Postdoc in Aerobiology

The Department of Environmental Science at Aarhus University (AU-ENVS), Roskilde, invites applications for a 2 year position in aerobiology with a possibility for an extension up to 1.5 additional years. The main task is to carry out research on air samples using molecular methods. The position is to be filled by October 1, 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. This is subject to negotiation.

Description of the position

This position is part of the 7 year project (2022-29) termed High resolution detection and modelling of pollen and spores. The RECRUIT project is funded by the RECRUIT programme at Novo Nordisk Foundation and led by Professor in aerobiology Carsten Ambelas Skjøth. The RECRUIT programme has as an objective to build a research group in aerobiology by providing ample long term funding to a research team. The scientific aims are to understand the atmospheric distribution of grass pollen and fungal spores, focusing on Denmark. For this purpose, the project will use state-of-the-art techniques such as molecular methods, artificial intelligence and advanced atmospheric modelling along with data fusion to quantify the concentrations of airborne spores and pollen at the species level. The project will secure impact by applying the most modern instrumentation and implement new methods for sampling of pollen and spore forecasting in Denmark. Furthermore, the project will deliver a national network of pollen and spore air samplers operating in the real-time 

This postdoc project will be an interdisciplinary project with a focus on molecular techniques and digital PCR (dPCR) to quantify daily air concentrations of spores and grass pollen at the species level. The post doc will use a dPCR instrument from Qiagen, a set of existing primers for individual grass species and selected fungal spores but may also be required to develop new primers. The post doc will take over communication with the EU-funded ADOPT network that in 2024 executes an international sampling campaign of airborne pollen and spores. ADOPT uses multi-vial cyclones from Burkard distributed at 24 locations in Europe and the post doc is expected to lead the Danish contribution. The samples from this campaign are supposed to be analysed by the post doc. The post doc will also contribute to work with generating reference aerosols of specific grasses and fungal spores. They will be used both for the DNA work and work with AI models that analyse airborne spores and pollen using 3 instruments from Swisens: Poleno Jupiter. This work will be conducted in collaboration with the European EUMETNET AUTOPOLLEN project. The post doc will also have access to one of Europe’s longest records and airborne pollen and spores: The +40 year record from Copenhagen obtained within the operational network. The post doc is expected to present work at international conferences, lead and contribute to publications written by the entire group.

Deadline

All applications must be made online and received by: 10.08.2024. Invitations for interviews expected August 2024 

Please read the full job description and apply at the university homepage via the 'Apply' button above.