PhD fellowship in Synthetic Biology

Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen; Pludual; Sur place; EUR 20 000 - 40 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading academic institution in Denmark is inviting applications for a PhD fellowship in Synthetic Biology, focusing on yeast-based biosensors. The PhD candidate will work on creating yeast cells utilizing G-protein coupled receptors to sense small molecules. Candidates should hold a relevant master's degree and have a strong background in biochemistry or similar fields. The position offers full-time employment for up to three years, with a start date of May 2026. Application deadline is January 18, 2026.

Prestations

Creative and stimulating working conditions

Dynamic and international research environment

Access to modern laboratories

Qualifications

• Background in biochemistry, biotechnology, or relevant areas.
• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project.
• Curious mindset with a strong interest in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Responsabilités

• Complete an independent research project under supervision.
• Contribute to teaching and knowledge dissemination.
• Write scientific papers and defend a PhD thesis.

Connaissances

Biochemistry

Molecular Biology

Synthetic Biology

Good language skills

Formation

Equivalent to a Danish master’s degree

Description du poste

PhD fellowship in Synthetic Biology

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Section of Plant Biochemistry, invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in yeast-based biosensors.

Start date of the PhD studies is (expected to be) 1 May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Project

The focus of this project is to establish yeast-based biosensors. The PhD candidate will create yeast cells utilizing G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that will be used to sense the presence of small molecules. The long-term aim of this project is to develop new, cutting‑edge technologies to identify new food and beverage ingredients (e.g., sweeteners, aromas, etc.).

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of biochemistry, biotechnology, biology. Applicants can have a background from biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, synthetic biology, or relevant areas.

Our group and research – what do we offer?

The research group, headed by Prof. Sotirios Kampranis (Sotirios Kampranis - Plant Biochemistry Employees (ku.dk)), is driven by the long‑term vision to promote sustainable living by replacing harmful chemical synthesis and over‑harvesting of natural resources with biological synthesis. Focusing on natural products – the complex molecules used as pharmaceuticals, flavors, or colorants – we engineer microorganisms for the production of high‑value compounds.

The group is a part of the department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN), Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories.

• Principal supervisor is Professor Sotirios Kampranis, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, E-mail: [e-mail], Direct Phone: [phone]

The PhD Programme

A three year full‑time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.

Getting into a position on the regular PhD programme:

• Qualifications Needed For The Regular Programme: To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project.

• Terms of employment in the regular programme: Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

• Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

• Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in PhD programme

• Complete and pass the MSc education in accordance with the curriculum of the MSc programme (ONLY when you are attending the integrated MSc and PhD programme).

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high‑impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind‑set with a strong interest in biochemistry and molecular biology
• Good language skills

Application and assessment procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page). Your motivation for applying for the specific PhD project.
• Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
• Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
• Publication list (if possible)
• Reference letters (if available)
• Application deadline: 18 January 2026, 23:59 GMT +1

The deadline for applications is 18 January 2026, 23:59 GMT +1. We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process

After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 6 or 7, 2026.

Questions

For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

APPLY NOW

Part of the International Alliance of 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.

Contact

Sotirios Kampranis

E‑mail: [e-mail]

Additional information

• Application deadline: 18‑01‑2026
• Employment start: 01‑05‑2026
• Working hours: Full time
• Department/Location: PLEN

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