Postdoc in Biomarker Isotope Geochemistry

Deadline 15 Jan 23:59 CET

Expected start 1 May

Department of Geoscience Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 2 8000 Aarhus C

Fixed term full-time position 1 May 2025 - 31 Oct 2026 ID: 16608

The Department of Geoscience in the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Aarhus University invites applications for a postdoctoral position in isotope geochemistry of biomarkers starting 1 May 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. This position is part of a DFF-funded Sapere Aude project called BRAINSTORM: B iomarker R ecords of A frica I mproved by N eural networks, S tudies of T errestrial O scillations, and R evamped M ethods. The aim of BRAINSTORM is to bridge the gap between orbital climate cycles and hominin evolutionary responses using novel leaf wax biomarker methods, machine learning, and evolutionary modeling. This postdoctoral position involves initial method development of low-concentration isotope analyses as well as the generation of high-resolution paleoclimate records. These new reconstructions will contribute to a context of hominin response to abrupt climate transitions in eastern Africa, and a new isotope method will have broader impact on the paleoclimate field.

• Independent research of high international quality
• Sediment extraction, column chromatography, and analysis of leaf wax compounds on GC-FID
• Development of low-concentration analysis of leaf wax isotopes on GC-IRMS
• Generation and analysis of high-resolution leaf wax isotope paleoclimate reconstructions
• Publication and communication of findings

There will be opportunities for mentoring of bachelors, masters, and PhD students as part of BRAINSTORM.

The applicant is expected to have experience with organic geochemistry and biomarkers as proxies for past climate and environment. Experience with organic isotope analyses, including leaf wax isotopes, is a requirement, and interest in method development and paleoclimate is advantageous. Candidates should hold a PhD degree (or complete one before Spring 2025) in Earth Sciences, Geochemistry, Paleoclimate, Chemistry or similar. The applicant should have good proficiency in English and should be able to work positively and communicatively in a team.

The application must include the following:

• Cover Letter, including motivation for applying
• Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications
• One page statement of research goals
• Contact information (name, position, institution, email) for three references

The application does not need to include a separate list of publications, a teaching portfolio, coauthor statements, nor reference letters.

The position is a fixed-term full-time position for 18 months, with the possibility of extension due to funding and performance, and will report to Assistant Professor Rachel Lupien. Your place of work would be the Department of Geoscience, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 2, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

The Department of Geoscience prioritizes diversity and a good work environment, as this is a prerequisite for groundbreaking research. In a diverse and international research environment, dedicated employees have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, including the Biomarker Lab, sediment processing labs, XRF core scanning, and a range of analytical equipment.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including assistance with relocation and career counselling to expat partners.

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications, the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation.

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any).