PhD fellowship in Biosensing in biological fluids with chemically modified RNA devices

Research area and project description:
In the Andersen lab for Biomolecular Design (andersen-lab.dk) we are experts in designing DNA, RNA and proteins to create nanoscale devices for applications in biotechnology and medicine. The lab invented the RNA origami method that allows rational design of RNA scaffolds and devices for expression in cells [1] and have recently developed RNA origami robots that can sense, compute and actuate [2], which opens new possibilities for controlling cellular function.

In the recently funded RIBOTICS project, the lab aims to develop RNA origami robots for cell factories (yeast production strains) for improved synthesis of valuable proteins and biochemicals. This PhD project aims to develop biosensors based on Xenonucleic acids (XNAs), which are synthetic nucleic acids with improved chemical and biological stability. The PhD student will:

• Design and develop XNA sensor modules usingin vitroselection methods.

• Use mutational screening to develop XNA actuator modules based on fluorescent aptamers and catalytic ribozymes.
• Construct “XNA sensor robots” that detect chemical compounds, RNA strands, or proteins and produce fluorescent output signals.
• Integrate XNA sensors into microfluidic droplet systems for high-throughput screening of secretory yeast phenotypes.
• Apply the system for selection of optimized yeast strains for synthetic biology and bioproduction applications.

The RIBOTICS project involves a team of 3 postdocs and 3 PhD students, who will work on design, characterization, and experimental verification of several RNA systems that can regulate gene expression, control enzyme proximity, sense product yields, and do molecular computations for feedback control. The PhD student will work in close collaboration with the RIBOTICS team, will receive day-to-day scientific guidance from a Postdoctoral mentor, and will be part of a vibrant research environment at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center.

References:

[1] A single-stranded architecture for cotranscriptional folding of RNA nanostructures. Science (2014). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1253920

[2] An RNA origami robot that traps and releases a fluorescent aptamer. Science Advances (2024). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adk1250

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Qualifications and specific competences:
Required qualifications:

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or have completed at least one year of a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Nanoscience, Biophysics or Bioengineering.
• Applicants should have a strong interest in RNA structural biology and a motivation to acquire expertise in relevant biophysical characterization methods.
• Applicants must have good communications skills and ability to work both collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team and independently.
• Applicants must have proficiency in English, both written and spoken

Desirable skills:

• Hands-on experience with techniques for RNA and XNA design, synthesis, and analysis, as well as in vitro selection methods.
• Knowledge of or practical experience with biosensing, fluorescence-based assays, and microfluidic systems for high-throughput analysis.

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C  Denmark.

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Professor Ebbe Sloth Andersen, esa@inano.au.dk

How to apply:

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.

When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2026)

1. Choose May 2026 Call with deadline 1 May 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
2. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme “Molecular Biology and Genetics”.
3. In the boxed named “Study”: In the dropdown menu, please choose: “Biosensing in biological fluids with chemically modified RNA devices (BbfcmR)”

Please note:

• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.