Technical Sciences, Aarhus University (Viborg), invites applications for a permanent Academic Employee position at the Department of Agroecology starting on 1 September 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Research area

The new colleague candidate will be part of a team leading a new large-scale initiative on the agronomic and environmental effects of biochar in Danish agricultural soils. The candidate will be responsible for planning, supporting and supervising four biochar long-term field experiments at different research stations in Denmark, including field work and interaction with technical staff at the research stations. The project partners conduct and disseminate research on soil biological, physico-chemical and hydrological processes related to biochar in soils, and the candidate will hold an overview of the trials and ensure cross-disciplinary collaboration. This will be anchored in a wider management group consisting of WP leaders. The candidate will direct and coordinate soil sampling campaigns and archiving, as well as data management. The candidate will also coordinate project meetings, reporting to the national funding agencies, and contacts to stakeholders, including activities such as public workshops/field days. The qualified candidate must have insight and interest in laboratory and field experiments on soil-related processes. You will be part of the Soil Fertility Section at AU Viborg and will interact closely with junior and senior scientists here and at partner institutions in Aarhus and Copenhagen. Likewise, the project will collaborate with international biochar initiatives and the candidate will be involved managing this scientific exchange.

Required qualifications

We seek a committed individual with the following professional and personal qualifications

• MSc or PhD or equivalent in agroecology, agronomy, environmental engineering or related field
• Knowledge of setting up and running laboratory and field experiments
• Experience in handling scientific data sets, including data collection, analysis and interpretation of information related to soil processes
• Ability to contribute to developing research projects, conceptualise ideas and formulate hypotheses
• Ability to coordinate practical and scientific research activities, including handling of research equipment
• Comprehensive collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively in diverse, multidisciplinary research teams, including interactions with national authorities, stakeholders and academics.

We are looking for an outgoing, confident individual with enthusiasm and high collaborative skills who can contribute to a positive and productive working environment.

Who we are

At the Department of Agroecology, our main goal is to contribute to sustainable solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems within the areas of soil, plants, animals, humans, and the environment. We want to make a difference by contributing to both fundamental knowledge generation and the attainment of sustainable production systems via innovative research, contracted policy advice, and education. We offer professional laboratories, greenhouses, semi-field, and field-scale research facilities, advanced computing capacities as well as an extensive national and international researcher network.  The department consists of eight research sections with around 320 highly dedicated employees, of which approximately 50% are scientific staff. More information can be found here.
We believe in encouraging inclusion, acceptance, and understanding by employing staff who bring unique perspectives to our department.

What we offer

• An informal and multicultural research environment with high professionalism, where accountability, commitment, helpfulness, flexibility, and close collaboration is a prerequisite solving the core tasks
• A good social environment with activities and routines that make it possible to talk across and strengthen the inclusive relationship, and where mutual trust, respect, kindness, and professional sparring are emphasized
• A flexible workplace with a good work-life balance
• A workplace where we work actively with diversity, equity and inclusion
• An exciting and varied working environment, where two days rarely resemble each other. We are often busy, and we work creatively for solutions to societal challenges

Special benefits when working in Denmark

• Subsidized preschool childcare and a free education system from primary school up to university level
• Universal health insurance as a resident of Denmark, including family members officially residing in Denmark
• Five weeks paid holiday per year
• In connection with childbirth: the right to have a total of 52 weeks shared maternal/paternal leave with full or partial salary pay

Place of Work and area of Employment
The place of work is Blichers Allé 20, Postboks 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.  

Further information on the position may be obtained from professor Lars Elsgaard (lars.elsgaard@agro.au.dk).You can read more about the Department of Agroecology at here.

 

Formalities and salary range

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions.

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.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.