Postdoctoral Researcher in Metabolic Engineering of Thermophiles

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.

You will play a key role in a project coordinated by Professor Alex Toftgaard Nielsen at BRiGHT (Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition) at the Technical University of Denmark. 

Responsibilities 
You will be involved in designing and developing novel microbial systems for metabolising selected chemical substrates for production of biochemicals. The goal is to develop microbial production systems that radically change the production of chemicals in our society.

Your primary focus will be:

• Metabolic engineering of thermophilic bacteria using state of the art synthetic biology tools.
• Contribute to developing and improving molecular biology tools for thermophilic bacteria.
• Test the engineered strains by fed batch fermentation.
• Carry out evolution experiments to optimize strain performance
• Contribute to teaching and supervising BSc and MSc student projects.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of researchers.
• Contribute to publishing research findings in high-impact scientific journals. 
• Prepare presentations, as well as project deliverables ensuring high levels of accuracy and presentation.

Qualifications
As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

We are looking for a candidate with a strong demonstrated background in general microbiology, fermentation technologies, and metabolic engineering, ideally combined with:

• In-depth knowledge of molecular and synthetic biology.
• Demonstrated experience with metabolic engineering of thermophilic organisms for production of biochemicals.
• Experience with engineering tools for gram positive bacteria.
• Experience with adaptive laboratory-based evolution.
• Excellent communication skills and an openness to interdisciplinary teamwork.

Solid English capabilities are required, and you will be involved in teaching and supervision of BSc and MSc student projects.

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. 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 two years. Start date is 1 January 2027 or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Professor Alex Toftgaard Nielsen, altof@dtu.dk.

You can read more about us at www.bright.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 26 October 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.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRiGHT) at DTU
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 Institute. BRiGHT utilizes these advances for mission driven microbial cell factory design to foster sustainable lifestyles in relation to three application areas: Sustainable materials, Microbial Foods, and Net-zero agriculture.

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.