We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary research project on enzymatic PFAS degradation at the Department of Biological & Chemical Engineering of Aarhus University, Denmark. The position is for 3 years, with an expected start date of June 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Expected start date and duration of employment

The postdoc position is available with an expected start date of June 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The duration of the position is 36 months.

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for an interdisciplinary research project on enzymatic PFAS degradation, funded by Novo Nordisk Foundation. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination is a serious environmental concern. PFAS contamination in drinking water and in wastewater demands permanent solutions for removal and destruction. Current methods have various disadvantages, especially related to the uncontrolled formation of potentially toxic byproducts. Enzymes offer a promising alternative for PFAS degradation, especially in aqueous environments, with their ability for selective catalysis. Enzymes have been used in the remediation of other pollutants with success. In this project, we aim for a controlled PFAS degradation by using engineered enzymes and developing immobilized enzyme reactors for the treatment of PFAS contaminated water.
The postdoc will work collaboratively within the research groups of Assoc. Prof. Bekir Engin Eser, Assoc. Prof. Leendert Vergeynst and Assoc. Prof. Kasper Vita Kristensen at Aarhus University, in close collaboration with the research group of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Selin Kara at Leibniz University Hannover, Germany.

The key tasks of the postdoc in this position will be:

• Enzyme engineering to identify variants with high performance towards PFAS degradation.
• Enzyme immobilization for efficient and continuous enzymatic PFAS degradation in realistic water matrices and under water treatment conditions.
• Development of analytical methods for the analyses of PFAS and their degradation products.
• Disseminating project results through scientific publications and conference presentations.

Required Qualifications:

• Completed PhD in the field of Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or relevant field     
• Strong background in enzymology and protein engineering
• Experience in enzyme immobilization and characterization thereof
• Experience in the application of enzymes in bioremediation and/or in biocatalysis
• Expertise in chemical analysis using techniques including GC-MS and LC-MS
• Self-motivated, pro-active, team- and goal-oriented personality
• Excellent communication skills, including fluency in spoken and written English

Preferred Qualifications:

• Skills in computational protein structure analysis and bioinformatic methods
• Experience in enzyme immobilization
• Expertise within environmental science research and/or PFAS analysis
• Experience in bioprocess engineering
• Eager to work with master and bachelor students and laboratory supervision of those for their thesis projects

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering was established on January 1, 2021 in connection with Aarhus University’s reorganization of the engineering area. The department employs around 175 people and is responsible for research and education within the department’s scientific areas. We educate both Bachelors and Master of Science in Engineering, and around 800 students are enrolled in our study programs. Furthermore, we also offer an ambitious PhD program.
At the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, focus is on living systems, the biology of organisms, efficient production, and transformation of chemicals, materials, and energy. We translate knowledge within biotechnology, food technology, environmental technology, chemical engineering, industrial biotechnology, medical biotechnology, and electrochemical engineering, and more into new technologies and value-creating solutions that can also be used in the business community.
For more information: https://bce.au.dk/en/research
 

• an exciting interdisciplinary and international environment at a university that consistently ranks among the world’s best universities.
• a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment.
• a research climate encouraging lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research.
• a work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities.
• a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.
• a location in the middle of the city of Aarhus, a beautiful city with vibrant mix of youthful energy and a rich history

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000 Aarhus C and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Contact information

For further information, please contact: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bekir Engin Eser, e-mail: bekireser@bce.au.dk, or phone: +45 52824813

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 20th of March 2026.
 

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.

Letter of reference

If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.

If you wish to add a referee after you have submitted your application, you must send this person’s details (name, job title, place of work, and email address) as well as the name of the position you have applied for to: HR.Nattech@au.dk

Formalities and salary range

Technical Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.

Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/