Postdoctoral Fellowship: Postdoc in Rewiring Microbial Metabolism for Isoprenoid Biosynthesis in Power-to-X Cell Factories – BRIGHT

About the Role

This postdoctoral fellowship is part of a multi-year, interdisciplinary initiative at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) to develop robust microbial cell factories and scalable bioprocesses that convert CO₂‑derived feedstocks into high‑volume chemicals. The project covers the full innovation pipeline—from metabolic tool design and strain engineering, through fermentation and downstream processing, to techno‑economic validation and business development. The goal is to establish new industrial routes for essential chemicals in a low‑carbon economy, contributing to a circular economy.

As a postdoc, you will work at the cutting edge of isoprenoid pathway engineering, deploying and optimising biosynthetic routes in next‑generation microbial hosts rewired to thrive on sustainable power‑to‑X (P2X) feedstocks. This positions offers the opportunity to reshape how the chemical industry sources its building blocks.

Responsibilities

• Design, engineer, and optimise microbial strains for isoprenoid biosynthesis, working across both the MEP and MVA pathways to debottleneck production.
• Deploy optimised biosynthetic pathways in P2X‑assimilating cell factories and assess scalability potential.
• Apply combinatorial metabolic engineering and cell‑free strategies to debottleneck isoprenoid biosynthesis.
• Develop and implement high‑throughput screening methods for quantifying isoprenoid flux in engineered strains.
• Lead systems‑level strain engineering using in‑house CRISPR/Cas systems to rewire cellular metabolism towards scalable isoprenoid bioproduction.
• Perform bioreactor cultivations to determine strain behaviour and key performance indicators for scalability.
• Collaborate closely with team members across strain engineering, fermentation, and analytics groups.
• Disseminate results through publications and presentations at international conferences.

Qualifications

You must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in metabolic engineering, biotechnology, or a related field.

Ideal candidate profile

• Proven experience in microbial physiology and metabolic engineering of non‑model bacteria, including CRISPR/Cas methods.
• Hands‑on experience with analytical techniques (e.g., GC‑MS, LC‑MS) and bioreactor cultivation.
• Familiarity with metabolic design principles and systems‑level metabolic engineering approaches.
• A collaborative mindset, curiosity, and willingness to take on responsibilities within a multidisciplinary group.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

What we offer

• Employment at a leading technical university recognised globally for excellence in research, education, innovation, and scientific advice.
• A rewarding and challenging job in an international, collegial environment with academic freedom and responsibility.
• Salary and terms based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations, with supplements negotiable according to DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff.
• A 2‑year full‑time position starting on 1 January 2027 (or according to mutual agreement).

About BRIGHT & DTU

BRIGHT – the Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition – is a Novo Nordisk Foundation flagship initiative hosted at DTU, one of the world’s top five universities in biotechnology research and innovation. BRIGHT connects biotechnology and bioproduction across the entire value chain, from lab ideas to industrial implementation, focusing on three missions: sustainable materials, microbial foods, and microorganisms for net‑zero agriculture.

DTU, founded in 1829 by Hans Christian Ørsted, is one of Europe’s leading elite technical universities, with 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. Its research and education address major societal challenges and support Europe’s global leadership in sustainable technological development.

How to apply

Submit your complete online application in English as a single PDF file no later than 2 August 2026 (23:59 Danish time). The PDF 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 qualified candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion, or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. 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 Enrico Orsi ([email protected]). More about the project and BRIGHT is available at www.bright.dtu.dk. Information on working in Denmark and at DTU for international applicants is accessible via DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Original vacancy