Fixed-term

Are you interested in traditional food fermentation practices? Do you love coffee? Do you want to know how the microbial ecology of coffee fermentation contributes to its unique flavours? Do you want to know where the microorganisms in traditional coffee fermentation originate from?  Then join us in the Fermentation Cultures group at DTU BRIGHT, where we study fermented foods as living biocultural systems at the intersection of microbial life and human culture. Combining microbiology, mycology, ecology, evolution and genomics, we investigate the origins and evolution of food microorganisms, their interactions within fermented food ecosystems, and the genetic and ecological drivers of flavour, texture, and functionality. By using fermented food communities as model systems, we address fundamental questions in ecology and evolution while developing novel starter cultures, fermentation processes, and food innovations that support the green transition and more sustainable, healthy, and resilient food systems. In this specific project we aim to study traditional coffee fermentation and the microbial ecology underlaying the flavour formation. We ask where the microorganisms come from and how the communities assemble and interact and how these interactions result in flavours that can be perceived by humans. To study this we will combine ethnographic research and systems biology also in collaboration with multiple local coffee production partners and Universities as well as the University of Cambridge and Prof. Kiran Patil, working on metabolic models of microbial communities. Responsibilities and qualificationsAs a PhD candidate, you will take a leading role in driving the scientific progress of the project. You will be responsible for planning, designing, and executing experiments, coordinating activities with collaborators within the group as well as external partners, and ensuring the timely progression of the research. Your responsibilities will include: Deep scientific understanding of the field and all relevant literature Ethnographic research Designing and execution of experiments on characterising the ferments metagenomics, metabolomics, sensory analysis Bioinformatic analysis, data integration and statistical analysis Visualizing results and communicating findings to diverse scientific audiences Publishing research findings in international journals Planning and executing potential public engagement and outreach activities Presenting your work at international conferences and scientific meetings Collaborating closely with researchers across disciplines and contributing to an open, collaborative research culture We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious candidate who thrives in a dynamic research environment and is excited by the opportunity to work transdisciplinary at the intersection of ethnography, gastronomic craft and microbiology. The ideal candidate has: Some experience in microbiology Experience or interest in ethnographic research Some experience in generating and analysing metagenomic and metabolomic data A strong interest in microbial ecology and evolution as well as flavour as a form of chemical communication In addition, you: Demonstrate a high level of motivation, curiosity, and scientific integrity Are able to work independently and take ownership of your research Take a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and solving problems Learn quickly and adapt effectively to new methods and challenges Have strong communication skills, including scientific writing and oral presentations in English Enjoy working in collaborative and interdisciplinary teams Be comfortable in an interdisciplinary environment, where different types of knowledge co-exist Are open to and interested in different cultures Are organized, structured, and committed to maintaining high-quality documentation and reproducible research practices Be patient, charitable, curious and playful – key qualities for interdisciplinary work  You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree. Approval and Enrolment The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU’s rules for the PhD education.  We offerDTU 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 appointment terms 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. The period of employment is 3 years.  The preferred start date is 01.01.2027. You can read more about career paths at DTU here. Further information Further information please contact group leader and senior researcher Leonie Johanna Jahn at lejj@dtu.dk  You can read more about BRIGHT below, and 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. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.  Application procedure Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 27 August 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: A letter motivating the application (cover letter) Curriculum vitae  Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale One letter of reference, with referee’s email and phone number You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, color, religion, neurodiversity, national origin 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. The Fermentation Cultures groupThe Fermentation Cultures group investigates fermented foods as complex microbial ecosystems and as a foundation for developing sustainable foods for the green transition. By

