PhD Fellowship in Soil Phosphorus Mobilization and Organic Matter Dynamics
Explore microbial-driven phosphorus cycling in biobased fertilisers to improve sustainable soil fertility and plant nutrition.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with expertise in soil biogeochemistry, plant nutrition, or related disciplines, seeking hands-on laboratory experience and interdisciplinary collaboration in sustainable agriculture.
Overview
This PhD position at the University of Copenhagen focuses on investigating how different forms of biobased fertilisers influence soil organic matter and microbial phosphorus mobilization. The project, funded by the NovoNordisk Foundation, aims to address critical research questions about phosphorus availability, soil organic matter dynamics, and microbial activity. The successful candidate will conduct soil characterization, fractionation, incubation studies, isotopic analysis, and advanced imaging, while collaborating with international partners. The role offers a dynamic research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent research on microbial phosphorus mobilization and soil organic matter dynamics influenced by biobased fertilisers.
- Perform soil characterization, fractionation, and incubation studies using isotopic techniques (³³P and ¹⁸O enriched water).
- Analyze enzymatic activity and apply advanced imaging techniques to investigate microscale mechanisms.
- Collaborate with international partners at Aarhus University, Technische Universität Berlin, ETH Zürich, and University of Guelph.
- Write scientific papers for high-impact journals and complete a PhD thesis based on research findings.
- Participate in teaching and knowledge dissemination activities, including a research stay abroad.
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS credits.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in soil science, biogeochemistry, plant nutrition, or a closely related discipline.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; C1 proficiency level (equivalent to IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL 100+).
Instruction: English
- Strong knowledge of soil biogeochemistry, with a focus on phosphorus and soil organic matter dynamics.
- Excellent experimental skills in laboratory work, including soil sampling, fractionation, and isotopic techniques.
- Ability to design practical experiments and analyze complex datasets.
- Proficient in spoken and written English at C1 level.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Applicant must have completed a degree equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS BSc + 120 ECTS MSc).
- No nationality restrictions, but eligibility depends on Danish master’s degree equivalence assessment.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15 (GMT+2)
Submit an electronic application via the official University of Copenhagen portal. Include a cover letter, CV, research interests reflection, diplomas/transcripts (with English translations if needed), publication list, and contact details for two referees. Applications must be in English and comply with the specified requirements.
- Cover letter/motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Short reflection on research interests and project approach (max. one page)
- Original diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with authorized English translations if not in English/Danish
- Certified/signed transcript of records or written statement if diplomas are not yet completed
- Publication list (if applicable)
- Contact information for two referees
Contact
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