Postdoc in Precision Gas Fermentation - DTU Sustain

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet; Ørsted; On-site; DKK 357,000 - 469,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International environment

Collaborative research culture

Job summary

DTU Sustain in Lyngby, Denmark, invites applications for a postdoc fellowship within microbial protein production using gas fermentation. The role emphasizes experimental optimization, life cycle assessment, and collaboration across synthetic biology, biochemical engineering and environmental science.

PhD in biotechnology is required, with strong motivation and independence. The position is 2 years, full-time, starting 1 January 2027, hosted within the Department of Environmental and Resource

Qualifications

• Must hold a PhD in biotechnology.
• Experience with gas fermentation and GMO in axenic conditions.
• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration and communication.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory work to optimize microbial protein production using gas fermentation and GMO.
• Creation of a life cycle inventory for the fermentation process.
• Close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team.
• Dissemination of your research through publications and attendance at conferences.
• Teaching and supervision activities within the field of biological water treatment and biowaste valorization.

Skills

Environmental biotechnology

Gas fermentation

Axenic lab work

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Biotechnology

Tools

GMO handling

Analytical techniques

Job description

The concerns over food security and protein scarcity, driven by population increase and higher standards of living, have pushed scientists toward finding new protein sources. A considerable proportion of resources and agricultural lands are dedicated to feed to raise livestock or fish for human consumption. Microbial protein (MP) is a land-independent alternative protein source for animal feeds. In particular, 2nd generation MP integrates renewable energies, carbon-capture technologies, and gas fermentation, to produce sustainable proteins. Yet, the digestion of those proteins is often suboptimal, yielding the excretion of large amounts of wasted nutrients together with manures. The candidate will work on the optimization of the gas fermentation processes to produce highly digestible tailored proteins, reducing environmental impact and dependence on imported raw materials. The tasks are aligned with Pathfinder EU project Synfeed (https://synfeed.eu/), with a strong focus on stakeholder interaction, so the candidate should be effective in communicating results.

Responsibilities and qualifications

As a postdoc fellow on this project, you will engage in:

• Laboratory work to optimize microbial protein production using gas fermentation and GMO as well as downstream protein recovery
• Creation of a life cycle inventory for the fermentation process
• Close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team
• Dissemination of your research through publications and attendance at conferences
• Teaching and supervision activities within the field of biological water treatment and biowaste valorization

We seek a postdoc candidate who has a strong background on environmental biotechnology.

• You should have experience working at lab or pilot scale with gas fermentation and/or genetically modified microorganisms in axenic conditions. Experience with protein recovery downstream to the fermentation is an advantage.
• You are highly motivated and self-driven in what you do.
• You like getting your hands dirty and therefore are capable of understanding analytical and experimental techniques, showing high degree of independence.
• You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment, including synthetic biology, biochemical engineering and holistic assessment, and are unafraid to ask questions.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) within the field of biotechnology.

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, starting from 1 January 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is full time.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Borja Valverde Pérez ([e-mail]).

You can read more about DTU Sustain at www.sustain.dtu.dk

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.

DTU Sustain - Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering - is one of the largest university departments specializing in environmental and resource engineering in Europe. The department conducts research, development & scientific advice and provides educational programs and service to society. We are working to develop new environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies, methods and solutions, and to disseminate this knowledge to society and future generations of engineers. The Department has approximately 300 staff from more than 50 nationalities.

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.

Location

Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Apply Before

2026-10-15T21:59:00+00:00