Student assistant in bioinformatics

Are you passionate about molecular microbial ecology, molecular evolution and can you contribute to the development/operation of bioinformatics pipelines and data management routines Department of Environmental Sciences at Aarhus University is looking for 2 student assistants from 1 September 2024 or as soon as possible.

This is a 2-year part-time student assistant position (or until you finish your studies) from 1st September 2024 or as soon possible.

Your main tasks are (

in connection with):

• quality control data in collaboration with the researchers
• maintenance of current bioinformatics pipelines
• development of automated pipelines for analyses of sequencing data of different sequencing platforms
• assistance in setting up a data management plan

• Interest in molecular microbial ecology and/or molecular evolution is required.
• Experience in statistical methods for molecular microbial ecology is required.
• Experience with relational databases is an advantage
• Knowledge of programming in R, Python3, other languages is a requirement.
• Experience with workflow management systems such as Snakemake and Nextflow, and GitHub and GitHub Actions is an advantage.
• English is the project language, but knowledge of Danish will be an everyday ease.
• You are motivated by working in a highly dynamic environment.

The Department of Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary department under the Faculty of Technical Sciences at Aarhus University. The expertise of the Department ranges from physics, chemistry, microbiology, social science, geography, economics, to policy analysis. Basic as well as applied research are conducted on some of the major challenges facing society, such as pollution and pollution control mechanisms, management of land, soil, water, air and biodiversity, protection of ecosystem services, and climate change. Advisory services within these areas are offered to ministries and other authorities. Currently, about 140 staff, postdocs and PhD students are working at the department. The Department believes in values of equality, diversity and inclusion, and creating an attractive work/life balance. Further information can be found at www.envs.au.dk.

The selected candidate will be affiliated with the Section of Environmental Microbiology. The section has expertise on a number of specific areas within microbial ecology: Arctic microbiology, environmental risk analysis of microorganisms and sustainable green biotechnology; including risk assessment of GMOs: human exposure to microorganisms in the environment; environmental assessment using microbes as bioindicators; microbial degradation of pollutants and gene exchange among microorganisms. Insert additional text describing the section/research group, if relevant. Add a link to the department/centre website

The department/centre offers:

• a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment
• an exciting interdisciplinary environment with many national, international and industrial collaborators
• a work environment encouraging lively, open and critical discussion
• a work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities
• a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance
•  a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment
• an exciting interdisciplinary environment with many national, international and industrial collaborators
• a work environment encouraging lively, open and critical discussion
• a work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities
• a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance

The place of work will be at Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

The city of Roskilde (www.roskilde.dk) is located approx. 30 km from Copenhagen. The area provides immediate access to a wealth of cultural and recreational pursuits.

For further information, please contact: Professor and Head of Department Carsten Suhr Jacobsen, +45 2537 7667,

or Assistant Professor and Head of the Bioinformatics Group at AU-ENVS Thanassis Zervas, +45 93522572,

Applications must be received no later than 15/07/2024.

Formalities and salary range

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Union of Commercial and Clerical Employees in Denmark/State (HK/Stat) for clerical staff, laboratory technicians and IT employees (§ 35) and the joint collective agreement concluded between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Organisations of Public Employees - Denmark - Danish State Sector (the OAO-S joint collective agreement).  

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.