If you are establishing your career as a scientist and are eager to apply your skills in metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and microbial biotechnology, this is your opportunity to make a real impact. At DTU Biosustain, you will work at the forefront of developing next-generation microbial cell factories for sustainable production of chemicals and materials. Here, you will build your expertise in genome engineering, pathway design, and systems biology while contributing to cutting-edge solutions for a circular carbon economy. Together with our international and interdisciplinary team, you will break new ground at the absolute frontier of what is possible.
Responsibilities
Your overall focus will be to evolve and then engineer non-model autotrophic bacteria for expanded substrate range and deeply rewired metabolism, enabling efficient substrate assimilation for sustainable production of chemicals from one-carbon (C1) substrates. You will combine adaptive laboratory evolution with advanced metabolic engineering to generate robust microbial platforms. As the first postdoc in a new research group, you will play a key role in setting up the scientific and organizational foundation of the lab. This includes helping to establish best practices, protocols, and a collaborative, supportive research environment. You will work closely with colleagues at DTU Biosustain and collaborators abroad, with access to state-of-the-art facilities for systems biology, genome engineering, and bioprocess development.
Your primary tasks will be to:
- Design and perform adaptive laboratory evolution experiments on autotrophic bacteria
- Develop and apply genome engineering strategies for deep metabolic rewiring through growth-coupled designs and selection schemes
- Analyze evolved strains using omics techniques and metabolic modeling
- Construct and characterize synthetic metabolic pathways in target strains
- Establish standard protocols (SOPs) and contribute to lab organization and shared resources
- Help foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative group culture, supporting newcomers
- Communicate results in scientific publications and at international conferences
Qualifications
Must-have:
- PhD degree (or equivalent) in microbiology, biotechnology, bioengineering, or a related field
- Strong experience with microbial physiology and metabolic engineering
- Hands-on expertise in molecular biology and genetic manipulation of (non-model) bacteria
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive projects forward
- Well-organized, reliable, and motivated to help establish a positive, collaborative lab environment
- Proven track record of publications in international scientific journals as first author
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
Nice-to-have:
- Experience with adaptive laboratory evolution or microbial strain selection
- Experience with CRISPR/Cas systems for genome editing
- Familiarity with omics data analysis and/or metabolic modeling
- Prior involvement in setting up lab protocols or standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Experience mentoring students (BSc or MSc level) or supporting early-career colleagues
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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.
The period of employment is 2 years. Starting date will be 01.01.2026 or according to mutual agreement. 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 Enrico Orsi (enricoo@biosustain.dtu.dk).
You can read more about DTU Biosustain at https://www.biosustain.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.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 21 September 2025 (23:59 Danish time).
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- Application (cover letter)
- CV
- Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
- List of publications
- Contact of 2 references
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
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.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain)
Recent progress in our ability to read and write genomic code, combined with advances in automation, analytics and data science, has fundamentally changed the scope and ambition of harnessing the potential of biological systems. Big data approaches and analysis of biological systems are key research instruments at the Center. DTU Biosustain utilizes these advances for microbial cell factory design to foster sustainable lifestyles in relation to three application areas: Sustainable Chemicals, Natural Products, and Microbial Foods.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.