Postdoc in Protein engineering and expression - BRIGHT.

A 1½ year Postdoc position is available in the Sustainable Microbial Application group at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT), DTU, starting the 1st of September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

 We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Postdoc with a PhD and previous experience with protein engineering and expression. The research is part of a bigger project, Seabiocat (https://seabiocat.net/) funded through the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership. The overall goal of the project is the development of an enzymatic reaction cascade for the production of KDG from seaweed carbohydrates.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be optimizing the expression and improving the performance of selected enzymes currently limiting the overall enzymatic catalysis cascade. Your tasks will include:

• Increase protein expression of selected protein variants mainly/initially in E. coli BL21 (DE3)
• Engineer selected enzyme properties limiting the overall enzyme catalysis process using experimental and computational methods
• Protein expression, purification and characterization using biochemical assays
• Enzyme engineering based on structural information and enzymatic properties of protein libraries
• Presenting results on a regular basis.
• Report your results in peer-review scientific publications and international conferences
• Teach and supervise PhD, MSc and BSc students

Qualifications: PhD with experience within methods for protein engineering

We are looking for an ambitious Scientist that likes to create results via knowledge sharing and teamwork with due respect to professional and cultural differences. Additionally, you must be good at designing and setting up experiments and bring a strong motivation for working in a highly collaborative group. Additionally, your CV comprises:

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or equivalent
• Experience with molecular biology and protein engineering
• Highly motivated candidate, passionate about science and sustainability 
• Language: Fluent in English (written and verbal) is an advantage 
• Well-organized, independent and pro-active 
• Mature and calm under pressure

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 1½ years.  It is a full time position. The Position is located at Lyngby Campus.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Sheila I. Jensen, [email protected] 

You can read more about BRIGTH at https://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.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 24 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)
• 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.

About the Sustainable Microbial Application group 
In our group, we focus on enabling the development of sustainable microbial solutions, with an emphasis on possibilities for industrial applications. At present, the group’s two primary research focuses are: 1) Developing efficient molecular tools for a variety of known and unconventional bacteria, emphasizing broad-host range applications; 2) Employing these tools to develop efficient cell factories for the production of proteins and bulk-chemicals from sustainable resources. We are highly collaborative and sociable both inside the team and with outside partners.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) is a major initiative based at DTU that aims to accelerate the development of biosolutions and strengthen the bio-based economy. BRIGHT serves as a hub for academic and industrial partners working together to unlock the potential of bioproduction. BRIGHT focuses on three main areas: Sustainable materials (Developing bio-based alternatives to fossil-derived materials), Microbial foods (Innovating food production through microbial technologies), and Microorganisms for net-zero agriculture (Creating solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture). The goal is to develop and scale innovative biosolutions within these areas, ultimately creating sustainable and competitive alternatives to fossil-based products and processes that can make significant contributions to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

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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.