PhD scholarship in Probing the Physiological Limits of Microbial Acetate Assimilation via External Electron Supply – BRIGHT

About the project

Acetate is a promising CO₂-derived Power-to-X (P2X) feedstock, but its assimilation imposes high energetic costs on microbial cells. This PhD project aims to investigate whether co-feeding reduced C1 compounds—such as methanol—can alleviate these redox constraints and push the carbon-efficiency limits of acetate assimilation. Using a genetically tractable model bacterium that naturally encodes the relevant metabolic pathways, you will explore how external reducing power can empower microbial cells to assimilate acetate more efficiently. The work will contribute fundamental insights into microbial physiology while unlocking the potential of P2X feedstocks for sustainable bioproduction.

Responsibilities

• Establish and characterise stable acetate–C1 co-utilisation phenotypes using adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) and/or targeted metabolic engineering
• Quantify carbon yields and biomass during co-utilisation; validate stoichiometric predictions of carbon retention across different acetate assimilation pathways
• Map physiological trade-offs and substrate partitioning across different acetate:C1 ratios using high-throughput cultivation, ¹³C-labelling, and metabolite quantification
• Investigate how the redox entry point of C1 oxidation controls carbon assimilation flux and retention efficiency
• Apply transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to identify regulatory and metabolic adaptations that enable efficient redox balancing between substrates of distinct reduction states
• Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences

Qualifications

You must hold a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent. The ideal candidate has:

• An MSc in microbiology, biochemistry, microbial physiology, or a closely related field
• A strong foundation in microbial physiology and intermediary metabolism
• Hands-on experience with microbial cultivation, including anaerobic or microaerobic techniques
• Experience with analytical methods for metabolite and substrate quantification (e.g. GC-FID, LC-MS, ¹³C-labelling)
• Familiarity with molecular biology and basic genetic engineering in bacteria
• Curiosity, scientific rigour, and genuine enthusiasm for fundamental physiological questions
• A collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills in English

What we offer

DTU is a leading technical university recognised globally for excellence in research, education, innovation, and scientific advice. You will work in an international environment characterised by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered with responsibility. The position is full-time for a period of three years, with a starting date of 1 January 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). Salary and appointment terms are based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations, with allowances agreed with the relevant union. You will be enrolled in one of DTU’s general PhD degree programmes, subject to academic approval. For more information on enrolment requirements and planning, see DTU’s rules for PhD education.

About BRIGHT

The Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) is a flagship initiative hosted at DTU, one of the world’s top five universities in biotechnology research and innovation. BRIGHT connects and amplifies biotechnology and bioproduction across the entire value chain—from bold ideas in the lab to real-world industrial implementation. Focused on three missions—sustainable materials, microbial foods, and microorganisms for net-zero agriculture—the institute accelerates scalable biosolutions for a sustainable, circular, and competitive bioeconomy.

About DTU

Since its founding by Hans Christian Ørsted in 1829, DTU has developed and created value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. With 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees, DTU works in an inclusive, stimulating, and informal international culture, with campuses across Denmark and in Greenland.

How to apply

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 3 August 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file containing all materials in English. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diplomas (in English), including the official description of the grading scale

You may apply before obtaining your master’s degree, but you cannot begin before having received it. 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 subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates.

For further information, contact principal supervisor Enrico Orsi ([email protected]) or co-supervisor Ruud Weusthuis ([email protected]), Wageningen University and Research. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a formal interview with the principal supervisor and co-supervisor.

Original vacancy