Postdoc in citizen science of plastic pollution

Department of Science and Environment (DSE), Roskilde University, invites applications for a position as postdoc in citizen science of plastic pollution 01.10.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is limited to 1 year. The work will also include coordinating our Center for Interdisciplinary Plastic Research.

DSE is one of four departments at Roskilde University. The Department conducts basic and applied research within medical biology, molecular biology, environmental sciences, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Bachelor and Master programs are offered within these areas. Research and education within the fields takes place in a collaborative and interdisciplinary university environment also spanning collaboration with the other departments, covering social sciences and humanities, where relevant. The department is organised in four Sections comprising the research and education activities.

The postdoc will be part of the Section for Environmental Dynamics. This Section comprises at the moment eight professors, associate professors and assistant professors as well as a varying number of PhD-students, and postdoc’s. We furthermore have a group of four to five technicians as part of the group. DSE has a well-established shared infrastructure with state-of-the-art equipment facilities, including field spectroradiometer, Mass-spectrometry (LCMS, GCMS, ICP-MS, FT-IR), CHNS, various microscopy facilities and access to work shops.

Read more about the section at https://ruc.dk/en/research-group/environmental-dynamics

Responsibilities and tasks

The postdocs work will primarily include research, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching within the broader aspects of plastic pollution and citizen science. In addition to research and research-based teaching, the position also requires share of knowledge with the rest of society – including participation in public debates. To a limited extent this may also include performance of other activities.

The ideal candidate is expected to

• Develop the Center for Interdisciplinary Plastic Research by actively collaborating with other scientific fields within the department, at other departments, and among relevant stakeholders
• Contribute to the development of the research profile of the department by tangibly scaling the Plastic Center
• Oversee and execute administrative duties in support of the Plastics Group at DSE as well as the Center, as required.
• Maintain a significant record of publications
• Collaborate with colleagues in establishing a vibrant research community
• Participate actively in research networks and external research funding activities.
• Must be able to quickly integrate into an ongoing project including an interdisciplinary consortium and contribute effectively.

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a PhD degree or equivalent within Environmental science or equivalent. Qualifications within one or more of the following scientific areas are required:

• Have experience designing and conducting citizen science-based monitoring of plastic pollution
• Have experience analyzing data of plastic pollution collected by school children
• Have experience with analyzing big data set obtained via citizen science
• Have experience with organization and leadership of a scientific group
• Proven publication record within plastic pollution and citizen science

The ideal candidate shall be enterprising and possess good communication skills and be a visible involved participant in the department’s daily activities, in addition to being willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration across the department.

Assessment

In the assessment of the candidates, consideration will be given to;

• Experience with citizen science,
• scientific production,
• research prospective and the ability to promote and utilize research results,
• experience in Coordinating research activities in research center,
• other academic experience e.g. from organizing research conferences or seminars,
• ability to contribute to development of the department’s internal and external cooperation,

Questions

For further information about the position, please contact please PI Kristian Syberg on tel. (+45) 4674 3776 or e-mail: ksyberg@ruc.dk.

Terms of employment

The employment is full-time, and you will in your daily work refer to Professor Kristian Syberg.

The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.

According to the Pay Transparency Directive, the salary ranges for the various job categories at Roskilde University .

Application procedure

After the deadline for applications the Head of Department will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.

Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.

The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and - later on - their assessment.

Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.

Application

To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/

Only applications in English are accepted.

Applications must include:

1. Cover letter

2. CV

3. Documentation of education

4. Teaching portfolio (read more about teaching portfolio at Roskilde University here)

5. A complete list of publications

6. A maximum of 5 relevant scientific works that you want included in the assessment

If any of the publications that you want included in the assessment are the result of a joint effort, the extent and the nature of your contribution to each individual work must then be clarified in a co-author statement (find template here)

Please submit your application no later than 21 September 2026

Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration.

Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

The hiring process at Roskilde University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Ansøgningsfrist

21-09-2026

Afdeling

Institut for Naturvidenskab og Miljø/Department of Science and Environment

Stillingskategori

Videnskabelig personale (VIP)

Kontakt os Kristian Syberg Professor +4546743776

Roskilde Universitet

Universitetsvej 1

Postboks 260

4000 Roskilde

https://ruc.dk