Postdoc position in environmental DNA and citizen science mapping of mosquitoes in Denmark

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Postdoc position in environmental DNA and citizen science mapping of mosquitoes in Denmark

Applications are invited for a 2-year postdoc position at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Research Area And Project Description

Anthropogenic changes such as climate and land use change influence the emergence and risk of vector-borne diseases, which are transmitted to humans and animals via blood-feeding insects.

As Denmark accelerates its green transition to address biodiversity loss and climate adaptation, they may create favorable conditions for these disease‑transmitting organisms (vectors), such as mosquitoes, and thereby unintentionally increase vector‑borne disease risks. As part of a new interdisciplinary research project, to investigate the relationship between on-going land use changes (as part of Denmark’s Green tripartite) and the effect on mosquito populations in Denmark, we are seeking a highly motivated postdoc to work with environmental DNA (eDNA)-based mapping of mosquitoes in Denmark. The project will use eDNA metabarcoding analyses of water samples collected (through citizen science and other participatory science approaches) across different landscape types to map mosquito species diversity in Denmark and to evaluate eDNA as a tool for mosquito surveillance. For comparison with eDNA methods, traditional mosquito trapping and molecular species identification will be performed at selected sites. There will also be opportunities for developing own research ideas related to eDNA and vector borne diseases in collaboration with the group.

The position is available from October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for 2 years and will be one of two postdoc positions (the other postdoc will have a background in social science) in the newly started interdisciplinary project funded by the UCPH Convergence Grants. Project partners are Natural History Museum of Denmark and Department of Food and Resource Economics. The two postdocs are expected to work closely together in the project.

You will join an innovative and interdisciplinary research project, where your key responsibilities specifically will include:

• Perform eDNA metabarcoding laboratory analysis and analyze high-throughput sequencing data (metabarcoding) to map mosquito diversity and distribution.
• Collection of mosquitoes and eDNA samples across selected sites in Denmark.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with the Natural History Museum of Denmark and Department of Food and Resource Economics (IFRO) on stakeholder engagement.
  
  

Qualifications And Competences

Applicants must have a PhD degree or equivalent or have submitted their PhD thesis for assessment before the application deadline. We seek a candidate with eDNA and/or metabarcoding experience and with an interest in participatory science methods, such as citizen science.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology/ecology, environmental sciences, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience with DNA laboratory work (preferably eDNA metabarcoding).
• Skills in bioinformatics and statistical analyses of next-generation sequencing data (particularly metabarcoding).
• Experience with field work (preferably eDNA sampling) and a drivers’ license.
• Collaborative, communicative, and motivated to work in an interdisciplinary research environment.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of vector ecology, mosquitoes or disease ecology.
• Experience with citizen science or public engagement.
• Danish skills (written and spoken) and familiarity with Danish society
  
  

Overall, it is expected that you will contribute actively to a joyful and productive work environment. A strong scientific track record with a productive publication list and positive reviews from previous supervisors, collaborators or mentors will also weigh strongly in the assessment.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at Section for Parasitology and Pathobiology (PAP), Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen (UCPH). We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include access to modern molecular laboratories and vector laboratories.

Questions

For further information, please contact Group Leader, Anna-Sofie Stensgaard, [email protected].

Further information on the PARAENVI research group can be found on the https://ivh.ku.dk/english/research/about_parasitology_and_aquatic_diseases/paraenvi/ .

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Terms of employment

• The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.
• The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2 years. The starting date is 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
• 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.
  
  

Application procedure

Your Online Application Must Be Submitted In English By Clicking ‘Apply Now’ Below. Furthermore, Your Application Must Include The Following Documents/attachments – All In PDF Format

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
• CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
• A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
• List of publications.
• List of up to 3 references and their contact information.
  
  

Deadline for applications: Sunday 9 August 2026, 23.59 CEST

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline and not to consider applications that do not meet the requirements.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 34-35

The further process

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

APPLY NOW

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.

Info

Application deadline: 09-08-2026

Employment start: 01-10-2026

Working hours: Full time

Department/Location: Institut for Veterinær- og Husdyrvidenskab

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