Postdoc in Microbial Food Engineering - BRIGHT

DTU - Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU's BRIGHT Institute invites applications for a two-year, full-time position focused on yeast metabolic engineering. You will design and run experiments, analyze data, publish results, and present at international conferences, while contributing to MSc/BSc teaching.

You will collaborate with colleagues across BRIGHT and DTU, and hold a PhD in biotechnology, microbiology or a related field. Excellent English and writing skills are required.

Qualifications

• PhD in biotechnology, microbiology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in yeast metabolic engineering and data-driven research.
• Strong publication record and experience presenting internationally.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments, analyze results, and publish findings.
• Present at international conferences and contribute to MSc/BSc teaching.
• Collaborate with BRIGHT Institute colleagues and DTU teams.
• Mentor students and supervise research projects in yeast metabolism.

Skills

Metabolic engineering (yeasts)

Advanced analytics

Machine learning

Fermentation technologies

Scientific writing

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in biotechnology

PhD in microbiology or similar

Tools

Data analysis

Lab techniques

Job description

Do you want to design the microbial foods of the future? You will use metabolic engineering, advanced analytics, machine learning, and fermentation technologies to create novel, well-tasting sustainable meat alternatives based on edible yeasts. The project is a part of the Microbial Foods mission at BRIGHT.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

You will design and carry out experiments, analyze the data, publish the results, and present them at international conferences. You will also contribute to teaching MSc/BSc courses and supervising students. You will work in close collaboration with other members of the Yeast Metabolic Engineering group and many colleagues at the BRIGHT Institute. As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD in biotechnology, microbiology or similar.

• You are scientifically curious, creative, and result-oriented.
• In your experimental work, you are efficient and generate publication-quality data.
• You have hands‑on experience with metabolic engineering of yeasts.
• You are a team player and thrive in a multicultural environment.
• You have an excellent command of English and strong scientific writing skills.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

The period of employment is 2 years, full time. Start date 01-01-2027 or according to mutual agreement.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Irina Borodina, [e-mail].

You can read more about "Yeast Metabolic Engineering" at https://bright.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 20 October 2026 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

About BRIGHT – The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) is a major initiative based at DTU that aims to accelerate the development of biosolutions and strengthen the bio-based economy. BRIGHT serves as a hub for academic and industrial partners working together to unlock the potential of bioproduction. BRIGHT focuses on three main areas: Sustainable materials (Developing bio-based alternatives to fossil‑derived materials), Microbial foods (Innovating food production through microbial technologies), and Microorganisms for net‑zero agriculture (Creating solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture). The goal is to develop and scale innovative biosolutions within these areas, ultimately creating sustainable and competitive alternatives to fossil‑based products and processes that can make significant contributions to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829

DTU is one of Europe’s leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe’s global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.