Postdoctoral Position in Extracellular Nucleic Acids, Interspecies Communication, and Redox Sensing University of Southern Denmark in Denmark

University of Southern Denmark is advertising a 3-year postdoctoral position in the team of Professor Amelia-Elena Rotaru in Odense, Denmark.

The project focuses on extracellular nucleic acids (especially extracellular RNA), interspecies communication, and redox sensing in methanogenic consortia. The research combines RNA biology, anaerobic microbiology, metallomics, secretomics, spatial transcriptomics, and electrochemistry to study microbial interactions among organisms from different domains of life, including Bacteria and Archaea.

The successful candidate will cultivate and monitor methanogenic dual-species consortia, design experiments for cell-surface eRNA–cofactor interactions, develop communication and redox-sensing assays, and use secretomics, spatial transcriptomics, and electrochemical/analytical methods to probe RNA-mediated processes. The position is embedded in the Department of Biology and the Nordcee research section, within a strong interdisciplinary environment focused on environmental microbiology, biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, and Earth–life interactions.

Applicants should hold a relevant PhD in molecular microbiology, archaeal RNA biology, molecular electrobiology, or a related field. Experience with co-IP assays is requested, along with background in archaeal RNA biology, spatial transcriptomics, secretomics, or electrochemistry of nucleic acid complexes. Strong English communication skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team are also important.

This is a full-time, fixed-term postdoc with a competitive salary, supported by a Semper Ardens Accomplish grant. The application deadline is 1 May 2026 at 23:59 local Danish time. Applicants are directed to the University of Southern Denmark website for the full call and application instructions.