activities - Full health insurance and social security - Student benefits for PhD students - Free Czech language classes - Professional training and mentoring programs - Concessionary services with contractual operators and banks - Campus-based daycare for employees' children from age 1 - Welcome service and ongoing support for international employees - English-speaking, friendly and stimulating international working environment - Excellent work-life balance in České Budějovice, offering diverse activities - Employment at a stable, prestigious research institution of international importance **Program Details** You will enroll in the 4-year PhD program at the Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia. Funding combines research grant salary and student stipend, fully covering living expenses in the Czech Republic with comfortable margin. **Location** The research facility is located at the Biology Centre CAS in České Budějovice, a charming historical city in southern Czech Republic, easily accessible from Prague and Vienna. This safe, mid-sized city of approximately 100,000 inhabitants features a relaxed atmosphere, historical center, and stunning countryside providing numerous opportunities for research and leisure activities. The city hosts a growing international expert community at both the Biology Centre CAS and the neighboring University of South Bohemia. **Work Environment** Our Department of Ecology at the Institute of Entomology maintains a highly diverse and international working environment. The Biology Centre holds the HR Award, ensuring our selection process is transparent, open, non-discriminating and fair. **Application Information** Application deadline: January 11, 2026 Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in English Expected start: Spring 2026 (flexible start date) **Application Requirements** Submit your application in English as a single PDF containing: - Cover letter outlining your motivation, relevant background and skills, and potential research plans (maximum 2 pages) - CV including contact details of at least two referees familiar with your work The Biology Centre provides comprehensive welcome services for international employees, including visa application assistance, administration support, and relocation guidance.
Biologické centrum AV ČR
Přehled Institute of Soil Biology and Biochemistry of the Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, welcomes applications for a four-year PhD student position in soil fauna effects on soil organic matter stability. We are seeking a motivated individual with a strong interest in soil organic matter dynamics. Workplace: Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry Department: Biogeochemistry Section Laboratory: Soil Biochemistry Employment relationship: Employment contract Job type: Researcher Researcher profile: R1 Duration: Fixed-term Job status: Part-time Job starting date: 1. 2. 2026 Min. education level: Master Degree or equivalent Field of education: Soil science or a related field JOB DESCRIPTION: Background Fauna is highly abundant in soils worldwide, but their potential in regulating carbon in soil and helping mitigate climate change remains unknown, which hampers effective and sustainable management of soils in the face of global change. About the project The PhD project, funded by the Czech Academy of Sciences, will tackle this research gap in various experiments that will mainly focus on how earthworms, nematodes, and springtails, individually and in combination with each other, affect the proportion and formation of particulate and mineral-associated organic matter. The research will be conducted on various scales, including laboratory experiments at the Biology Centre CAS, an Ecotron experiment at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, and field experiments in the Global Change Experimental Facility of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Germany. The successful candidate will perform physical fractionation of soil, biomarker (amino sugars) and DNA extractions, conduct gas-chromatographic measurements, and will be involved in setting up and maintaining laboratory and field experiments. REQUIREMENTS: The successful candidate should have: A master’s degree in soil science or a related field Previous experience in soil organic matter dynamics and stability and/or related to soil fauna Previous experience in statistical analysis of data, preferably in R Previous experience in biomarker extraction and gas-chromatographic analyses is a plus Organizational skills, reliability, and a sense of responsibility The ability to fluently communicate in English Good interpersonal skills and effective time management BENEFITS: 5 weeks of paid holiday yearly, subsidized lunches in our own canteen Pension insurance contribution, support of leisure sport & cultural activities Full health insurance and social security, student benefits for PhD students Free Czech language classes, professional trainings and mentoring programme Concessionary services at the contractual operator and bank Campus-based daycare for employees‘ children from the age of 1 year Welcome service and further support for foreigners (HR Award) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This four-year PhD position, starting in February 2026, offers challenging part-time job that will push the frontiers of soil science. You will be part of an international team working in an inspiring and motivating workplace with friendly atmosphere. In addition to the oportunity to use the employment benefits above, you will receive an above-average PhD salary. The Biology Centre CAS is located in České Budějovice (max. 2 hours south of the capital Prague), a safe middle-sized city with ca. 100K inhabitants, relaxed atmosphere, historical centre and a breathtaking countryside around providing numerous opportunities for research and leisure activities. It has a growing international expert community at the Biology Centre CAS and the neighbouring University of South Bohemia. Three faculties and five research institutes dealing with aquatic and terrestrial biota are located on the same campus, allowing easy access to other researchers and resources. Living costs are low by international standards. Courses of Czech language are provided for foreign staff to reach a basic level of proficiency in everyday situations. Check out our Guide for Expats to read about life in the city and the Czech Republic. The Biology Centre holds the HR Award. Our selection process is transparent, open, non-discriminating and fair. For more information about the researchers recruitment policy at our institution, see our OTM-R. We provide our employees from abroad with welcome service (visa application, administration, relocation & settlement support). HOW TO APPLY: Applications, consisting of a cover letter and a CV, including a summary of previous work experience and education, should be submitted via the REPLY button at the end of our official website: https://jobs.bc.cas.cz/en/detail/270 The offer remains open until a suitable candidate is found and the position is filled. For further inquiries please contact Dr. Gerrit Angst: gerrit.angst@bc.cas.cz