Aarhus University
Closing soon
3 weeks ago
PhD Position: Tracking Microbes Across Borders using Genomics to Uncover Biomass-to-Biogas Transmission Pathways Aarhus University in Denmark
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 1, 2026
Country
Denmark
University
Aarhus University
How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.
Meet Kite AI
More information can be found here
Keywords
Suggested scholarships
About this position
PhD fellowship/scholarship at Aarhus University, Denmark, in the Graduate School of Technical Sciences, within the Animal and Veterinary Sciences programme.
This project, Tracking Microbes Across Borders using Genomics to Uncover Biomass-to-Biogas Transmission Pathways, examines how imported animal-derived biomass may carry microbes across linked biosecurity interfaces in the Danish biogas sector. The research will study the pathway from European suppliers and international transport through Danish reception points and biogas plants to nearby livestock production, asking whether microbial transmission is biologically plausible and where hygienisation or other barriers interrupt it.
The PhD candidate will use a risk-informed longitudinal design and sample multiple connected compartments, including biomass vehicles, unloading areas, local vehicles and machinery, plant environments, biomass before and after hygienisation, and onward-facing interfaces. Methods include targeted PCR and RT-qPCR surveillance, long-read shotgun metagenomics, culture-based and viability approaches, sequencing of selected isolates, and comparative genomic analyses to assess microbial connectivity. Controlled experiments will measure persistence, transfer, and inactivation under realistic transport, storage, cleaning/disinfection, and processing conditions. The project will also investigate microbial hazards, resistomes, mobile genetic elements, critical control points, and effective biosecurity barriers.
Applicants should hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent in Genomics, Veterinary Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field. Experience with molecular microbiology, metagenomics, culture-based microbiology, bioinformatics, or quantitative analysis is an advantage. The position suits a motivated researcher interested in combining field sampling, laboratory work, and computational analysis, and who can work carefully under biosafety and quality procedures while collaborating with external stakeholders and communicating in English.
The place of work is Aarhus University, Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark. The position is available from 1 January 2027 or later. Application deadline: 1 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. The application requires uploading a project description as a PDF via the online application portal.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must hold a relevant master’s degree, or an equivalent qualification, in Genomics, Veterinary Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline. Relevant experience in molecular microbiology, microbial genomics/metagenomics, culture-based microbiology, bioinformatics, or quantitative data analysis is an advantage, but applicants are not expected to be expert in all areas. The successful candidate should be motivated to combine field sampling, laboratory experiments, and computational analysis; work carefully under appropriate biosafety and quality procedures; collaborate across institutions and with external stakeholders; and communicate effectively in written and spoken English. A driving license and willingness to travel to Danish biogas plants are advantageous.
How to apply
Submit the application through the provided Aarhus University application link. Upload the required project description as a PDF. Apply by 2026-11-01 at 23:59 CET.
Ask ApplyKite AI
How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.