Postdoc in Microbial Biotechnology DTU Food

At DTU National Food Institute we are offering a 18 months postdoc position on the project NextOrganic the focus is on enriching organic feed with selected essential amino acids e.g. lysine using fermentation technology. For this purpose microorganisms that efficiently secrete amino acids will be developed. The vision is that microorganisms in the future can be used to upgrade animal feed to contain suitable amounts of essential amino acids to fulfil the needs of the particular animal (pigs or poultry).

Does this sound interesting and do you have the right profile then dont hesitate to apply.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Tasks and responsibility include

• Optimization of safe microorganisms to produce selected essential amino acids
• Genetic and physiological characterization of the optimized microorganisms.

Qualifications

• As responsibility is to optimize selected food grade microorganisms extensive experience with microbiology and metabolic engineering is required
• Experience with genetic engineering is an advantage
• Since a major activity in the project is fermentation the successful candidate should have experience with this also using bioreactors.

We are looking for a team player with the motivation and drive needed for making a difference that matters. As you will join an international teamgood command of written and spoken English is necessary.

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 18 months.

Starting date is 1 June 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained fromAssociate Professor Christian Solem on

You can read more about the DTU National Food Institute atDTU National Food Institute

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 1 January 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)
• 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.

DTU National Food Institute
DTU National Food Institute conducts research into and disseminates - through advice innovation and teaching - sustainable and value-creating solutions in the area of food and health for the benefit of society. The vision is to make a difference by generating future prosperity through research into food and health. The institute works to prevent disease and promote health develop new and better food products for a growing population and create sustainable technological solutions including biosolutions. The institutes tasks are carried out in interdisciplinary collaboration within e.g. nutrition chemistry toxicology microbiology epidemiology modelling and technology. This is achieved through a strong academic environment of international top class with correspondingly skilled researchers and employees. The Institute employs approximately 375 staff members.

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.