PhD Stipend in Ecology of Ponds

Do you want to get to the bottom of biodiversity in ponds and lakes And do you see yourself as a team player with strong collaborative skills 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 PhD stipend is available within the general study program. The PhD stipend is open for appointment from 1 September 2026 or soon hereafter. The position is for 3 years and the workplace is in Aalborg.

Your work tasks
Ponds are small standing (lentic) freshwater habitats (< 1 ha) that are home to highly diverse flora and fauna. These water bodies contribute broadly to biodiversity have the potential to help mitigate anthropogenic pressures and provide societal benefits in the form of ecosystem services. However under-representation of ponds in freshwater policy making and research compared to larger water bodies has led to significant knowledge gaps regarding their ecological functioning and trophic interactions which is a major challenge for future management and conservation efforts.
This PhD project will focus on investigating the environmental and ecological drivers of biodiversity across ponds of different types and ecological quality by implementing an integrative approach using conventional molecular and computational tools to generate a dataset that spans multiple trophic layers. During the project you will engage in field work to survey different types of ponds collect samples for molecular analysis (e.g. eDNA analysis) and undertake computational research. It is expected that there will be collaboration with different stakeholders in industry and regulators during the project and the candidate can expect a stay abroad during the PhD project.
The PhD student will be a part of the Molecular Ecology group led by Tenure Track Assistant Professor Nadieh de Jonge within the section of Environmental Biomonitoring which focuses on the implementation and development of state-of-the-art approaches for biodiversity monitoring and ecological research and facilitates a dynamic work environment and interdisciplinary collaborations.
All interested candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their personal background. We value diversity and see it as a strength.

Your competencies
The applicant is expected to demonstrate the following competencies and qualifications

• A masters degree in biology molecular biology ecology or closely related field is required for the PhD stipend.
• Strong competences in molecular laboratory work (e.g. eDNA analysis).
• Proficiency in programming in R utilization of machine learning and/or ecological modelling.
• Excellent oral and written English language skills.
• Strong collaborative skills team spirit and the ability to also work independently.
• Experience with field work and surveying of freshwater habitats is considered advantageous.

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. 1124 of September 19 2025 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. As part of the PhD study you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

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 (bachelors and masters degree diploma including grades)
• 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
Read more about our recruitment process here.

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).

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)

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.