Postdoctoral Researcher Position at the Center for Volatile Interactions

Department of Biology
Faculty of SCIENCE

University of Copenhagen

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have a profound impact on local and regional climates. Yet, this impact is highly uncertain due to the lack of reliable estimates for natural emissions and uptake of these reactive volatiles. All organisms produce, and some consume, mixtures of diverse volatile compounds such as VOCs, reactive nitrogen gases (e.g., HONO), and sulfur/halogenated compounds (e.g., DMS and methylhalides). However, biological sources and sinks of volatiles, other than terrestrial plants, remain poorly characterized. In the Center for Volatile Interactions (VOLT), we focus on VOC production, consumption and transformations associated with soil, cryptogams, freshwater, seawater, and glacial ice environments, as well as plant leaf and rhizosphere microbial communities. Our research encompasses experimental (field and laboratory) and modelling work and includes e.g. rate measurements, experiments with stable isotopes, and molecular analyses to assess volatile production/consumption processes and identify the organisms involved. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic, collaborative, and international research environment. VOLT is a Center of Excellence housed in Universitetsparken, Copenhagen, where we have laboratory facilities and state-of-the-art instrumentation for analyses of volatile compounds, molecular analyses of microbial community structure and activity, as well as incubation and climate chamber facilities.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a PhD in biology, chemistry or related fields, to conduct cutting-edge, hypothesis-driven research within the scientific area of VOLT, focusing on process understanding related to VOC exchange in terrestrial ecosystems. You have the opportunity to propose a research plan starting from your own skills and experience, working, for example, with leaf surfaces, tree stems, soil, or lake sediment.

The candidate should have a strong publication record in biological VOC research, biogeochemistry, metabolomics, microbiology, or related fields. Experience in designing and conducting experiments based on hypotheses is required while experience with VOC measurements using mass spectrometric methods, especially PTR-MS or GC-MS (or related instrumentation) is desirable as is experience with isotope-based approaches for studying biological processes. In addition, experience conducting independent research, securing competitive research funding, and contributing to the development of external funding applications will be considered an advantage. Experience in advanced statistical analyses and programming (e.g., R, Python, or related tools) is an asset.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www1.bio.ku.dk/ and on the recruiting unit at https://volt.ku.dk/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Riikka Rinnan, riikkar@bio.ku.dk.

The position is open from 1/12/2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, and is for 2 years.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of research plan (max. 3 pages)
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

*The deadline for applications is 13 September 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointment Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.