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 quantifying the nitrous oxide (N₂O) mitigation potential of synthetic nitrification inhibitors (SNIs) applied with synthetic and organic fertilizers for various cropping rotations in Denmark.

The PhD project is part of the multi-partner research project “SYNERGI – Synthetic nitrification inhibitors for N2O emissions reduction and improved GHG inventories?”, funded by the Danish Agency for Green Transition and Aquatic Environment.

The positions will be affiliated with the Climate Change Mitigation and Sustainable Soil Management research group at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of Copenhagen (https://plen.ku.dk/english/research/plant_soil/climate-change-mitigation-and-sustainable-soil-management/).

About the project.

Nitrous oxide is an important greenhouse gas. About 70% of the N₂O emissions come from agricultural fields as a consequence of nitrogen fertilization.

The N₂O is produced during nitrification and denitrification following the application of mineral and organic fertilizers.

Management strategies should aim to limit microbial N transformations before plant uptake. SNIs have been proposed as an effective measure to reduce N₂O emissions, with studies showing average reductions of 40–50%, along with a comparable decrease in nitrate (NO^3⁻) leaching.

The overall objective of this project is to quantify N₂O emissions and NO^3⁻ leaching from synthetic and organic fertilizers applied to major crops, such as winter wheat and spring barley, and to assess the effectiveness of SNIs in mitigating these nitrogen losses.

As part of this PhD, activities will include:

• Conducting controlled laboratory incubation experiments to investigate the effects of SNIs on N₂O emissions under different soil types and moisture regimes on nitrifier and denitrifier activities and the interaction of SNIs with biochar to explore potential synergies for N₂O mitigation.
• Performing field experiments to assess the impacts of SNIs on N₂O emissions and NO3⁻ leaching from synthetic and organic fertilizers applied to spring- and winter-sown crops.

Who Should Apply?

A candidate with professional as well as personal skills and qualifications as stated below:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project, including a MSc degree in environmental science, soil science, biology, physical geography, agronomy or a related discipline.
• Solid knowledge about soil biogeochemistry and plant biology in the context of agricultural systems.
• Interest and flair for conducting experimental, environmental and agricultural research in both the laboratory and the field.
• Interest in, or experience with, measuring GHG fluxes using closed chambers, gas chromatography and laser-based analysers.
• Good computer skills, experience with advanced data management and analysis, including statistical tools and methods.
• Relevant work experience or other professional activities will be an advantage.
• 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 of Science and Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized 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 possible)
• Contact information for two referees (to contact upon request)

Application deadline:

• The deadline for applications is 1 June 2026, 23:59 GMT +1.

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in June-July, 2026.

For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please get in touch with the principal supervisor.

Principal supervisor is Professor Sander Bruun, E-mail: sab@plen.ku.dk, Direct Phone: 35333481.

The daily project supervisors (Co-supervisors) will be Researcher Azeem Tariq and Assistant Professor Andreas Brændholt.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

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