Transform CO₂ to Food: 3 Postdoc Positions in Biological and Chemical Engineering

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, invites applications for three postdoctoral positions offering an exciting opportunity to contribute to a new interdisciplinary research project on production of proteins for food based on a feedstock of CO2 and energy. The positions are based at AU Viborg and/or at AU main campus and are expected to begin on 1 September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project explores two parallel technological routes for converting captured carbon dioxide into microbial biomass: One fully biological, and the other a hybrid chemical–biological pathway. The advertised positions will support these efforts through research on advanced carbon capture methods, process modelling and optimization, and biological CO₂ valorization in bioreactors. The work will be carried out within an active team operating at the intersection of experimental engineering and system-level process design Expected start date and duration of employment The positions are full-time and expected to begin on 1 October 2025, or as soon as possible.

The expected duration is up to 2 years, with the initial contract offered for 12–18 months, depending on the applicant’s profile and project alignment. Job description We are seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to join the interdisciplinary research project on CO₂ to food, which aims to develop innovative technologies for converting captured carbon dioxide into microbial biomass. The project encompasses both chemical and biological conversion routes, with contributions from several research groups at Aarhus University.

The successful candidates will become part of a collaborative and international environment within the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE) at Aarhus University. Positions 1 and 3 are mainly based at AU Viborg, home to BCE’s mid-TRL experimental facilities, which support the development and testing of sustainable technologies on pilot scale. Position 2 is based at AU main campus. Depending on the position, the work will involve a combination of experimental research, process simulation, reactor operation, and system-level optimization.

We are currently advertising the following three postdoc positions:

Position 1. Postdoc in Carbon Capture System Design, Operation, and Test

Position 2: Postdoc in Process Modeling, Integration, and Techno-Economic Analysis of CO₂-to-Food Pathways

Position 3: Postdoc position on integrating a two-stage fermentation process with an abiotic electrodialysis unit at the pilot scale You can read more about the positions here. Your profile We are looking for candidates with strong academic backgrounds and a passion for sustainable process development. The positions require the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams. Candidates are expected to demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, scientific integrity, and a proactive attitude toward research, engineering, and knowledge sharing.
Please indicate clearly in your application which position(s) you are applying for.

Position 1 – Postdoc in Carbon Capture System Design, Operation, and Test Position 2 – Postdoc in Process Modeling, Integration, and Techno-Economic Analysis of CO₂-to-Food Pathways
Position 3. Postdoc position on integrating a two-stage fermentation process with an abiotic electrodialysis unit at the pilot scale You can read more about the academic and personal qualifications that the ideal candidate should have here. Who we are

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering was established on January 1, 2021, in connection with Aarhus University’s reorganization of the engineering area. The department employs around 175 people and is responsible for research and education within the department’s scientific areas. We educate both Bachelors and Masters of Science in Engineering and around 825 students are enrolled in our study programs. Furthermore, we also offer an ambitious PhD program. Our PhD students have high academic ambitions and deliver high-quality results for both the private and the public sectors.

At the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, focus is on living systems, the biology of organisms, efficient production, and transformation of chemicals, materials and energy. We translate knowledge within biotechnology, food technology, environmental technology, chemical engineering, industrial biotechnology, medical biotechnology and electrochemical engineering, and more into new technologies and value-creating solutions that can also be used in the business community.

Many of our research and development activities are based on companies' specific innovation needs or specialist application areas. Close collaboration with the public sector and private businesses ensures that the knowledge and technology generated in the department's research environments has a clear anchoring in reality and benefits the surrounding society. We also provide research-based public sector consultancy and advice on technology in agriculture and food. What we offer At the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, we offer a dynamic and supportive environment for researchers who are passionate about sustainable technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration. Specifically, we provide:

• Access to well-developed research infrastructure, including pilot-scale experimental facilities and state-of-the-art laboratories, software and databases.
• An interdisciplinary research environment spanning chemical engineering, process systems, biotechnology, and Power-to-X technologies.
• Opportunities to collaborate closely with national and international academic partners, as well as industrial stakeholders involved in research activities within CO2 to protein.
• A research culture that encourages open dialogue, innovation, and critical thinking across fields.
• A collegial and inclusive workplace with networking activities, knowledge sharing, and a commitment to team development.
• A strong focus on professionalism, equality, and work-life balance, ensuring a healthy and productive working environment.

You will become part of a growing research initiative with real-world impact and visibility, and have the chance to contribute to shaping next-generation sustainable technologies.
Place of work and area of employmentThe positions include the following permanent workplace addresses:

• Position 1: Burrehøjvej 43, 8830 Tjele (AU Viborg)
• Position 2: Hangøvej 2, 8200 Aarhus N (AU Hangøvej)
• Position 3: Blichers Allé 20, Building L38, 8830 Tjele (AU Viborg)

The area of employment is Aarhus University with affiliated institutions. Attendance at each workplace will be agreed with your immediate supervisor.
Transport to AU Viborg campus will be provided from Aarhus using department vehicles following the existing carpooling practice.
Contact informationFor general inquiries about the CO₂ to Food postdoc positions, please contact:
Thomas Lundgaard [xxxxx] or Associate Professor Behzad Partoon [xxxxx]

If you would like more information about the specific research focus or daily tasks of each position, you are welcome to contact the relevant academic lead:

Position 1 – Carbon Capture System Design and Operation
Associate Professor John William Phair [xxxxx]

Position 2 – Process Modelling and Techno-Economic Analysis
Associate Professor Konstantinos Anastasakis [xxxxx]

Position 3 – Biological CO₂ Conversion
Professor Largus (Lars) Angenent [xxxxx] Deadline Applications must be received no later than 7 August 2025. Application procedure Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – 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. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants. Letter of reference If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.

If you wish to add a referee after you have submitted your application, you must send this person’s details (name, job title, place of work, and email address) as well as the name of the position you have applied for to: [xxxxx] Formalities and salary range Technical 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). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

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.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.
Kilde: [xxxxx]