About the opportunity
Many lakes suffer from eutrophication and pollution, leading to contaminated sediments that require costly disposal. This three-year postdoctoral project at the University of Southern Denmark aims to develop a phytoremediation approach using hemp and other plants to immobilize or transform heavy metals and PFAS in dredged lake sediments. The goal is to enable the safe reuse of these sediments as agricultural fertilizers and soil improvers. The researcher will design and conduct controlled plant-growth experiments, perform sampling and chemical analysis, and collaborate across environmental chemistry, plant science, and soil science.
Salary and benefits
- Three-year full-time postdoctoral employment contract
- Opportunity to develop an independent research profile within an interdisciplinary project
- Access to advanced analytical approaches for heavy metals and PFAS analysis
- Collaboration opportunities with researchers and non-academic stakeholders
- Support for publishing research in high-quality international peer-reviewed journals
- Danish language training provided for international applicants
- Relocation and settling support through the International Staff Office at SDU
Who can apply?
- Must hold a PhD or equivalent in environmental science, environmental chemistry, plant science, soil science, agronomy, biotechnology, or a related field
- Must be able to communicate fluently in English with strong writing skills
- Must possess good interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently
- Must hold a valid Category B driving license
- Experience in plant cultivation, phytoremediation, environmental sample preparation, PFAS analysis, or sediment remediation is advantageous
Required documents
- Curriculum vitae including information on previous employment with start and end dates
- Full list of publications stating the scientific publications on which the applicant wishes to rely
- Copy of PhD diploma, or a statement from the supervisor if the diploma has not yet been received
When to apply
- Date posted: September 21, 2026
- Application deadline: October 25, 2026
How to apply
- Prepare all required application documents in Adobe PDF format
- Access the official online recruitment portal via the apply link
- Submit the electronic application and attached files before the deadline
Additional information
- Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process by an expert assessor or committee
- Incomplete applications and submissions received after the deadline will not be evaluated
- Salary and employment conditions are determined in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Researchers holding a recent PhD in environmental science, agronomy, soil science, or biotechnology seeking an impactful three-year project
- Candidates with hands-on experience in plant cultivation, controlled experiments, or contaminant fate analysis like PFAS and heavy metals
- Scientists interested in transdisciplinary research bridging environmental chemistry, lake restoration, and sustainable agricultural resource recovery
What should you think carefully about?
- Fixed-term three-year contract requiring relocation to Odense, Denmark, unless already based locally
- Mandatory possession of a category B driving license is required for field work
- Competitive recruitment process utilizing shortlisting and expert committee assessment
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This three-year postdoctoral position is ideal for an ambitious researcher looking to build a robust publication record, expand expertise in emerging environmental contaminants like PFAS, and establish cross-sector collaborations between academia and agricultural stakeholders.
Our take
Early-career researchers with a strong background in environmental or plant sciences and a passion for circular nutrient management should apply before the October 2026 deadline. Those without a PhD or a category B driving license are not eligible.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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