We are an international research team, at the Department of Biology, Aarhus University, studying the biogeography, taxonomy, and ecology of plants in tropical rain forests, especially Amazonia. One of our current projects is exploring if spectral data can help us to identify species in this megadiverse biome. For this purpose, we use hand-held spectrometers to measure how light is reflected from pressed and dried fern specimens that have been collected across Amazonia.


We are looking for a student assistant to help us with

• Collecting leaf reflectance spectra from herbarium specimens
• Entering information into a database

What you will learn 

• Hands-on experience with scientific instruments
• How to produce and handle scientific data
• Insight into different ways of species identification

This might be for you if you

• Are interested in plants
• Are curious to learn a new data collection method – no prior knowledge of spectroscopy is needed
• Can treat the fragile herbarium specimens gently and with respect
• Can work in an organized manner

Duration of employment

The position is availible from 1 July 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. The working hours will be 10 hours per week for a period of 6 months. 


Place of work 

The place of work is at the Herbarium, Building 1137, Ole Worms Allé 1, 8000 Aarhus C. 

How to apply 

Applications are submitted via Aarhus University's recruitment system. Include your cv and a short (at most 300 words) motivation letter. Deadline for sending an application is 26 May 2025. 

For more information, contact Hanna Tuomisto (hanna.tuomisto@bio.au.dk) or Jéssica Lira Viana (jlviana@bio.au.dk).

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 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.

Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/