Florin Musat

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A fully funded PhD position is available in the Research Group Archaea, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Denmark, starting May 2026 or later. The project focuses on the identification and characterization of novel clades of anaerobic hydrocarbon-oxidizing Archaea, Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB), and Archaea-SRB consortia from diverse environments. Research activities include initiating enrichment cultures using hydrocarbons as substrates, with sediments from deep sea sites, intertidal zones, hydrocarbon seeps, and mud volcanoes as inocula. Participation in sampling campaigns is possible during the early phase of the PhD. The project employs advanced techniques such as community sequencing, metagenomics, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), fluorescence microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and nanoSIMS-based chemical imaging. The aim is to discover novel phylogenetic lineages and functional types of anaerobic hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms, expanding our understanding of metabolic pathways and interactions in anoxic environments. The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining microbiology, molecular biology, microbial ecology, and environmental science. Applicants must hold a relevant MSc degree (biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or equivalent) and have a strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or microbial ecology. Excellent collaborative skills, strong publication potential, and fluency in English are required. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. The position is fully funded as a PhD fellowship/scholarship, covering stipend and tuition. The application deadline is 1 February 2026, and the online application system opens 1 December 2025. For more information, contact Associate Professors Florin Musat ([email protected]) or Niculina Musat ([email protected]). Application details and requirements are available at the provided links. Aarhus University values equality and diversity and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

Aarhus University is offering a PhD fellowship in the Graduate School of Natural Sciences (Biology programme), focusing on the discovery of new anaerobic hydrocarbon-oxidizing microbes. The project is hosted by the Research Group Archaea in the Department of Biology – Microbiology, which investigates the ecophysiology and metabolism of deep-sea Archaea and Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB) involved in the anaerobic oxidation of hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, and butane. These hydrocarbons are significant components of natural gas and play crucial roles in the carbon and energy cycles of marine sediments. The PhD candidate will work to identify and characterize novel clades of hydrocarbon-oxidizing Archaea, SRB, or Archaea-SRB consortia from diverse environments. Research activities include initiating enrichment cultures using single or mixed hydrocarbons as substrates, with sediments sourced from deep sea sites, intertidal zones, hydrocarbon seeps, and mud volcanoes. The project involves advanced microbial community analysis using community sequencing, metagenomics, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), fluorescence microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and nanoSIMS-based chemical imaging. The candidate will also conduct culture-based experiments and metabolomics to resolve the physiology and metabolic capabilities of these microorganisms. The overarching goal is to discover novel phylogenetic lineages and functional types of anaerobic hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms, expanding our understanding of the metabolic pathways and interactions that enable alkane oxidation in anoxic environments. The project offers opportunities for participation in sampling campaigns and collaboration within an interdisciplinary team. Applicants must hold an MSc degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field, with a strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, microbial ecology, or bioinformatics. Excellent English communication skills and a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and high-impact publishing are required. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. The place of employment is Aarhus University, Denmark. The application deadline is 1 February 2026, and the position is available from May 2026 or later. For more information, contact Associate Professors Florin Musat or Niculina Musat at the Department of Biology. Application details and requirements are available on the Aarhus University PhD website.

