PHD STIPEND IN DETECTION OF PEPTIDE-BASED PESTICIDES

At Aalborg University (AAU), Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a PhD stipend is available within the PhD study program of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering. The stipend is open for appointment from 1 December 2026 or soon hereafter. The stipend is available for 3 years.

Job description

The Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Section for Ecology and Genomics, invites applications for a PhD Stipend to study the biological effects and environmental fate of biotechnological pesticides based on small peptides. The project will focus on quantifying impacts on non-target organisms and uncovering mechanisms driving species-specific sensitivities.

This PhD Stipend is part of the ENSAFE project (ENvironmental SAFEty of biotechnological plant protection products based on double-stranded RNA and peptides) funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The project aims to develop tools and methods to support evidence-based risk assessment frameworks for bio-based plant protection products (PPPs).

The PhD will specifically investigate:

• Detection methods for small peptides in environmental samples (e.g., soil), including direct molecule identification and indirect assessments via physiological effects on soil organisms.
• The environmental fate of newly commercialized peptide-based products and other non-commercial products.
• Species-specific effects of peptide-based PPPs using molecular techniques, such as transcriptomics and proteomics, to explore physiological changes in organisms. Focus will also be on microbiomes.

• A master's degree in biotechnology, toxicology, biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field is an advantage.
• Knowledge to, or experience with advanced molecular techniques (e.g., transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics) and bioinformatic analysis will be advantageous.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistics, and excellent communication and collaboration skills are also desired.
• Excellent oral and written English language skills are a requirement.
• The applicant must be interested in working in an interdisciplinary research environment.

The position includes close collaboration with project bioinformaticians developing genomic-based models to predict species sensitivity. The project involves partnerships with the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Wallingford and the University of Copenhagen, facilitating interdisciplinary training in ecotoxicology and biopesticide risk assessment.

The PhD student will follow courses according to the university’s PhD program. The candidate is also expected to engage in teaching within ecology, global change biology, and ecosystem modelling and be involved in project-based student supervision within the section. All educational programs at Aalborg University are based on Problem Based Learning, with projects making up half the teaching load at all semesters.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science  in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

Who we are    
At the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience (BIO), our high-level research spans from basic to applied within both natural sciences and engineering. With approx. 150 employees, 75 PhD students, and 775 bachelor and master’s students at our campuses in Aalborg (main campus) and Esbjerg, we are a vital research and educational institution when it comes to creating new basic knowledge as well as contributing to solving the world’s challenges within biology, chemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, environmental science, and chemical engineering.

We continuously improve our department as an attractive place of work and study. We offer flexible hours, social activities throughout the year both at the department level and in each Section. We are inclusive and have respect for individuals, communities, and cultures. Our work culture is founded on openness, curiosity, transparency, and involvement. Come join us!

Read more about the department here; Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience - en.bio.aau.dk - Aalborg University

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree diploma, including grades) 
• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website. 

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.
Do you have any questions?     
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.
Further information  
Read more about our recruitment process here.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Furthermore, your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement). 

You can find information about the salary and salary structure for the position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Scientific positions (VIP). Please refer to the introductory section of the page and the section entitled “PhD Fellow”.