Postdoc on microbial oxygen production in oxygen-depleted waters

The Department of Biology at the University of Southern Denmark invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in aquatic microbial ecology and biogeochemistry associated to the ERC Synergy project RECLESS (Recycling versus loss in the marine nitrogen cycle: controls, feedbacks, and the impact of expanding low oxygen regions). RECLESS aims to predict how ongoing ocean deoxygenation impacts microbial nitrogen transformations and thereby the future availability of nitrogen to support oceanic primary production and carbon sequestration. The project involves researchers from the universities of Southern Denmark, Vienna, and Gothenburg, as well as Carnegie Science, and synergistically integrates innovative oceanographic, biogeochemical, ecophysiological, and model-based investigations.

The position is available for two years from October 2026 with possibility for extension. The main research objective is the exploration of non-photosynthetic sources of oxygen in oxygen-depleted waters, so called dark oxygen production. Processes of this type were recently discovered in microbial cultures and could be important for microbial communities and element cycling in natural systems. However, the occurrence and significance of dark oxygen production in natural systems remain unknown. 

The successful candidate will develop and employ experimental techniques for the detection and quantification of dark oxygen production in marine oxygen minimum zones, with oxygen stable isotope tracing as a central component. Technical approaches include experimental incubations of microbial cultures and natural water samples, high-sensitivity oxygen sensing, and isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Participation in international oceanographic research cruises is an integral part of the position.

We seek a candidate with a background in experimental (bio-)geochemistry, microbial ecology, or related fields, and with experience in field work. Experience with one or more of the above-mentioned techniques is desirable. The selected candidate will be part of the diverse and international Nordcee group at the department and will work closely together with associates from all RECLESS institutions.

About SDU
The University of Southern Denmark is Denmark’s third largest university with campuses across the country. As part of the Faculty of Science, the Department of Biology is located in Odense, the University’s largest campus. Odense is the country’s third largest city and is centrally located with easy commutes to Copenhagen and Aarhus (approximately 1½ hour).

Living and working in Denmark
Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment. International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. Among other things, the staff answers questions concerning salary, taxation, housing and accompanying family. Additional information about working in Denmark can be found at Work in Denmark.

Contact Professor Bo Thamdrup, bot@biology.sdu.dk for further information.
Application deadline: 2 July 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time

Application, salary etc.
The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation.

The application must include the following:

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