Postdoc in Yeast-based Cell-Free Protein Synthesis DTU Biosustain

Are you interested in a postdoc position working on establishing and optimizing reliable methods for producing yeast-based cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) extracts in collaboration with world class experts

You will play a key role in a collaboration between Professor Alex Tofgaard Nielsen at DTU Biosustain and the Microbial Expression Engineering Department at Novo Nordisk.

Once established the yeast CFPS system will allow a more scalable production of proteins and peptides i.e. 1-100 liters compared to few mL scale of current CFPS systems. Furthermore it will be applied to study and optimize fundamental aspects of the yeast translation and transcription machinery.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As a postdoc you will contribute to increasing our knowledge and molecular tools for production of proteins and peptides using project aims to establish a robust and efficient production process for yeast based CFPS extracts through a collaborative effort that combines top-tier expertise in CFPS systems and NN world class proficiency in yeast engineering and cultivation.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Design and conduct experiments tooptimize the production of yeast based CFPS extracts. This involves enhancing expression yield (i.e. 1 10 mL) as well as scaling up the production of such extracts to volumes that would allow for larger deliveries of compound variants for Novo Nordisk projects (i.e. 1 100 L).
• Apply yeast based CFPS extracts to deliver proteins for Structure-Activity Relationship studies high throughput research to optimize in vivo recombinant expression in yeast and high throughput screening of processing enzymes with improved properties.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of researchers and industry partners
• Publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals and hold presentations at conferences
• Prepare technical reports presentations as well as project deliverables ensuring high standards of accuracy and presentation.

We are looking for a candidatewith a background in molecular biology synthetic biology yeast genetics or related fields ideally combined with:.

• In-depth knowledge of heterologous protein expression and optimization
• Hands-on experience with microbial cultivation e.g. Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Komagataella phaffii
• Excellent communication skills and an openness to interdisciplinary teamwork

Solid English capabilities are required for writing documentation and for communication with colleagues in a multinational setting

As a formal qualification you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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 terms of employment
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 two years.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained fromAlex Toftgaard Nielsen ()

You can read more aboutDTU Biosustainat

If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU atDTU Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 22 October 2025 (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)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD in English)
• List of publications

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.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain)
Recent progress in our ability to read and write genomic code combined with advances in automation analytics and data science has fundamentally changed the scope and ambition of harnessing the potential of biological systems. Big data approaches and analysis of biological systems are key research instruments at the Center. DTU Biosustain utilizes these advances for microbial cell factory design to foster sustainable lifestyles in relation to three application areas: Sustainable Chemicals Natural Products and Microbial Foods.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UNs 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13500 students and 6000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive evolving and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.