Research Assistant in Marine Taxonomy Full-time NEW

Research Assistant in Marine Taxonomy

The Department of Ecoscience at Aarhus University, Denmark, invites applications for a 2-year position as research assistant in marine taxonomy, focusing on phytoplankton, macroalgae and benthic fauna. The place of work is Aarhus, and the position starts on 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

This is a 2-year fixed-term position from 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Taxonomic expertise is the foundation of reliable knowledge about marine biodiversity, and of the monitoring that Danish authorities use to assess the state of the marine environment. You will help maintain and develop the department's taxonomic expertise and link it to new methods such as eDNA, ROV-based surveys and modelling. Your tasks will include:

• Identification and quantification of phytoplankton, macroalgae and benthic fauna in samples from field surveys and monitoring programmes
• Data management, quality assurance and reporting as part of the department's advisory work for the Danish Environmental Protection Agency
• Contributing to research projects on marine biodiversity, e.g. in cultivated seaweed

You will work in close collaboration with experienced taxonomists and researchers at the Department of Ecoscience.

Applicants should hold a Master's degree in biology, marine biology or a related field. We expect that you have:

• Documented experience in identifying marine organisms, preferably within phytoplankton, macroalgae and/or benthic fauna
• Experience with marine field work
• Experience with laboratory work and good laboratory practice
• Experience with data handling, quality assurance and reporting
• Good English skills, written and oral
• A structured and careful approach to your work and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team

It will be an advantage if you have:

• Experience with national monitoring programmes, e.g. NOVANA
• Experience with molecular methods such as eDNA, or with ROV or other image-based survey methods
• Skills in data analysis, e.g. in R
• An interest in research-based advice to authorities

Applications must be received no later than Tuesday 1 December 2026.