PhD Position in Spatial Metabolomics: Mapping Micropollutant Responses and Biotransformation Pathways Using Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Environmental Science programme. The position is available from 01 April 2026 or later. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.

Title
PhD Position in Spatial Metabolomics: Mapping Micropollutant Responses and Biotransformation Pathways Using Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Research area and project description
Spatial metabolomics is an emerging field with broad applications in environmental and biomedical sciences, enabling the study of human–environment interactions at unprecedented resolution. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has recently advanced the investigation of how environmental factors and micropollutants perturb biochemical pathways in space and time.

The project focuses on advancing spatial metabolomics through the development of cutting-edge mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and molecular analysis tools to map the organization and activity of com-plex biological systems. With novel MSI methods we will generate high-resolution chemical maps that visualize how metabolites, lipids and biomolecules are distributed and transformed across cells, microbial systems and tissues—revealing “metabolic hotspots” that define their functional microenvironments. By integrating these methods with computational modeling, we aim to uncover how molecular processes are organized in space and time. These insights will improve our understanding microbial and mammalian metabolic interactions and enable the rational design of optimized biological systems for applications in health, sustainability, and biotechnology.

The PhD student will become part of an interdisciplinary research team of chemists, microbiologists, biologists, and computational scientists, and will engage in both experimental and computational aspects of spatial metabolomics.

The position includes:

• Active participation in laboratory experiments, including sample collection, preparation, and mass spectrometry analysis.
• Method development for advanced mass spectrometry and imaging techniques,
• Data processing and image analysis, with opportunities to present results at internal and external scientific meetings.
• Collaboration with international partners and interdisciplinary teams.
• Opportunities to publish in leading journals and present work at international conferences
• Close supervision and collaboration with a dedicated postdoctoral researcher and senior investigators.

Project description
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. Please simply copy the project description above and upload it as a PDF in the application.

Qualifications and specific competences
Applicants to the PhD position must have a relevant master's degree in chemistry, biology, physics, environmental science, or related discipline. We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research.

Essential qualifications

• Solid background in analytical chemistry and/or mass spectrometry
• Strong interest in spatial metabolomics and environmental applications

Desirable qualifications

• Experience with microscopy, microbial systems, or cell culture
• Background in data science, computational analysis, or image analysis
• Ability to work independently as well as in collaborative, interdisciplinary teams

Place of employment and place of work
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Environmental Science, Roskilde Campus, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information about the PhD position are invited to contact:

• Prasad Phapal, Prasad.phapale@envs.au.dk (main supervisor)

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide. If answers cannot be found there, please contact:

• admission.gradschool.tech@au.dk

How to apply:
Please follow this link to submit your application.

Application deadline is 31.12.2025 at 23:59 CET

Preferred starting date is 01 April 2026

Please note

• Only documents received prior to the application deadline will be evaluated. Thus, documents sent after deadline will not be taken into account.
• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
• Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.

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. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.