Postdoc in Strain Evolution and Engineering of C1-trophic Microorganisms - BRIGHT

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet; Ørsted; On-site; DKK 520,000 - 780,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU invites candidates to join BRIGHT at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition. The role focuses on evolving, engineering and studying microorganisms capable of growth on CO2 and derived feedstocks to enable robust C1-based biomanufacturing.

You will work in an interdisciplinary team under Dr. Stefano Donati, supervise MSc projects, publish in journals and present at conferences. A PhD and strong collaboration skills are required.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with demonstrated research excellence.
• Proven experience in microbial systems biology and molecular biology.
• Experience with multi-omics data generation and analysis.
• Experience with mini bioreactors and adaptive laboratory evolution.
• Proficiency in R or Python.
• Strong English language skills.
• Strong interpersonal and creative thinking.
• Enthusiasm and motivation to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Perform cutting edge research in microbial systems biology and metabolic engineering.
• Support research efforts of fellow team-members.
• Supervise MSc student projects.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present results at international conferences.

Skills

Microbial systems biology

Molecular biology

Multi-omics data

R

Python

Sequencing technologies

Mini bioreactor

Adaptive laboratory evolution

English language

Education

PhD degree (or equivalent)

Job description

Are you passionate about sustainability and reducing environmental impact through biomanufacturing? Then come join us in advancing technologies for developing robust microbial cell factories and scalable bioprocesses that convert CO₂-derived feedstocks into high-volume chemicals. This multi-year initiative consists of joint efforts between multiple groups covering the entire innovation pipeline, from metabolic tools and design, strain engineering, process design, fermentation, downstream processing, multi-omics, techno-economic validation, and business development. We aim to establish new industrial routes for essential chemicals in a low-carbon economy through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities and qualifications

In this position, you will employ cutting-edge methodologies to evolve, engineer and study microorganisms capable of growth on CO2 and derived feedstocks. Your goal will be to develop robust microbial strains for C1-based biomanufacturing applications. You will work in an interdisciplinary systems biology team and in close contact with computational and wet lab scientists, under the supervision of Dr. Stefano Donati.

Your primary tasks will be to

• Perform cutting edge research in microbial systems biology and metabolic engineering
• Support research efforts of fellow team-members
• Supervise MSc student projects
• Publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Present results in international conferences

Key selection criteria:

• Professional qualifications relevant for the position
• A strong and proven track record of bringing projects to completion
• Strong experience in experimental microbial systems biology and molecular biology
• Experience in multi-omics data generation, analysis (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and sequencing technologies
• First-hand experience working with mini bioreactor and adaptive laboratory evolution
• Willingness to work in a diverse, multi-disciplinary and highly collaborative team
• Programming skills in R or Python
• Strong language skills (English)
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Creative thinking
• Level of enthusiasm and motivation

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 allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is 01-02-2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Dr. Stefano Donati, [e-mail]

You can read more about BRIGHT 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.

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.

Location

Kgs. Lyngby, 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.