PostDoc in aerobiological modelling Full-time

PostDoc in Aerobiological Modelling

Are you interested in atmospheric science and can you contribute to the development of a new generation of numerical models describing concentrations and transport of bioaerosols? Then the Department of Environmental Science invites you to apply for a 2 year post doc position, with possibility for extension. The position is associated with two research projects funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation: 1) NNF RECRUIT, 2022-2029 and NNF EARLY-BLIGHT, 2026-2029.

This is a 2 year position from 1 March 2027 or as soon possible. This is a fixed-term position to end on 28 February 2029, but with possibility for an extension.

You will be contributing to further development of the WRF-Chem model to handle a large range of bioaerosols in particular pollen and fungal spores. The geographical focus is on both the urban environment and agricultural areas in Denmark. You will be contributing to the dynamical integration of near real-time data into WRF-Chem. You will be contributing to the development of machine learning models used on data from Poleno Jupiters, applying Python and machine learning. The position will focus on implementing grass pollen (both generic grasses and specific grass species) and selected fungal spores such as Alternaria alternata and Phytophtora infestans. You will work with data obtained with Poleno Jupiter instruments, with data obtained with DNA methods and data obtained with a Hirst trap. Numerical models used by the group covers the particle dispersion model HYSPLIT in combination and the numerical models WRF and WRF-Chem. You will be working in an aerobiological research group funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation containing two additional post docs, a PhD student and a professor. This teams covers expertise on numerical modelling, atmosphere, microbiology and bioinformatics. These activities will be in close collaboration with a group of technicians. Disseminate results is a key aspect, which involves the production of manuscripts, both as co-author and lead author, for international peer-reviewed publications and participation in relevant conferences.

Applicants should hold a PhD in environmental science, physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering or similar. You need to demonstrate experience with collaboration and presenting works at international conferences and leading manuscripts published in international peer reviewed journals. Understanding of the atmosphere and its modelling is essential. Model development of WRF-Chem is complex. Documented experience using FORTRAN, C or similar is therefore required. A substantial fraction of the technical part will be handled on high performance computers and the AI supercomputer GEFION, all operated in a Linux Environment. Documented experience with Linux is therefore also required. Candidates with a completed PhD degree before the interview date will also be considered. Documented research experience on numerical modelling. Experience with either WRF, WRF-Chem or bioaerosols is a considerable advantage but not needed for the right candidate. Experience with PyTorch and Tensorflow in Python is an advantage, but not needed for the right candidate. Further requirements are English fluency, good writing and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and in an international academic environment.

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 is 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, the department employs about 140 staff, postdocs and PhD students. We believe in values of equality, diversity and inclusion, and creating an attractive work/life balance. Further information can be found at www.envs.au.dk.

The selected candidate will be affiliated with the Section for Atmospheric Environment in the Group of Atmospheric Measurements. Due to the interdisciplinary work, be affiliated with the interdisciplinary iCLIMATE Aarhus University Interdisciplinary Centre for Climate Change (https://iclimate.au.dk/)

The department 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. The project offers a well funded research group; access to one of the longest pollen records in Europe for model development, collected with a Hirst trap; access to data from 3 Poleno Jupiters for model development. These Instrument that have been running in Denmark since 2025; access to DNA based observations for model development, both quantitative data and sequencing data, covering Denmark and selected European countries.

The place of work will be at Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark. The city of Roskilde (www.roskilde.dk) is located approx. 30 km from Copenhagen. The area provides immediate access to a wealth of cultural and recreational pursuits.

International candidates may find information concerning living and working in Denmark at www.workindenmark.dk. AU International Center offers a full range of services to make your transition to Denmark as smooth as possible (http://www.au.dk/en/internationalcentre/ias/), and the department will assist foreign candidates with finding a suitable place to live.

Applications must be received no later than 1 November 2026.

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – 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.

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 and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions at basic salary steps 4-8. 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. The application must be submitted via Aarhus University's recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.