Postdoc of Biotechnology

LEO Foundation Skin Immunology Research Center (SIC); København; Hybrid; DKK 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Copenhagen invites applications for a 24‑month post‑doctoral position in the Biochemical Engineering group at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences. The project, titled ULYSSES, aims to transform early cancer detection with a portable, non-invasive biosensor for urine-based cancer signatures.

The duties include research in biotechnology and synthetic biology and may include teaching.

Qualifications

• PhD or postdoctoral experience in yeast Synthetic Biology, Genetic Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Theoretical and hands-on expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry.
• Ability to work independently and see projects through to completion.
• Construct designed strains using standard molecular cloning techniques including Gibson, USER or Golden Gate assembly and targeted strain recombineering and gene integration methods.
• Culture and evaluate constructed yeast strains using small-scale cultivations and assays.
• Document project results and communicate with industrial partners; relocation for collaboration is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Research within biotechnology and synthetic biology.
• Teaching responsibilities may be included.

Skills

PhD experience

Postdoctoral experience

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Yeast Synthetic Biology

Independent work

Communication

Education

PhD in Biotechnology/Molecular Biology/Synthetic Biology/Biochemistry

Tools

Gibson assembly

USER assembly

Golden Gate assembly

Molecular cloning

Job description

We are inviting applications for a Post-doctoral position of 24 months in the research group of Biochemical Engineering at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of Copenhagen ( https://plen.ku.dk/english/research/plant_biochemistry/be/ ) . The research group, headed by Prof. Sotirios Kampranis ( Sotirios Kampranis) , explores and engineers nature’s sensing capabilities, using synthetic biology and biochemical engineering to develop innovative biosensors, devices and technologies that address challenges in human health, environmental monitoring and society.

The focus of the present project (ULYSSES) is to transform early cancer detection by developing a portable and non-invasive biosensor capable of identifying breast and prostate cancer signatures directly from urine samples. The project takes inspiration from the highly sensitive olfactory system of C. elegans and brings together synthetic biology, engineered yeast biosensors, VOC profiling and artificial intelligence. The research focuses on understanding cancer-specific VOC signatures and translating biological olfactory recognition into an easy-to-use diagnostic platform with potential applications in early cancer screening and personalized medicine.

Skills and experience required or highly desired for the position:

• PhD or postdoctoral experience in yeast Synthetic Biology, Genetic Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Theoretical and hands-on expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry
• Ability to work independently and see projects through to completion
• Construct designed strains using standard molecular cloning techniques including Gibson, USER or Golden Gate assembly and targeted strain recombineering and gene integration methods
• Culture and evaluate constructed yeast strains using small-scale (plate and flask-scale) cultivations and assays.
• Thoroughly document project results and progress, and facilitate clear communication and technology transfer with industrial partners
• Possibility of relocation to an academic partner for collaboration is a plus.

Formal requirements:

• Applicants should be fluent in both spoken and written English.
• Applicants should have a PhD degree in relevant topics, such as Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Metabolic Engineering or Biochemistry.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within biotechnology and synthetic biology as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is open from 1 February 2027or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The deadline for applications is 16-10-2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

Interviews are expected to be be held from 2 to 6 of November, 2026.

Part of the InternationalAllianceof Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.

Department/Location:

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences

Contact: University of Copenhagen
[e-mail]