2-year postdoc position within physiological effects of vitamin D on immune and inflammatory responses in calves Full-time

2-year Postdoc Position Within Physiological Effects Of Vitamin D On Immune And Inflammatory Responses In Calves

The Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Aarhus University invites highly qualified applicants to apply for a 2-year postdoc position on the effects of vitamin D on immune and inflammatory responses during early life of calves and in other ruminant animals, starting 15 June 2026.

Position: We seek a candidate with expertise in the nutritional aspects of vitamin D. The position will focus on the physiological and immunological roles of vitamin D, including how vitamin D influences growth physiology as well as immune and inflammatory responses in newborn calves and later in life.

We expect the candidate to meet the following requirements:

• A strong background in animal nutrition and physiology.
• Expertise in analytical techniques for evaluating immune and inflammatory markers, such as cytokines and acute phase reactants.
• A solid background in assessing the bioavailability of different sources of vitamin D.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research within this area, experience in student mentorship, and strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Documented ability to publish scientific work in high-ranking journals.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct state-of-the-art research within the described area.
• Take the initiative in developing the research field and collaborate with national and international academic and industry partners.
• Teach and supervise students at the bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels, as well as support and guide technical staff.

What we offer:

• A well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment and animal-experimental facilities
• An informal and multicultural research environment with high professionalism and close collaboration and networking activities
• A workplace characterized by equality and a good work-life balance, and an open discussion across different fields of research.

Who we are:

Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences is well-known for its skilled and very innovative interdisciplinary research environments with high international impact. We perform world-class research, which contributes with solutions to solve essential societal challenges within the green transition: food production and veterinary medicine – nationally and globally. The department generates novel research at the highest international level within sustainable food production, environment, climate, and health and welfare for animals and humans. The activities form the basis for the research-based public sector consultancy and degree programs covering bachelor's, master's and PhD degree programs within animal science and veterinary medicine. We offer a lively, engaged and innovative learning and study environment, which is closely integrated in the research environment. ANIVET has unique and advanced animal experimental research facilities and technologies, situated in close connection to the research environment, and a comprehensive national and international research network and good industrial and professional collaboration. Please refer to Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences (au.dk) for further information about the department.

Contact:

Further information on the position may be obtained from Head of Research Unit Peter Lund, phone: +45 4015 7673, email: peter.lund@anivet.au.dk.

Living in Denmark:

Please visit the international staff website for information about arriving to and living in Denmark for both the applicants and their potential family.

Place of employment and place of work:

The place of work is the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AU Viborg, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele, and the area of employment is Aarhus University (AU) with related departments.

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.

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. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here. Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.