Do you love fermentation and food innovation? Do you want to contribute to more sustainable, resilient and just food systems? Are you interested in traditional food fermentation and would like to build innovation on traditional and ecological knowledge? Then join us in the Fermentation Cultures group at DTU BRIGHT, where we study fermented foods as living biocultural systems at the intersection of microbial life and human culture. Combining microbiology, mycology, ecology, evolution and genomics, we investigate the origins and evolution of food microorganisms, their interactions within fermented food ecosystems, and the genetic and ecological drivers of flavour, texture, and functionality. By using fermented food communities as model systems, we address fundamental questions in ecology and evolution while developing novel starter cultures, fermentation processes, and food innovations that support the green transition and more sustainable, healthy, and resilient food systems. In this specific project we aim to develop a local caffeine-free coffee alternative by applying knowledge form traditional coffee fermentation on a local waste stream currently used dried as coffee alternative but lacking flavour complexity of fruity and sour notes that can only be added through fermentation.  The project will screen different substrate combinations to match the organoleptic properties of coffee, develop a new caffeine-free prototype guided through genome-scale metabolic models developed at Cambridge University with Prof. Kiran Patil. The resulting prototype will be studied to further refine the model but also to assess its microbial composition, assess food safety, its flavour profile via metabolomics and sensory analysis and scalability potential.  Responsibilities and qualificationsAs a PhD candidate, you will take a leading role in driving the scientific progress of the project. You will be responsible for planning, designing, and executing experiments, coordinating activities with collaborators within the group as well as external partners, and ensuring the timely progression of the research. Your responsibilities will include: Deep scientific understanding of the field and all relevant literature Playful experimentation with culinary product development Designing and execution of experiments on characterizing the ferments metagenomics, metabolomics, sensory analysis Bioinformatic analysis, data integration and statistical analysis Visualizing results and communicating findings to diverse scientific audiences Publishing research findings in international journals Presenting your work at international conferences and scientific meetings Collaborating closely with researchers across disciplines and contributing to an open, collaborative research culture We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious candidate who thrives in a dynamic research environment and is excited by the opportunity to work transdisciplinary at the intersection of ethnography, gastronomic craft and microbiology. The ideal candidate has: Experience in microbiology Experience in microbial food innovation Some experience in food fermentation and product development Some experience in generating and analysing metagenomic and metabolomic data A strong interest in sustainable food systems, food fermentation and microbial ecology In addition, you: Demonstrate a high level of motivation, curiosity, and scientific integrity Are able to work independently and take ownership of your research Take a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and solving problems Learn quickly and adapt effectively to new methods and challenges Have strong communication skills, including scientific writing and oral presentations in English Enjoy working in collaborative and interdisciplinary teams Be comfortable in an interdisciplinary environment, where different types of knowledge co-exist Are open to and interested in different cultures Are organized, structured, and committed to maintaining high-quality documentation and reproducible research practices Be patient, charitable, curious and playful – key qualities for interdisciplinary work  You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree. Approval and Enrolment The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU’s rules for the PhD education.  We offerDTU 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 appointment terms 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. The period of employment is 3 years.  The preferred start date is 01.01.2027. You can read more about career paths at DTU here. Further information Further information please contact group leader and senior researcher Leonie Johanna Jahn at lejj@dtu.dk  You can read more about BRIGHT below, and 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. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.  Application procedure Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 27 August 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: A letter motivating the application (cover letter) Curriculum vitae  Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale One letter of reference, with referee’s email and phone number You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, color, religion, neurodiversity, national origin 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. The Fermentation Cultures groupThe Fermentation Cultures group investigates fermented foods as complex

