Postdoc on the Effects of Biochar on Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Nutrient Leaching and Carbon Sequestration in Rewetted Cultivated Peat Soils

The Sections of Chemistry and Physics and Soil and Plant Sciences at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences invite applications for a postdoc position on the effects of biochar on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, nutrient fate and carbon sequestration in rewetted, cultivated peat soils. The position is open from 1. September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter, and the position has a duration of 24 months.

This position is part of the RESTORE project funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark Thematic Call on Green Research, and aims to develop a new rewetting solution for drained, cultivated peat soils to help reach climate goals. Biochar, the highly stable carbon residue from biomass pyrolysis, has been shown to reduce GHG emissions from agricultural fields, and to sorb and store nutrients and pollutants, thus can potentially multiply the climate change mitigation effect of rewetting peatlands, while safeguarding the environment. Because of its recalcitrant nature, biochar soil amendment is also one of the few technologies that can sequester carbon in large quantities. However, to date biochar’s effects on GHG, nutrient, and C dynamics in peat soils and their microbiome under rewetted, anoxic conditions are poorly understood.

The work of the postdoc will include 1) assessing biochar impacts on GHG, nutrient and C dynamics in rewetted peat soils at the laboratory scale, testing different combinations of peat soil and biochar types, and pedoclimatic conditions, and 2) testing the most promising biochar in a 1-year outdoor experiment, simulating a managed meadow. The postdoc will also be responsible for collaborating with other researchers in this project, who will analyse the soil microbiome in these incubations, to explore significant correlations across the collected data. The post also includes teaching duties and potentially other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Assoc. Prof. Dominique J. Tobler, dominique.tobler@plen.ku.dk, phone +45 35325369.

Required qualifications
The applicants should hold professional as well as personal skills and qualifications as stated below:

• A PhD degree in soil science, environmental science or related disciplines.
• Strong foundation in soil (bio-)geochemistry; knowledge of peat soil ecosystems will be an asset
• Solid background in physical and chemical soil characterisation
• Use of advanced characterisation tools for material bulk and surface characterisation
• Proficiency with planning and conducting laboratory and field experiments related to soil studies
• Experience with greenhouse gas emissions measurements from soil incubations
• Competent in data management and statistical analysis, etc.
• Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated capacity for international teamwork and excellent communication skills
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

Key criteria for the assessment of candidates

• Professional qualifications relevant to the position
• Relevant work experience
• Scientific publications
• Other professional activities
• Language skills

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Cover letter describing the motivation for this position
• Curriculum vitae incl. contact information for 2-3 references
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research statement – description of research interests and career plans

The deadline for applications is 12 May 2025, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews will be held in June 2025.

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Kontakt
Dominique Jeanette Tobler
E-mail: dominique.tobler@plen.ku.dk

Info
Ansøgningsfrist: 12-05-2025

Ansættelsesdato: 01-09-2025

Arbejdstid: Fuldtid

Afdeling/Sted: Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences