Postdoc Position in Enzymatic PFAS Degradation Full-time

Postdoc Position in Enzymatic PFAS Degradation

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary research project on enzymatic PFAS degradation at the Department of Biological & Chemical Engineering of Aarhus University, Denmark. The position is for 3 years, with an expected start date of June 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Expected Start Date and Duration of Employment

The postdoc position is available with an expected start date of June 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The duration of the position is 36 months.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for an interdisciplinary research project on enzymatic PFAS degradation, funded by Novo Nordisk Foundation. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination is a serious environmental concern. PFAS contamination in drinking water and in wastewater demands permanent solutions for removal and destruction. Current methods have various disadvantages, especially related to the uncontrolled formation of potentially toxic byproducts. Enzymes offer a promising alternative for PFAS degradation, especially in aqueous environments, with their ability for selective catalysis. Enzymes have been used in the remediation of other pollutants with success. In this project, we aim for a controlled PFAS degradation by using engineered enzymes and developing immobilized enzyme reactors for the treatment of PFAS contaminated water. The postdoc will work collaboratively within the research groups of Assoc. Prof. Bekir Engin Eser, Assoc. Prof. Leendert Vergeynst and Assoc. Prof. Kasper Vita Kristensen at Aarhus University, in close collaboration with the research group of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Selin Kara at Leibniz University Hannover, Germany.

The key tasks of the postdoc in this position will be:

• Enzyme engineering to identify variants with high performance towards PFAS degradation.
• Enzyme immobilization for efficient and continuous enzymatic PFAS degradation in realistic water matrices and under water treatment conditions.
• Development of analytical methods for the analyses of PFAS and their degradation products.
• Disseminating project results through scientific publications and conference presentations.

Required qualifications:

• Completed PhD in the field of Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or relevant field
• Strong background in enzymology and protein engineering
• Experience in enzyme immobilization and characterization thereof
• Experience in the application of enzymes in bioremediation and/or in biocatalysis
• Expertise in chemical analysis using techniques including GC-MS and LC-MS
• Self-motivated, pro-active, team- and goal-oriented personality
• Excellent communication skills, including fluency in spoken and written English

Preferred qualifications:

• Skills in computational protein structure analysis and bioinformatic methods
• Experience in enzyme immobilization
• Expertise within environmental science research and/or PFAS analysis
• Experience in bioprocess engineering
• Eager to work with master and bachelor students and laboratory supervision of those for their thesis projects

The place of work is Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000 Aarhus C and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

For further information, please contact: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bekir Engin Eser, email: bekireser@bce.au.dk, or phone: +45 52824813

Applications must be received no later than 20th of March 2026.

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.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.