Postdoctoral Researcher in Protist Single-Cell Genomics

Do you want to push the frontiers of technology to read the genomes of uncultured, unicellular eukaryotes that shape ecosystems across our planet?

At Aalborg University’s Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, we seek a skilled and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to develop next-generation laboratory methods for single-cell genomics and transcriptomics of uncultured protists. The position is part of an international project funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and conducted in collaboration with the Earlham Institute, the Scottish Association for Marine Science, and the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa. The appointment starts from 1 January 2027 or soon hereafter and is a fixed-term position for 3 years.

Your work tasks

You will lead laboratory technology development for single-cell genomics of protists in close collaboration with Prof. Ramunas Stepanauskas and his group. Protists are notoriously difficult to process at the single-cell level because of their diverse, often robust cell walls and intracellular structures, as well as their large, complex genomes. Your work will address these bottlenecks. Key tasks include:

• Integrating cutting-edge technologies, including droplet microfluidics with semi-permeable capsules, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and long-read sequencing, into analytical workflows tailored to protists in diverse environmental samples.
• Improving single-cell lysis and DNA amplification methods tailored to diverse protist lineages.
• Publishing results in leading journals and openly sharing protocols with the research community.

Your competencies

You must hold a PhD in microbiology, biotechnology, or a related field (or expect to complete it before the start date) and have a track record of first-author publications in international peer-reviewed journals. The ideal candidate has documented hands‑on experience with one or more of the following: molecular laboratory methods, including nucleic acid extraction, whole-genome amplification, library preparation, and sequencing; genomics or transcriptomics of microorganisms; microfluidics or droplet-based methods; and flow cytometry and cell sorting.

Experience with protists or other microbial eukaryotes, and either experience or a strong interest in bioinformatics, are advantages. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential, as is genuine enthusiasm for working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and international research environment.

Who we are

The position is based at the Center for Microbial Communities, which brings together approximately 50 scientists at various career stages to study the structure and function of microbial communities in environmental and biotechnological contexts. The Center is part of the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a dynamic hub for research and education that generates fundamental knowledge and addresses global challenges across biology, chemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, environmental science, and chemical engineering. You will join a newly established, state‑of‑the‑art laboratory for microbial single‑cell genomics, led by Prof. Ramunas Stepanauskas, who founded the world’s first single‑cell genomics center for environmental microorganisms.

The position is based on the University’s campus in Aalborg, a vibrant Danish city known for world‑class architecture, a thriving cultural scene, and youthful energy fueled by its large student population. With stunning North Jutland nature on the doorstep and a cost of living well below that of Copenhagen, Aalborg University combines a cutting‑edge academic environment with an outstanding quality of life.

We are committed to making our department an exceptional place to work and study. Alongside flexible hours and a full calendar of social events at both the department and section levels, we foster a culture of openness, curiosity, transparency, and genuine inclusion. We respect and celebrate the diversity of individuals, communities, and cultures that make us who we are. We’d love to have you join us

Read more about the department here: https://www.en.bio.aau.dk/

Qualification requirements

Appointmentaspostdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Aalborg University has a policy of parallel language use. International staff are encouraged, with support from the university, to learn Danish during their employment in order to support their integration into the workplace and Danish society.

Danish language courses will be offered as part of the employment.

Do you have any questions?

If you have any questions about the position, you are more t