Postdoc on valorization of phosphorus-rich wastes into safe, climate-smart and efficient phosphorus fertilizers
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Postdoc on valorization of phosphorus-rich wastes into safe, climate-smart and efficient phosphorus fertilizers
Are you interested in nutrient (re)cycling and want to contribute to improve phosphorus (P) fertilization and use efficiency through valorizing secondary resources? Are you passionate about soil fertility, crop nutrition and fertilizer technology, and ready to contribute to an exciting and collaborative research environment?
We are looking for a proactive and highly motivated postdoc scientist to be a part of the KlimaGødFød project – New fertilizers from climate efficient recycling of P and nitrogen for green food. The postdoc’s duties will include research within soil science, plant nutrition and sustainable nutrient management, as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.
Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Jakob Magid (jma@plen.ku.dk).
The selected applicant is invited to start from 1 February 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for 24 months.
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Qualifications
Recovering and valorizing P from agricultural and societal by-products, such as meat and bone meal, digestate solid fractions, and biochars, is central to advancing circular nutrient management. However, the agronomic efficiency of these materials is often limited by low solubility, logistical challenges, and uncertain transformations in soils.
This project will investigate how acidification, alkalinization and bioacidification (fermentation through microbial activity) affect the solubility, speciation, and fertilizer value of these recycled P sources. The project will also examine how placement methods (e.g., mixing vs. localized application) influence nutrient uptake, root-soil interactions, and fertilizer efficiency.
The position is embedded in the KlimaGødFød and CLOVERVALUE projects, which unite researchers, industry, and farmers to co-develop strategies that reduce climate impacts while improving fertilizer efficiency. Through advanced material characterization, pot trials, and field studies, the projects will generate insights directly relevant for the sustainable use of P-rich by-products in agriculture.
The ideal candidate will have:
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
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.
You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews will be held from around 15 December 2025.
We are looking for a proactive and highly motivated postdoc scientist to be a part of the KlimaGødFød project – New fertilizers from climate efficient recycling of P and nitrogen for green food. The postdoc’s duties will include research within soil science, plant nutrition and sustainable nutrient management, as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.
Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Jakob Magid (jma@plen.ku.dk).
The selected applicant is invited to start from 1 February 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for 24 months.
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Qualifications
Recovering and valorizing P from agricultural and societal by-products, such as meat and bone meal, digestate solid fractions, and biochars, is central to advancing circular nutrient management. However, the agronomic efficiency of these materials is often limited by low solubility, logistical challenges, and uncertain transformations in soils.
This project will investigate how acidification, alkalinization and bioacidification (fermentation through microbial activity) affect the solubility, speciation, and fertilizer value of these recycled P sources. The project will also examine how placement methods (e.g., mixing vs. localized application) influence nutrient uptake, root-soil interactions, and fertilizer efficiency.
The position is embedded in the KlimaGødFød and CLOVERVALUE projects, which unite researchers, industry, and farmers to co-develop strategies that reduce climate impacts while improving fertilizer efficiency. Through advanced material characterization, pot trials, and field studies, the projects will generate insights directly relevant for the sustainable use of P-rich by-products in agriculture.
The ideal candidate will have:
- A PhD in Soil Science, Plant Nutrition, Agronomy, or a closely related discipline.
- Proven experience with bio-based fertilizers, and preferably with acidification/bioacidification of wastes, as well as testing their agronomic and physico-chemical performance.
- Demonstrated expertise in P management, including soil P dynamics, recycling, and fertilizer innovation
- Strong track record in designing and running experiments in multiple scales addressing soil-plant interactions, various crops, and nutrient cycling.
- Advanced skills in wet chemistry (especially nutrient determinations) and biophysical analyses
- Experience in data analysis and in applying robust statistical approaches
- A solid publication record in high-impact journals, commensurate with career stage
- Experience collaborating with industry partners and stakeholders in agriculture, with the ability to co-design research relevant to both science and practice.
- Knowledge of relevant policy frameworks (e.g., EU Fertilising Products Regulation, nutrient management directives, circular bioeconomy strategies) and the capacity to integrate governance and socio-economic perspectives into scientific work.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral English, with proven ability to convey complex scientific concepts to academic, industry, and policy audiences.
- Strong motivation to work in an international, interdisciplinary environment and contribute to collaborative research networks.
- Evidence of research excellence through awards and recognitions will be considered a plus
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 current and future research plans
- Complete publication list
- Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.
You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews will be held from around 15 December 2025.