Postdoc in Systematic Characterization and Improvement of Bacterial Cell Factories for the Utilization of Power-to-X Feedstocks - BRIGHT

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.

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 2 years. Starting date is 1 January 2027 (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@dtu.dk .

You can read more about us 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 .

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 27 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

• Contact details of two reference persons

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.

BRIGHT – Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) is a flagship initiative hosted at DTU, one of the world's top 5 universities in biotechnology research and innovation. BRIGHT connects and amplifies biotechnology and bioproduction research, innovation, and education across the entire value chain — from bold ideas in the lab to real-world implementation in industry. Focused on three missions — sustainable materials, microbial foods, and microorganisms for net-zero agriculture — BRIGHT aims to accelerate the development of scalable biosolutions for Europe and beyond, guiding the way towards a more sustainable, circular, and competitive bioeconomy.

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.