GEUS seeks a postdoc to research the impact of biochar
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GEUS seeks a postdoc to research the impact of biochar
We have an opportunity for a PhD graduate with an environmental chemestry background or similar. The position is in the Geochemical Department at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS). The position is a two-year postdoc position focusing on the fate of organic micropollutants in soil and groundwater in connection with biochar application to soil. We look forward to your application and finding the right candidate to welcome and include in our dedicated and collaborative researcher team.
About the position
This job is part of a broad research program funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, which shall study how the redox-active function of biochar impacts the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species and organic carbon, and resulting changes in transport, transformation, and persistence of inorganic and organic contaminants in Danish groundwaters.
The project integrates molecular-to-macroscale laboratory experiments (column, microcosm), successive extraction/leaching schemes and advanced analytical techniques. By linking redox chemistry and contaminant fate, the project will provide new insights into how biochar applications influence both climate mitigation goals and groundwater protection.
Ultimately, this research will deliver the fundamental knowledge needed to ensure that large-scale biochar deployment contributes not only to carbon removal but also to the long-term safety and sustainability of Denmark’s groundwater resources.
Who are you?
The candidate is expected to hold a PhD-degree in Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Science or a related discipline. The candidate has ideally experience in one or a combination of the following qualifications:
As postdoc you must have the ability to work both independently and in a team environment. You will feel right at home if you are a good collaborator, flexible in finding solutions and have good time management skills. We look forward to your active participation in the scientific community and showing us your research qualifications.
Meet your new colleagues
You will become part of the Department of Geochemistry. The department researches the fate of chemical substances in the entire water cycle, but with a particular focus on soil, groundwater and drinking water as well as the deeper underground. The activities are characterized by a high degree of experimental work in the form of laboratory and field trials, which are often supplemented with numerical models. Our research includes naturally occurring substances as well as microbiology, pesticides and other harmful substances, and we have as a common denominator that we would like to create knowledge that can contribute to a better environment for future generations.
We are broadly based professionally with, among others, engineers, geologists, environmental chemists and microbiologists, all of whom work with groundwater-related data e.g., in relation to the national groundwater monitoring as well as to understand geochemical processes in the subsoil. This could be in connection with CO2 storage, pollution with environmental contaminants, nitrate in groundwater and surface water, etc.
We are approx. 40 employees divided into administrative staff, technicians and researchers at different stages of their careers.
A working environment with a focus on professional development and well-being
There are many good reasons why you should choose a working life at GEUS.
We are a diverse staff of about 300 committed employees. Trust and flexibility are keywords. We take care of each other in among other ways through office exercises. The working environment is lively, informal and international and we have about 20 different nationalities. Our tasks are versatile and there are plenty of opportunities for you to influence the development of your task portfolio.
We prioritise professional development by offering access to courses and other relevant activities. Socialising is also very important at GEUS, and we have a rich social life with a staff club, an art association and more.
At GEUS, we prioritise the well-being of every single employee. We prioritise that the Heads of Departments are close to the employees, and we have flexible working hours that allow you to organise your life so that there is time for what matters to you. If you need to work from home occasionally, that is also possible.
Furthermore, we have a gym with associated physiotherapists.
Salary and terms of employment
Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the relevant trade union agreement.
The appointment area is the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities and its institutions.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities considers diversity to be an asset and encourages anyone regardless of gender, age, religion or ethnicity to seek the position.
Further information
If you would like additional information, please contact Professor Meththika Vithanage on +45 9133 3427 or metvi@geus.dk or the Head of Department Claus Kjøller on +45 5172 8202 or clkj@geus.dk..
If you are a foreign applicant, you can read more about living and working in Denmark on GEUS’ website.
Are you interested?
If you are interested in the position, we would like to hear from you. The application must include a CV, incl. your ORCID, a list of publications with a separate indication of articles registered in ISI Web of Science and any copies of individual publications of particular relevance to the position. Please enclose Master’s and PhD diplomas in either Danish or English as well as other material documenting qualifications at postdoc level. Submitted PhD theses that have not yet been defended may be sent with the application and will be included in the assessment. If possible, please provide a pre-approval.
Please submit the application via GEUS’ website at the latest on Sunday 30 November 2025.
Applications or other material received after the deadline will not be considered.
The employment procedure
A professional assessment committee consisting of two internal assessors at minimum senior researcher level will carry out an individual assessment of all applicants’ professional qualifications, and the applicants will be assessed as qualified or unqualified for the position. Afterwards, an internal employment committee will decide which of the professionally qualified candidates will be invited for a job interview. This procedure is in accordance with the “Order on employment and assessment of scientific staff at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland § 4 and 7”.
