Postdoctoral Researcher

If you are a microbial physiologist or biotechnologist looking to make a real impact at the intersection of metabolic engineering and sustainable biotechnology, this is your opportunity. 

At BRIGHT, you will be at the forefront of efforts to characterize and improve microbial cell factories capable of thriving on next-generation feedstocks — contributing directly to the transition away from fossil-based chemical production.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will work in an integrated cycle of systematic characterization and rational strain engineering, focusing on miscible Power-to-X (P2X) feedstocks — including C1 (e.g. methanol, formate) and C2 (e.g. ethanol, acetate) carbon sources. Starting from the phenotypic and molecular characterization of microbial performance on these substrates, you will use the insights gained to rationally engineer strains with improved fitness and productivity. Engineering and characterization will go hand in hand, with each cycle directly informing the next. 

Specifically, you will:

• Cultivate and characterize microbial species on miscible P2X feedstocks, including C1 (e.g. methanol, formate) and C2 (e.g. ethanol, acetate) carbon sources, assessing growth performance, substrate utilization, and physiological responses
• Apply multi-omics approaches (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) to gain mechanistic insights into how microorganisms adapt to and metabolize P2X substrates
• Integrate phenotypic and omics data to identify metabolic bottlenecks and prioritize rational engineering targets
• Implement targeted genetic modifications to improve microbial fitness and production performance on P2X feedstocks
• Test the effect of such modifications in controlled bioreactors
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary team members across the project pipeline
• Disseminate results through publications and presentations at international conferences

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or having a submitted and accepted PhD thesis). 

The ideal candidate has:

• A (submitted) PhD in microbiology, systems biology, metabolic engineering, biotechnology, or a related field
• Experience with microbial cultivation and phenotypic characterization
• Experience with genome editing in non-model bacterial species
• Hands-on experience with one or more omics technologies and associated data analysis
• Familiarity with metabolic engineering principles and microbial genetics
• Strong analytical and programming skills (e.g. Python or R) for multi-omics data integration
• A collaborative mindset, creativity, and excellent communication skills in English

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.