Postdoctoral position at Aarhus University in the Department of Biology, Section for Microbiology , working in the Archaea group on archaea-bacteria interactions , anaerobic microbiology , electromicrobiology , and hydrocarbon oxidation in deep-sea systems. The project, within ReFuel: Harnessing archaeal processes to capture carbon dioxide into alkanes as renewable fuels and energy storage agents , focuses on the mechanistic basis of syntrophic coupling between hydrocarbon-oxidizing archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria. The research asks whether electron transfer occurs via diffusible intermediates or direct cell-to-cell electron transfer (DIET), using cultivation-based microbiology, electrochemical approaches, and high-resolution imaging. Research activities include strictly anoxic experiments, anaerobic cultivation of syntrophic consortia, microbial physiology assays, microbial electrochemistry and microbial fuel cells, stable isotope labeling with metabolomics, FISH/CARD-FISH, advanced microscopy, community sequencing, and metagenomics. The postdoc will work with unique enrichment cultures and contribute to a mechanistic framework for anaerobic microbial interactions. Eligibility highlights: a PhD in microbiology, bioelectrochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field; strong background in anaerobic microbiology, microbial physiology, electromicrobiology, or related disciplines; excellent English communication skills; and a collaborative, interdisciplinary mindset. Experience with MFCs, cyclic voltammetry, anoxic systems, metabolomics, or advanced microscopy is desirable. Funding and terms: 24-month fixed-term full-time postdoctoral appointment. Salary depends on seniority under Danish collective agreements. The post is based in Aarhus, Denmark, with collaborations at Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig and the University of Southern Denmark in Odense. Deadline: 1 May 2026 . Apply via Aarhus University’s recruitment system and include a CV, degree certificate, publication list, research plan, and teaching/research documentation. Referee details may be added for reference letters.

Postdoctoral position in microbiology, molecular biology, bioelectrochemistry, and electromicrobiology at Aarhus University , Denmark. The project, ReFuel: Harnessing archaeal processes to capture carbon dioxide into alkanes as renewable fuels and energy storage agents , investigates a major open question in anaerobic microbiology: how hydrocarbon-oxidizing archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria exchange electrons in syntrophic partnerships. The work combines anaerobic cultivation, microbial electrochemistry, microbial fuel cells, stable isotope labeling, metabolomics, metagenomics, FISH/CARD-FISH, and advanced microscopy, including the new MicroCorr imaging platform. The postdoc will work in the Archaea Group , Section for Microbiology, Department of Biology, with collaborations at UFZ Leipzig and the University of Southern Denmark . The position is a 24-month fixed-term, full-time appointment starting 1 August 2026 . Eligibility highlights: a PhD in microbiology, bioelectrochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field; strong background in anaerobic microbiology, microbial physiology, or electromicrobiology; excellent English communication skills; and a collaborative, interdisciplinary mindset. Experience with microbial electrochemistry, anoxic systems, metabolomics, and advanced microscopy is desirable. Deadline: 1 May 2026 at 23:59 CEST. Apply via Aarhus University’s recruitment system and include the required documents listed in the vacancy notice.

PhD fellowship/scholarship at Aarhus University , Denmark, in the Biology programme, on cultivation and functional characterization of novel anaerobic hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms . The project is hosted by the Research Group Archaea in the Department of Biology – Microbiology. The research focuses on the physiology, metabolism, and ecology of microorganisms that catalyze the anaerobic oxidation of volatile alkanes such as ethane, propane, and butane. The PhD student will cultivate, identify, and metabolically characterize previously undescribed archaea , sulfate-reducing bacteria , and archaeal-bacterial consortia from deep-sea sediments, hydrocarbon seeps, and mud volcanoes. Research methods include enrichment cultures, anaerobic physiology assays, metagenomics, metabolomics, community sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), fluorescence microscopy, stable isotope probing, molecular biology, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and nanoSIMS chemical imaging. The project aims to uncover how these microorganisms metabolize hydrocarbons and interact in anoxic environments, contributing to knowledge of microbial diversity, evolution, and ecological roles in anaerobic alkane oxidation. Eligibility: applicants must hold a relevant MSc degree in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or equivalent, and must have graduated before the deadline. A strong background in microbiology, microbial physiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, microbial ecology, or related areas is expected. Excellent collaboration skills, strong publication potential, excellent English, and interest in interdisciplinary research are emphasized. Funding: the position is a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Aarhus University; salary and employment terms follow the applicable collective agreement. No stipend amount is stated. Application window: the online system opens 1 June 2026. Apply via the Aarhus University portal, choose the August 2026 Call, select the Biology programme, and upload the project description as a PDF. Deadline: 1 August 2026 at 23:59 CEST. Contact: Associate Professor Florin Musat ([email protected]).