Postdoc in Applied Microbiology

Aalborg University; Esbjerg; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

A postdoc position in applied microbiology is available at Aalborg University. The role focuses on optimizing pigment production to serve as electrolytes in batteries for renewable energy storage.

The successful candidate will engineer microorganisms for higher yield and robustness and oversee 100 L bioreactor cultivation. The appointment is a three-year term beginning October 1, 2026 or soon after, embedded in a large interdisciplinary project funded by EUDP with strong commercialization goals.

Qualifications

• PhD level in genetic engineering and molecular biology.
• Experience with microbial genetics and product biosynthesis.
• Interest in innovation and commercialization.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Experience in teaching and supervising students.

Responsibilities

• Optimize production of pigments as electrolytes for battery storage.
• Engineer microorganisms to increase yield and robustness.
• Conduct large-scale cultivation in a 100 L bioreactor.
• Collaborate within the EUDP-funded project toward commercialization.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research and outreach.

Skills

Genetic engineering

Bioreactor cultivation

Entrepreneurship

Interdisciplinary research

Teaching & supervision

Education

PhD in genetics and molecular biology

Job description

Do you want to work with production of biogenic electrolytes? And do you see yourself as a team player who is strong in collaboration? If yes, we look forward to reading your application to our position as Postdoc.

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a three-year position as Postdoc in applied microbiology is open for appointment from October 1st, 2026 or soon hereafter.

Your work tasks

The aim of the project is to optimize the production of pigments, which can be used as electrolytes in a battery for storing renewable energy. The work will include genetic engineering of the selected microorganism to increase its yield and robustness, followed by large‑scale cultivation in a 100 L bioreactor. The post doc position is embedded in a larger interdisciplinary project funded by the Danish Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Programme (EUDP) and has a strong focus towards commercialization the resulting battery.

Appointment as a postdoc presupposes scientific qualifications at PhD level within genetic engineering and molecular biology combined with a focus on innovation and commercialization.

The successful applicant is expected to have:

Examples:

• Extensive experience with genetic engineering of natural products in microorganisms
• Experience with microbial cultivation in bioreactors
• Interest in innovation and entrepreneurship
• The applicant must be interested in working in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Experience in teaching and student supervision

Qualification requirements

Appointmentaspostdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

Who we are

At the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience (BIO), our high‑level research spans from basic to applied within both natural sciences and engineering. With approx. 150 employees, 75 PhD students, and 775 bachelor and master’s students at our campuses in Aalborg (main campus) and Esbjerg, we are a vital research and educational institution when it comes to creating new basic knowledge as well as contributing to solving the world’s challenges within biology, chemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, environmental science, and chemical engineering.

We continuously improve our department as an attractive place of work and study. We offer flexible hours, social activities throughout the year both at the department level and in each Section. We are inclusive and have respect for individuals, communities, and cultures. Our work culture is founded on openness, curiosity, transparency, and involvement. Come join us!

Read more about the department here; Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience - en.bio.aau.dk - Aalborg University

Do you have any questions?

If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information

Read more about our recruitment process here

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.

The hiring process at Aalborg 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.

Salary and terms of employment

The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only in Danish).

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world

Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real‑world‑oriented education and create world‑class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.