Postdoc in Yeast Synthetic Biology and Fungal Receptor Signalling - DTU Bioengineering

We are seeking an ambitious postdoctoral researcher to join our pioneering research project at DTU Bioengineering, section for Synthetic Biology. The position is at the forefront of yeast synthetic biology and receptor signalling, aiming at engineering Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells to express fungal receptors for investigating naturally occurring interacting ligands that govern fungal behaviour. This position offers a chance to push the frontiers of yeast synthetic biology toward understanding the mechanisms that drive virulence in plant-infecting fungi. You are expected to take a lead investigator role with support from senior team members. You will collaborate closely with national and international research groups to align the yeast engineering with direct applications and emerging needs in phytopathogenic fungal biology research.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Within this project, the successful candidate will be responsible for leading the following efforts:

- Build and characterize engineered yeast strains and synthetic biology systems (e.g., DNA design, cloning, PCR, plasmid building, genetic engineering, mutagenesis, sequencing, cell cultivation).

- Engage with project collaborators and lead collaborative activities.

- Ensuring that project milestones are met.

- Publish high-quality scientific papers and deliver presentations at international conferences and meetings.

- Contribute to student supervision and teaching.

- Maintain high scientific rigor while fostering innovation and translational impact.

Required Qualifications

- A PhD degree in yeast synthetic biology, fungal biology, molecular microbiology, biotechnology, or a closely related field.

- Demonstrated experience with engineering and cultivating yeast and filamentous fungi.

- Experience with flow cytometry and quantitative analysis of flow cytometry data

- Experience with next-generation sequencing data analysis or a strong ability to work with sequencing datasets and relevant bioinformatics workflows.

- Experience with HPLC or related chromatographic methods for analysis or fractionation.

- Being quality minded.

- Excellent communication and collaboration skills across disciplines.

- High motivation to lead ambitious research at the interface of fundamental discovery and translational biotechnology.

- A strong scientific track record with international publications in yeast synthetic biology and fungal GPCR biology.

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. 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 3 years with starting date 1 January 2027.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Dr. Emil D. Jensen.

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 12 October 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

- List of patents

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 Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the fields of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and in healthcare systems that are transforming towards personalized medicine.

We have a clear focus on the needs of the life sciences and biotech industries and contribute to innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research institutions and industry partners.

DTU Bioengineering has approximately 400 employees, of whom two-thirds are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU's Lyngby Campus.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's 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 Europe's 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 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 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.