Are you wondering why life looks as is does and what the fundamental drivers of evolution are? Are you fascinated by the magical world of filamentous fungi? Do you enjoy fermented foods and would like to contribute to more sustainable food systems? Then this PhD might allow you to combine all of these interests into a single PhD in the Fermentation Cultures group where we are studying fermented foods as living biocultural systems at the intersection of microbial life and human culture by combining microbiology, mycology, ecology, evolution and genomics to investigate the origins and evolution of food microorganisms, their interactions within fermented food ecosystems, and the genetic and ecological drivers of flavour, texture, and functionality. By using fermented food communities as model systems, we address fundamental questions in ecology and evolution while developing novel starter cultures, fermentation processes, and food innovations that support the green transition and more sustainable, healthy, and resilient food systems. While evolutionary theory has long been built on the idea that genetic variation arises randomly and is then shaped by natural selection, emerging evidence suggests that mutation rates, spectra, and genomic instability may be influenced by the environment, potentially via epigenetic mechanisms. This project will test this concept directly by investigating whether epigenetic states can bias where, when, and how mutations arise in the genome in response to the environment. Using Aspergillus flavus and its domesticated relative Aspergillus oryzae as a powerful model system, you will combine targeted genetic engineering with adaptive laboratory evolution and integrated multi-omics to link epigenetic regulation, genome dynamics, and evolutionary outcomes at unprecedented resolution. A key part of the project will be the generation and analysis of selected knockout mutants to establish causal mechanistic links between epigenetic state and adaptive genetic change. Beyond advancing fundamental evolutionary theory, this work also explores the potential to guide the domestication of A. flavus into safe and functional starter cultures with novel properties for food fermentation applications. This is a highly interdisciplinary project in an ambitious and collaborative research environment at DTU BRIGHT with external research stays at the University of Macau and the Southern University of Science and Technology in China, where you will develop cutting-edge expertise across molecular mycology, evolution, and systems-level biology while contributing to both conceptual breakthroughs and applied innovation. Responsibilities and qualificationsAs a PhD candidate, you will take a leading role in driving the scientific progress of the project. You will be responsible for planning, designing, and executing experiments, coordinating activities with collaborators within the group as well as external partners, and ensuring the timely progression of the research. Your responsibilities will include: Designing and conducting experiments in fungal genetic engineering, adaptive laboratory evolution, and multi-omics analyses Generating, processing, and analyzing experimental data Visualizing results and communicating findings to diverse scientific audiences Publishing research findings in high-impact international journals Presenting your work at international conferences and scientific meetings Collaborating closely with researchers across disciplines and contributing to an open, collaborative research culture We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious candidate who thrives in a dynamic research environment and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to both fundamental biological discovery and applied innovation. The ideal candidate has: Hands-on experience in mycology (required) Experience with fungal genetic engineering (preferred) Experience generating genomic and transcriptomic data from fungi (preferred) Experience generating and analying metabolomics data (preferred) A strong interest in fungal biology, evolutionary theory, ecology and evolution, and food innovation In addition, you: Demonstrate a high level of motivation, curiosity, and scientific integrity Are able to work independently and take ownership of your research Take a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and solving problems Learn quickly and adapt effectively to new methods and challenges Have strong communication skills, including scientific writing and oral presentations in English Enjoy working in collaborative and interdisciplinary teams Are organized, structured, and committed to maintaining high-quality documentation and reproducible research practices Are curious and enthusiastic and playful  This position is particularly suited for candidates who aspire to become independent scientists and are eager to develop a broad and modern research toolkit spanning mycology, genetic engineering, adaptive laboratory evolution and multi-omics data generation. You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree. Approval and Enrolment The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU’s rules for the PhD education.  We offerDTU 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 appointment terms 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. The period of employment is 3 years.  The preferred start date is 01.11.2026. You can read more about career paths at DTU here. Further information Further information please contact group leader and senior researcher Leonie Johanna Jahn at lejj@dtu.dk  You can read more about BRIGHT below, and 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. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.  Application procedure Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 27 August 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: A letter motivating the application (cover

