Ivan Paponov

Aarhus University is recruiting a two-year postdoc in plant physiology and plant molecular biology focused on extracellular vesicle-based plant–microbe communication . The position is based in the Department of Food Science at Aarhus University, Denmark , and is part of the EU-funded Horizon Europe / EIC Pathfinder EVOLVE project: “Translating Extracellular Vesicle Communication into AI-Guided Breeding and Smart Biofertilization.” The postdoc will lead controlled-environment testing of extracellular vesicle treatments and study their effects on plant physiological and molecular responses, with emphasis on plant–microbe interactions and nutrient-use efficiency. Research activities include plant cultivation under controlled and sterile conditions, growth chambers, hydroponics and aeroponics; application of native and synthetic EVs; EV isolation and characterisation; RT-qPCR and RNA-based analyses; miRNA/small-RNA profiling; secondary-metabolite analysis; and investigation of interactions with bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle. The role also includes data management, statistical analysis, publication writing, reporting, dissemination, and co-supervision of students. Applicants should hold a PhD in Plant Science, Plant Physiology, Plant Molecular Biology, Microbiology or a related field. Strong experience in controlled-environment plant cultivation, molecular biology, RNA extraction, gene expression analysis, and statistical/data handling is required. A publication record, excellent English, collaborative research experience, and teaching/supervision experience are also expected. Experience with EVs, miRNA, sterile/axenic culture, plant-microbe interactions, metabolomics, and bioinformatics is advantageous. The appointment is fixed-term from 1 November 2026 to 1 November 2028 . The deadline for applications is 3 August 2026 at 23:59 CEST . Applications must be submitted via the official Aarhus University vacancy portal.