PhD fellowship in Climate Change Mitigation in Agriculture at University of Copenhagen (Fully Funded) 2026.
PhD fellowship in Climate Change Mitigation in Agriculture at University of Copenhagen (Fully Funded) 2026.
The Climate Change Mitigation and Sustainable Soil Management research group, at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN), University of Copenhagen, invites applications for a PhD fellowship focused on exploring the effects of biochar application on ammonia (NH3) volatilisation and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural fields following fertilisation.
The project is part of the research project “BholdN”, funded by the Agency for Green Land Use and Aquatic Environment (SGAV) under the Ministry of Green Transition.
About the project.
NH3 volatilisation, particularly in connection to fertilisation, causes major environmental problems, including harmful air pollution, eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems, soil acidification, and indirect emissions of N2O, a potent greenhouse gas.
It also represents a substantial loss of nitrogen (N) with economic consequences for farmers. Biochar application to agricultural fields is a key element of Denmark’s climate mitigation strategy due to the high carbon storage potential of biochar; however, its effects on NH3 volatilisation are complex, with international studies reporting both reductions and substantial increases of emissions.
While biochar-induced increases in soil pH may enhance NH3 volatilisation after fertilisation, the ability of biochar to sorb ammonium (NH4+) to its surface may reduce the deprotonation of NH4+ to NH3.
Thus, the potential for increased NH3 volatilisation is a combined result of biochar, soil, and fertiliser properties.
Therefore, to make sure that biochar can be used as a safe and effective tool to mitigate climate change in agricultural production without significant environmental trade-offs, we need knowledge of the specific mechanisms controlling the effect of biochar application on NH3 volatilisation.
The overall objective of the PhD project is to identify key biochar properties that, in combination with different soil and fertiliser types, may enhance NH3 volatilisation from Danish agricultural fields.
The project will involve detailed characterisation of biochar properties and a controlled series of laboratory incubations, employing state-of-the-art gas analysers for simultaneous measurements of NH3 and N2O emissions to investigate the synergy between these two vital N gases across relevant biochar, soil, and fertiliser combinations.
To further explore the underlying mechanisms, the effects of the heterogeneous matrix formed in soils amended with biochar and fertilisers, characterised by abrupt chemical gradients of pH and N, will be studied using optical 2D chemical sensors (optodes).
The spatial patterns of pH and N will be analysed alongside NH3 and N2O emission data, and will be validated in field experiments conducted primarily at the Experimental Farm of the University of Copenhagen, Taastrup.
The results will support targeted management strategies and ensure that biochar can be used as a climate mitigation tool without creating environmental hazards.
Qualification Requirements.
The Climate Change Mitigation and Sustainable Soil Management research group is looking for a highly motivated candidate with clear professional ambitions and a strong willingness to actively engage in the workplace.
They encourage applicants that holds all or several of the following qualifications to apply for the PhD position:
- A MSc degree within the fields of agronomy, soil science, biology, physical geography, chemistry, environmental science, or a related discipline.
- Solid knowledge of soil biochemistry, with particular emphasis on the N cycle.
- Experience from research within one of the following topics: biochar application to soil, measurements of NH3 volatilisation, greenhouse gas flux measurements, application of 2D optical sensors (optodes) in environmental samples, soil incubation studies, or agricultural field experiments.
- Interest and flair for conducting experimental research in both the laboratory and the field.
- High-level proficiency and interest in academic writing.
- A basic understanding of statistical methods applied in research.
- Excellent English language skills (written as well as oral).
- Good communicative and interpersonal skills.
Responsibilities and tasks.
- Carry through an independent research project under supervision
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
- Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
- Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
- Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
- Write and defend a PhD thesis based on your project.
Application and Assessment Procedure.
Your application, including all attachments, must be in English and submitted electronically through the official application portal.
Please include:
- Cover letter / motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- A short reflection on your research interests, experiences, and how the project objectives can be approached (max. one page)
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills, and other skills relevant to the position
- Original diplomas for Bachelor’s or Master’s and transcripts of records in the original language, including an authorised English translation if issued in a language other than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
- Publication list (if relevant)
- Contact information for two referees (to contact upon request)
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 22 February 2026, 23:59 GMT +1.
NOTE:
- The Climate Change Mitigation and Sustainable Soil Management research group reserves the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
- After the deadline, several applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor.
- You will be notified whether you will be passed for assessment.
- The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above-mentioned research area, techniques, skills, and other requirements, and conclude whether each applicant is qualified.
