Niculina Musat

Aarhus University is seeking an Academic Technician to join the Department of Biology, specifically within the new MicroCorr imaging facility dedicated to microbiological research. This is a unique opportunity for professionals with backgrounds in biology, physics, chemistry, or nanoscience to contribute to cutting-edge research in a world-class academic environment in Denmark. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating instrument acquisition, delivery, installation, and training, as well as setting up and maintaining the facility website and user interface. The role involves mastering and maintaining advanced imaging instrumentation, developing correlative imaging workflows for microbial and single-cell samples, and supporting both internal and external users of the imaging core facility. Additional responsibilities include organizing training sessions, supporting data interpretation and analysis, ensuring compliance with FAIR data-management principles, supervising students and visitors, and participating in workshops and scientific meetings to promote the facility. Applicants must hold an MSc or PhD in physics, chemistry, biology, nanoscience, or a related field. Experience with imaging and analytical instrumentation such as fluorescence and confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Confocal Raman spectroscopy, laser microdissection, and optical tweezers is required. Prior experience with microbiological samples, single-cell approaches, and fluorescent or isotope tagging is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong organizational and teamwork skills and a solid understanding of optics, spectroscopy, microscopy, and biological processes related to microbial cells. The position is full-time (37 hours per week), starting March 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, and is a 6-year, time-limited contract. Salary and terms are determined by agreement with the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions. Aarhus University offers an ambitious, international, and inspiring research and education environment, valuing equality, diversity, and a positive work culture. Applications must be submitted via Aarhus University's recruitment system by January 15, 2026. For further information, contact Assoc. Prof. Niculina Musat at [email protected] or Nat-Tech HR at [email protected].

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.