Are you interested in traditional food fermentation practices? Do you love coffee? Do you want to know how the microbial ecology of coffee fermentation contributes to its unique flavours? Do you want to know where the microorganisms in traditional coffee fermentation originate from?
Then join us in the Fermentation Cultures group at DTU BRIGHT, where we study fermented foods as living biocultural systems at the intersection of microbial life and human culture. Combining microbiology, mycology, ecology, evolution and genomics, we investigate the origins and evolution of food microorganisms, their interactions within fermented food ecosystems, and the genetic and ecological drivers of flavour, texture, and functionality. By using fermented food communities as model systems, we address fundamental questions in ecology and evolution while developing novel starter cultures, fermentation processes, and food innovations that support the green transition and more sustainable, healthy, and resilient food systems.

In this specific project we aim to study traditional coffee fermentation and the microbial ecology underlaying the flavour formation. We ask where the microorganisms come from and how the communities assemble and interact and how these interactions result in flavours that can be perceived by humans. To study this we will combine ethnographic research and systems biology also in collaboration with multiple local coffee production partners and Universities as well as the University of Cambridge and Prof. Kiran Patil, working on metabolic models of microbial communities.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As a PhD candidate, you will take a leading role in driving the scientific progress of the project. You will be responsible for planning, designing, and executing experiments, coordinating activities with collaborators within the group as well as external partners, and ensuring the timely progression of the research.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Deep scientific understanding of the field and all relevant literature
• Ethnographic research
• Designing and execution of experiments on characterising the ferments metagenomics, metabolomics, sensory analysis
• Bioinformatic analysis, data integration and statistical analysis
• Visualizing results and communicating findings to diverse scientific audiences
• Publishing research findings in international journals
• Planning and executing potential public engagement and outreach activities
• Presenting your work at international conferences and scientific meetings
• Collaborating closely with researchers across disciplines and contributing to an open, collaborative research culture

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious candidate who thrives in a dynamic research environment and is excited by the opportunity to work transdisciplinary at the intersection of ethnography, gastronomic craft and microbiology.

The ideal candidate has:

• Some experience in microbiology
• Experience or interest in ethnographic research
• Some experience in generating and analysing metagenomic and metabolomic data
• A strong interest in microbial ecology and evolution as well as flavour as a form of chemical communication

In addition, you:

• Demonstrate a high level of motivation, curiosity, and scientific integrity
• Are able to work independently and take ownership of your research
• Take a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and solving problems
• Learn quickly and adapt effectively to new methods and challenges
• Have strong communication skills, including scientific writing and oral presentations in English
• Enjoy working in collaborative and interdisciplinary teams
• Be comfortable in an interdisciplinary environment, where different types of knowledge co-exist
• Are open to and interested in different cultures
• Are organized, structured, and committed to maintaining high-quality documentation and reproducible research practices
• Be patient, charitable, curious and playful - key qualities for interdisciplinary work

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

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 appointment terms
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 3 years.

The preferred start date is 01.01.2027.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information please contact group leader and senior researcher Leonie Johanna Jahn at [email protected]

You can read more about BRIGHT below, and at www.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. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 27 August 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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• One letter of reference, with referee’s email and phone number

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, color, religion, neurodiversity, national origin 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 Fermentation Cultures group
The Fermentation Cultures group investigates fermented foods as complex microbial ecosystems and as a foundation for developing sustainable foods for the green transition. By combining traditional fermentation practices with ecological and evolutionary perspectives, we draw on both traditional and scientific knowledge to create novel fermented foods and food processes. Our research explores how microbial diversity, genetics, and ecological interactions shape the flavour, texture, functionality, and stability of fermented foods, while also examining the origins of fermentation microorganisms and their co-evolution with human societies and food cultures. Using fermented foods as model systems, we address fundamental questions about microbial ecology, evolution, and host–microbe interactions, including how microbes interact with one another and communicate with humans through the production and perception of flavour.

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

Apply Before
2026-08-27T21:59:00+00:00