Shape the future of sustainable agriculture! Join DTU Bioengineering and the global Initiative for Biofertilizer Innovation and Science (IBIS) to develop next-generation microbial biofertilizers through cutting-edge high-throughput research and innovation in a world-class collaborative environment.  This two-year postdoctoral position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s largest open-science initiatives dedicated to advancing microbial biosolutions for sustainable agriculture. As part of an international consortium of leading research institutions, you will help develop the scientific knowledge, technologies, and research infrastructure needed to accelerate the discovery and deployment of next-generation microbial biofertilizers. IBIS is a five-year global open-science initiative supported by 210 million DKK (approximately 30 million USD) in combined funding from the Gates Foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Coordinated by DTU, the consortium brings together leading partners across Europe, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa to establish an open Biosolutions Development Pipeline spanning microbial discovery, characterization, fermentation, formulation, in planta performance, and field evaluation. The initiative aims to advance the fundamental understanding of effective microbial biofertilizers while developing the technologies, predictive models, and standardized research framework needed to accelerate their development and deployment. DTU leads the laboratory phase of the pipeline using advanced robotic workflows and high-throughput technologies, while partner institutions conduct field trials and upscaling across diverse agricultural environments in the Global North and South. By generating harmonized, large-scale datasets across the R&D pipeline, IBIS promotes reproducible, collaborative, and open research while enabling data-driven discovery and predictive BioAg development. About the roleAs part of the IBIS consortium, you will join the High-Throughput & Automation team and play a key role in developing robotics-assisted high-throughput microbial phenotyping assays that generate biologically meaningful, quantitative, and predictive data for screening and characterizing microbial biosolutions. Working at the interface of microbiology, automation, and data science, you will identify microbial traits associated with manufacturability, formulation robustness, fermentation performance, and field performance. These data will provide the foundation for predictive models and data-driven strain advancement across the IBIS Biosolutions Development Pipeline. A key aspect of the role is designing assays with the end application in mind, not only to measure microbial function, but also to generate robust, reproducible, and structured datasets that can be translated into scalable, robotics-assisted high-throughput workflows for predictive phenotyping and informed strain selection. Your responsibilities: Design, develop, validate, and optimize automated high-throughput microbial phenotyping assays for bacterial and fungal biofertilizer strains. Identify and quantify microbial functional traits that are predictive of strain performance. Optimize and translate phenotyping assays into robotics-assisted high-throughput workflows to generate standardized, traceable, and high-quality biological datasets. Generate, analyze, and interpret phenotypic data sets to identify informative features that support predictive models and data-driven strain selection. Evaluate and refine assay performance using statistical analysis and predictive model feedback to improve robustness, reproducibility, and throughput. Develop SOPs, validation criteria, and documentation to ensure reproducibility and long-term platform utility. Collaborate with microbiologists, fermentation scientists, automation specialists, and data scientists to integrate predictive phenotyping workflows into the IBIS Biosolutions Development Pipeline. Contribute to scientific publications, student supervision, teaching activities, and dissemination of research results. Your profile PhD in microbiology, biotechnology, microbial ecology, bioengineering, industrial microbiology, analytical chemistry, analytical sciences, or a related field. Experience developing, optimizing, and validating biological or microbial assays. Strong understanding of experimental design, controls, reproducibility, and assay validation. Experience with microbial strain phenotyping or functional screening. Understanding of microbial biology to develop biologically meaningful assays and interpret phenotypic data.  Experience analyzing biological datasets using quantitative and data-driven approaches to guide assay development and strain selection Good Python programming skills for data analysis and scripting, with the ability to learn and adapt laboratory automation workflows. You will thrive in this role if: You thrive in an interdisciplinary and international research environment, collaborating across microbiology, automation, and data science to solve complex biological challenges. You can work independently while contributing actively to collaborative research across an international consortium.  You are curious, proactive, and enjoy developing new technologies and continuously improving experimental workflows. Preferred qualifications Experience with automated high-throughput microbial screening or laboratory automation platforms (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton, Opentrons). Experience with large-scale biological datasets; familiarity with predictive modeling or machine learning is an advantage. As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).  We offerDTU 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 employmentThe appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. 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. Start date is September 1, 2026, or soonest thereafter. The position is a full-time position.  You can read more about career paths at DTU here. Further informationFor further information, please visit our website, ibis.dtu.dk, or contact Attn: Meilee Ling (meili@dtu.dk). You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.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 31 July 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) – max 1 page  CV – max 2 pages  Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)  List of publications – max 1 page  One publication (published in peer-review) – Your most relevant paper for IBIS  Upload the combined PDF file under the cover letter option in the DTU application system.  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