Research Assistant in the identification of ecological and genetic drivers of texture for food innovation – BRIGHT

About the opportunity

If you are an ambitious early-career scientist seeking to build a strong foundation at the interface of fungal biology, microscopy, and food innovation, this position offers a unique opportunity within a highly interdisciplinary and inspiring research environment. You will develop advanced expertise in food science, fungal biology, fungal genetics and transcriptomics, alongside state-of-the-art confocal microscopy and hands-on food prototyping. 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. The project focuses on uncovering fundamental biological principles that govern fungal morphology and texture formation to naturally texturise plant-based foods. This is a one-year research position, with the potential to be extended into a full PhD project, offering a clear pathway for continued academic development.

Salary and benefits

• Salary and terms of employment based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations
• Allowance agreed upon with the relevant union
• Potential to extend the 1-year position into a full PhD project
• Opportunity to work in an international environment focused on academic excellence, collegial respect, and academic freedom

Who can apply?

• Hold a master’s degree in engineering or an equivalent qualification
• Bring hands-on experience in mycology and working with fungal systems
• Have practical experience in food science with a focus on texture analysis (preferred)
• Possess some experience in genomic and/or transcriptomic data analysis
• Demonstrate some experience with confocal microscopy and advanced imaging techniques
• Show strong data analysis, visualization, and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of tasks, and act as a structured problem solver

Required documents

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc)
• One letter of reference, with referee's email and phone number

When to apply

• Application deadline is no later than 27 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time)

How to apply

• Open the online application link and fill out the application form
• Prepare all required application materials in English
• Combine all documents into one single PDF file
• Submit the complete application online before the deadline

Additional information

• Starting date is 1 January 2027 or based on mutual agreement.
• The position is based in the Fermentation Cultures group at the Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).
• For further information, contact group leader and senior researcher Leonie Johanna Jahn at lejj@dtu.dk.
• Open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates due to research involving critical technology subject to special rules for security and export control.