As part of the recruitment process, we may find it necessary and choose to make a background check as part of a security risk assessment.
About the position
This job is part of a broad research program funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, which shall study how the redox-active function of biochar impacts the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species and organic carbon, and resulting changes in transport, transformation, and persistence of inorganic and organic contaminants in Danish groundwaters.
The project integrates molecular-to-macroscale laboratory experiments (column, microcosm), successive extraction/leaching schemes and advanced analytical techniques. By linking redox chemistry and contaminant fate, the project will provide new insights into how biochar applications influence both climate mitigation goals and groundwater protection.
Ultimately, this research will deliver the fundamental knowledge needed to ensure that large-scale biochar deployment contributes not only to carbon removal but also to the long-term safety and sustainability of Denmark’s groundwater resources.
Who are you?
The candidate is expected to hold a PhD-degree in Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Science or a related discipline. The candidate has ideally experience in one or a combination of the following qualifications:
- Documented experience working in a laboratory setting and with analytical chemical methods for analysis of organic and inorganic micropollutants in water and soil.
- Experience in designing and performing experiments to study biochar and the fate of environmental pollutants in water and soil.
- Applying compound-specific isotope analysis or other isotopic approaches to trace transformation pathways and biogeochemical cycling will be an added advantage.
As postdoc you must have the ability to work both independently and in a team environment. You will feel right at home if you are a good collaborator, flexible in finding solutions and have good time management skills. We look forward to your active participation in the scientific community and showing us your research qualifications.
Meet your new colleagues
You will become part of the Department of Geochemistry. The department researches the fate of chemical substances in the entire water cycle, but with a particular focus on soil, groundwater and drinking water as well as the deeper underground. The activities are characterized by a high degree of experimental work in the form of laboratory and field trials, which are often supplemented with numerical models. Our research includes naturally occurring substances as well as microbiology, pesticides and other harmful substances, and we have as a common denominator that we would like to create knowledge that can contribute to a better environment for future generations.
We are broadly based professionally with, among others, engineers, geologists, environmental chemists and microbiologists, all of whom work with groundwater-related data e.g., in relation to the national groundwater monitoring as well as to understand geochemical processes in the subsoil. This could be in connection with CO2 storage, pollution with environmental contaminants, nitrate in groundwater and surface water, etc.
We are approx. 40 employees divided into administrative staff, technicians and researchers at different stages of their careers.
A working environment with a focus on professional development and well-being
There are many good reasons why you should choose a working life at GEUS.
We are a diverse staff of about 300 committed employees. Trust and flexibility are keywords. We take care of each other in among other ways through office exercises. The working environment is lively, informal and international and we have about 20 different nationalities. Our tasks are versatile and there are plenty of opportunities for you to influence the development of your task portfolio.
We prioritise professional development by offering access to courses and other relevant activities. Socialising is also very important at GEUS, and we have a rich social life with a staff club, an art association and more.
At GEUS, we prioritise the well-being of every single employee. We prioritise that the Heads of Departments are close to the employees, and we have flexible working hours that allow you to organise your life so that there is time for what matters to you. If you need to work from home occasionally, that is also possible.
Furthermore, we have a gym with associated physiotherapists.
Salary and terms of employment
Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the relevant trade union agreement.
The appointment area is the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities and its institutions.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities considers diversity to be an asset and encourages anyone regardless of gender, age, religion or ethnicity to seek the position.
Further information
If you would like additional information, please contact Professor Meththika Vithanage on +45 9133 3427 or metvi@geus.dk or the Head of Department Claus Kjøller on +45 5172 8202 or clkj@geus.dk..
If you are a foreign applicant, you can read more about living and working in Denmark on GEUS’ website.
Are you interested?
If you are interested in the position, we would like to hear from you. The application must include a CV, incl. your ORCID, a list of publications with a separate indication of articles registered in ISI Web of Science and any copies of individual publications of particular relevance to the position. Please enclose Master’s and PhD diplomas in either Danish or English as well as other material documenting qualifications at postdoc level. Submitted PhD theses that have not yet been defended may be sent with the application and will be included in the assessment. If possible, please provide a pre-approval.
Please submit the application via GEUS’ website at the latest on Sunday 30 November 2025.
Applications or other material received after the deadline will not be considered.
The employment procedure
A professional assessment committee consisting of two internal assessors at minimum senior researcher level will carry out an individual assessment of all applicants’ professional qualifications, and the applicants will be assessed as qualified or unqualified for the position. Afterwards, an internal employment committee will decide which of the professionally qualified candidates will be invited for a job interview. This procedure is in accordance with the “Order on employment and assessment of scientific staff at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland § 4 and 7”.
As part of the recruitment process, we may find it necessary and choose to make a background check as part of a security risk assessment.