Postdoc in Soil Microbiome Assembly - DTU Bioengineering

DTU - Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 480,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU - Technical University of Denmark's Bioengineering section invites a postdoctoral researcher to study soil microbiome assembly and inoculant design. The role combines ecology, evolution, and genomics with fieldwork locally and internationally.

The successful candidate will join Professor Jennifer Martiny's team, contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations, and work within DTU's cutting-edge infrastructure to advance microbiome science for sustainable agriculture.

Qualifications

• PhD in microbial ecology or evolution, microbiology, or a closely related area.
• A record of publication in peer-reviewed journals demonstrating research excellence in areas relative to microbiome science and its applications.
• Strong background in genomic and metagenomic analysis of microbial communities.
• Experience in microbial or molecular bench work and/or -omics technologies.
• Experience in conducting field-based research.
• Experience working in teams and/or supervising at the university level.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Establish, maintain, and sample large-scale field projects.
• Work independently with strong organizational skills and a collaborative spirit.
• Collaborate with international teams and supervise junior staff as needed.
• Communicate scientific results in English.

Skills

Postdoc experience

Soil microbiology

Genomic analysis

Team collaboration

English proficiency

Education

PhD in microbial ecology or evolution

Tools

Bioinformatics

Metagenomics

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate soil microbiome assembly and its implications for the use of soil inoculants. The overall project aims to apply theoretical concepts from ecology and evolutionary biology to design effective strategies for engineering soil microbiomes.

The candidate will join a dynamic and international team led by Professor Jennifer Martiny with access to cutting-edge infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaborations in the Section of Microbial and Chemical Ecology within DTU Bioengineering.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

The postdoctoral researcher will help to establish, maintain, and sample large‑scale field projects. The role requires an ability to work independently, good organizational skills, a collaborative spirit, and a willingness to conduct fieldwork locally and internationally.

• A PhD in microbial ecology or evolution, microbiology, or a closely related area.
• A record of publication in peer-reviewed journals demonstrating research excellence in areas relative to microbiome science and its applications.
• A strong background in the genomic and metagenomic analysis of microbial communities.
• Experience in microbial or molecular bench work and/or -omics technologies.
• Experience in conducting field-based research.
• Experience working in teams and/or supervising at the university level.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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 date is according to mutual agreement, preferably early 2027. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Professor Jennifer Martiny, [e-mail].

You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.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.

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.

Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science industry and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

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.