About the opportunity
This position is part of BRIGHT’s mission-oriented Microbial Food research programme (Mission 2), which aims to build an AI-powered framework for the rational design of microbial foods meeting targets in consumer acceptance, health, sustainability, and scalability. The successful candidate will work with regulatory and food safety experts and interact closely with strain engineering colleagues across BRIGHT and DTU to attenuate biosynthetic gene clusters implicated in toxin production and tune fermentation conditions. DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for excellence in research, education, innovation, and scientific advice, offering a rewarding job in an international environment.
Salary and benefits
- Three-year, full-time employment contract based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
- Salary and allowance agreed upon with the relevant union
- Participation in an international, interdisciplinary research environment with academic freedom and collegial respect
- Optional monthly free seminars on relocation to Denmark and moving support
Who can apply?
- A two-year Master's degree (120 ECTS points) in microbiology, food science, molecular biology, synthetic biology, mycology, or a related discipline (or equivalent academic level)
- Excellent organizational and project management skills with a strong interest in developing new methods
- Fluent in spoken and written English with literacy in common IT systems
- Experience with CRISPR-based editing tools and/or homologous recombination strategies in microorganisms
- Familiarity with secondary-metabolite biosynthesis and biosynthetic gene cluster analysis
- Exposure to fermentation and/or bioprocess development
- Strong desire to utilize AI in the development of research
Required documents
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma in English, including official descriptions of the grading scale
- One letter of reference containing the referee's email address and phone number
When to apply
- Application deadline is 27 September 2026 at 23:59 Danish time
- Start date is 01 January 2027 or according to mutual agreement
How to apply
- Open the online application link
- Fill out the online application form
- Compile all required application materials into one single PDF file in English
- Submit the application through the online portal before the deadline
Additional information
- Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree but cannot begin before receiving it.
- Open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates due to research in critical technology subject to security and export control rules.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Master's degree holders in microbiology, synthetic biology, or mycology with experience in CRISPR or fermentation.
- Researchers eager to integrate AI-driven frameworks into microbial strain engineering for food safety.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is on-site in Kgs. Lyngby, and applicants should verify the availability of relocation support beyond the optional seminars provided.
- The research involves critical technology, which may lead to background checks.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This PhD offers a chance to work on the cutting edge of food-safe microbial design. It is a great fit for those looking to build expertise in synthetic biology and regulatory science within a high-profile, mission-oriented research program.
Our take
Ideal for motivated students with a strong background in molecular biology who want to contribute to the future of sustainable, safe microbial foods.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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