Would you like to be part of an engaged team that works with decision support for sustainable land use transitions? E.g. in Living Labs for implementation of the Danish Tripartite Agreement, and New Nitrogen Regulation.

Then, the Department of Agroecology at Aarhus University is offering a research assistant position in Farm and Landscape management for sustainable land use transition and reduced emissions, starting 15-08-2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position will be available for a 1-year period, with possibility for extension.

You will be employed in the section Agricultural Systems and Sustainability, and in relation the Land-CRAFT “Center for Landscape Research in Sustainable Agricultural Futures”, where we through a series of national and international projects investigate the foundations for developing sustainable agriculture and land use through low-emission production systems and an integrated landscape management. We work with systems analysis based on models and GIS/database analyses, case studies and comparative studies of different initiatives, policies and strategies across countries in Europe.

An important goal for this work is to advise decision-makers at local, national and international levels about the opportunities and barriers for advancing the green transition through the implementation of new production technologies, regulatory initiatives and decision- support tools, simultaneously promoting resiliency and efficiency of agriculture, balancing production, environment, climate and biodiversity targets.

We can offer a challenging and diverse position in a active and multicultural environment, where you have the opportunity to facilitate the development of agriculture and food systems in a close collaboration with researchers, stakeholders and farmers. We expect that you will be an important part of the research environment and that you will contribute positively to the social working environment, and high quality reporting and journal publication of research.

Your primary tasks will include

Agricultural systems analyses for emissions assessment at the landscape scale

• Model analysis and reviews of scientific literature on measures to improve collaboration and synergies between crop and livestock production, housing and storage facilities, and the landscape
• Implementation of farm-landscape models in living lab study landscapes, including the possibility for links to agent based modelling
• Data collection combined with stakeholder workshops, interviews and surveys with organic and conventional farmers, including potentials for better collaboration at the landscape scale
• Data processing and analysis (Experience with quantitative methods, GIS, databases and “R” will be an advantage)
• Optionally, teaching at bachelor and master level courses.

Further, we will prefer candidates with some of the following qualifications:

• You have a relevant scientific background at minimum bachelor/master level, for instance in agronomy/agrobiology, agro-environmental management, engineering, biology or geography, with a focus on, or knowledge of, agricultural production and the related emissions. Mastering English on a high level is needed, while speaking and understanding Danish will be an advantage. The Working environment is international and much of the communication takes place in English.
• You are an engaged and cooperative employee, who would like to contribute to a good working environment.

Who we are

At the Department of Agroecology, our main goal is to contribute to sustainable solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems within the areas of soil, plants, animals, humans, and the environment. We want to make a difference by contributing to both fundamental knowledge generation and the attainment of sustainable production systems via innovative research, contracted policy advice, and education. More information can be found here.

We believe in encouraging inclusion, acceptance, and understanding by employing staff who bring unique perspectives to our department.

What we offer

• A collaborative, international research environment that combines high academic standards with an informal and supportive atmosphere. We value accountability, curiosity, flexibility, and teamwork in everything we do.
• An inclusive and respectful workplace culture, where mutual trust, kindness, and professional dialogue are part of daily life. We encourage open communication and develop a cohesive sense of community across teams and disciplines.
• A flexible working environment that supports work-life balance and individual needs.
• An active institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion – in recruitment, career development, and everyday interactions.
• An innovative and meaningful workplace where your work contributes to solving real-world challenges. No two days are alike, and we welcome creative thinking and new ideas.
• Support for international researchers and their families, including  Relocation Service and an Expat Partner Programme

Place of Work

The place of work is Aarhus University, Campus Viborg, in close collaboration with the Land-CRAFT Center in Aarhus. The affiliation will be with the Department of Agroecology.

More information can be obtained from professor Tommy Dalgaard, Land-CRAFT CO PI, tommy.dalgaard@agro.au.dk, phone: +45 20706132, Associate Professor Morten Graversgaard, Land-CRAFT, theme IV co-lead, or Academic Employee Mette Vestergaard Odgaard.

You can read more about the Department of Agroecology at: http://agro.au.dk.
 

Application procedure

Short-listing is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the assessment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. The selection is made on the basis of an assessment of who of the candidates are most relevant considering the requirements of the advertisement. All applicants will be notified within 6 weeks 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 will receive his/her assessment.

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

Natural 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.

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 37,000 students (FTEs) and 8.700 employees and has an annual revenue of EUR 1.106 billion. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/