PHD Stipend in Detection of peptide-Based Pesticides

Do you want to study the biological effect and environmental fate of biotechnological peptide-based pepticides And do you see yourself as a teamplayer who is strong in collaboration If yes we look forward to reading your application to our PhD Stipend.
At the Faculty of Engineering and Science Department of Chemistry and Bioscience a Ph.D. stipend is available within the general study program. The Ph.D. stipend is open for appointment from 15.09.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The workplace is in Aaborg.

Your work tasks
The Department of Chemistry and Bioscience Section for Ecology and Genomics invites applications for a PhD fellowship to study the biological effects and environmental fate of biotechnological peptide-based pesticides. The project will focus on quantifying impacts on target and non-target organisms and study the faith of the peptides in experimental settings.
This PhD fellowship is part of the ENSAFE project (ENvironmental SAFEty of biotechnological plant protection products based on double-stranded RNA and peptides) funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The project aims to develop tools and methods to support evidence-based risk assessment frameworks for bio-based plant protection products (PPPs).

The vacant PhD will specifically investigate:
Detection methods for peptides in environmental samples (e.g. soil) including direct molecule identification and indirect assessments via physiological effects on soil organisms.
The environmental fate of newly commercialized peptide-based pesticides products commercial as well as non-commercial products.
Species-specific effects of peptide-based PPPs using molecular techniques such as transcriptomics and proteomics to explore physiological changes in organisms including microbiomes.

Your competencies

A masters degree in biotechnology toxicology biology biochemistry or a closely related field is an advantage. Knowledge to or experience with advanced molecular techniques (e.g. transcriptomics metabolomics proteomics) and bioinformatic analysis.
Proficiency in data analysis statistics and excellent communication and collaboration skills are also desired.

Excellent oral and written English language skills are a requirement.

The applicant must be interested in working in an interdisciplinary research environment.
The position includes close collaboration with project bioinformaticians developing genomic-based models to predict species sensitivity. The project involves partnerships with the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Wallingford and the University of Copenhagen facilitating interdisciplinary training in ecotoxicology and biopesticide risk assessment.

The PhD student will follow courses according to the universitys PhD program. The candidate is also expected to engage in teaching within microbial ecology molecular biology and biotechnology and be involved in project-based student supervision within the section. All educational programs at Aalborg University are based on Problem Based Learning with projects making up half the teaching load at all semesters.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Masters degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Who we are

At the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience (BIO) our high-level research spans from basic to applied within both natural sciences and engineering. With approx. 150 employees 75 PhD students and 775 bachelor and masters students at our campuses in Aalborg (main campus) and Esbjerg we are a vital research and educational institution when it comes to creating new basic knowledge as well as contributing to solving the worlds challenges within biology chemistry biotechnology bioengineering environmental science and chemical engineering.

We continuously improve our department as an attractive place of work and study. We offer flexible hours social activities throughout the year both at the department level and in each Section. We are inclusive and have respect for individuals communities and cultures. Our work culture is founded on openness curiosity transparency and involvement. Come join us!

Read more about the department here; Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience - - Aalborg University.

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelor and masters degree diploma)
• Project description 1-2 pages
• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg Universitys recruitment system which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg Universitys website.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore everyone regardless of personal background and orientation is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions
If you have any questions about the position you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information
We recommend that you save a copy of the job posting as it will be removed once the application deadline has passed.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline the head of the department with the assistance of the hiring committee will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires ensuring the safety compliance and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers students and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights new solutions to societal problems and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.