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

If you are curious about the fundamental physiology of microbial metabolism and excited by the prospect of pushing microorganisms to their biochemical limits this is your opportunity. At DTU you will investigate how microbial cells can be empowered to assimilate acetate more efficiently by supplying external reducing power contributing to a deeper understanding of microbial physiology while helping unlock the potential of Power-to-X feedstocks for sustainable bioproduction.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Acetate is a promising CO₂-derived P2X feedstock but its assimilation is energetically costly for microbial this project you will investigate whether co-feeding reduced C1 compounds such as methanol can relieve 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. Specifically you will:

• Establish and characterize stable acetateC1 co-utilization phenotypes using adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) and/or targeted metabolic engineering
• Quantify carbon yields and biomass during co-utilization and validate stoichiometric predictions of carbon retention across different acetate assimilation pathways
• Map physiological trade-offs and substrate partitioning across acetate:C1 ratios using high-throughput cultivation systems 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 the regulatory and metabolic adaptations enabling efficient redox balancing between substrates of distinct reduction states
• Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences

You must have a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or ideal candidate has:

• A MSc in microbiology biochemistry microbial physiology or a 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

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 DTUs rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
Candidates will be assessed on the basis of their academic background in microbial physiology and metabolism their hands-on laboratory experience and their motivation for fundamental physiological research. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a formal interview with the principal supervisor and the co-supervisor.

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 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.

Starting date is January 1^st 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 () or co-supervisor Ruud Weusthuis () Wageningen University and Research.

You can read more about us at

If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation 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 than3 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

You may apply prior to obtaining your masters degree but 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 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 worlds 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 Europes 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 Europes 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 13800 students 1600 PhD students and 6500 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.