3 Postdoc positions are available in the Sustainable Microbial Applications group at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT), DTU, starting 01-09-2026 or according to mutual agreement.

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.

In the SMA group we offer Postdoc positions within the following areas:

• Development of state-of-the-art synthetic biology tools for a variety of gram-positive, gram-negative, mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria
• Discovery and characterization of new industrial relevant chassis strains
• Development of industrially relevant cell-factories for the production of bulk-chemicals from CO2-derived feedstocks

• Use of various molecular methods such as PCR, cloning, plasmid/DNA/RNA extraction
• Genome engineering
• Further development of extensive molecular broad-host range engineering pipelines
• Nanopore sequencing and analysis
• Bioinformatics
• Flow cytometry and FACS
• Protein analyses
• Cross-training within the group
• Presenting results on a regular basis.
• Report your results in peer-review scientific publications and international conferences
• Teach and supervise PhD, MSc and BSc students

Qualifications
PhD in Biotechnology, Biology, Bioinformatics or similar field.

Experience with one or more of the techniques listed below is highly desirable.

• Prior experience in engineering of bacteria
• Prior experience with one or more molecular methods
• Prior experience and interest in sustainable production of biochemicals
• Prior experience with nanopore sequencing, metagenomics and bioinformatics approaches
• Extensive knowledge of microbial diversity and functional properties in the environment
• Prior experience with long-term high-cell density chemostat experiments
• Highly motivated candidate, passionate about science and sustainability
• Strong publication record
• Language: Fluent in English (written and verbal) is an advantage
• Well-organized, collaborative and pro-active
• Mature and calm under pressure

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. The position is located at Lyngby Campus.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Sheila I. Jensen, [email protected]

You can read more about BRIGTH 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.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 21 July 2026 (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

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.

About the Sustainable Microbial Application group
In our group, we focus on enabling the development of sustainable microbial solutions, with an emphasis on possibilities for industrial applications. At present, the group’s two primary research focuses are: 1) Developing efficient molecular tools for a variety of known and unconventional bacteria, emphasizing broad-host range applications; 2) Employing these tools to develop efficient cell factories for the production of proteins and bulk-chemicals from sustainable resources. We are highly collaborative and sociable both inside the team and with outside partners.

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

Apply Before
2026-07-21T21:59:00+00:00