2 Postdoc positions in Advancing Sustainable Yeast-Based Protein Manufacturing - DTU Bioengineering

Are you passionate about sustainability and reducing environmental impact in biomanufacturing? Global biomanufacturing is expanding rapidly, but current processes rely heavily on sugar-based feedstocks, which require farmland and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, yeast-based protein production generates heat, demanding significant cooling to maintain productivity.

Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge research that enables greener production of proteins and peptides by developing tomorrow’s super producers? Two post doc position are available, in the area of sustainable recombinant protein manufacturing using the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Postdoc position 1) or Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris) (Postdoc position 2) as host organisms.  You will be part of an exciting academic/industrial collaboration between Professor Uffe Hasbro Mortensen at DTU Bioengineering and the Microbial Expression Engineering Department at Novo Nordisk aiming at expanding the carbon source repertoire and stress tolerance of these the industrially important production yeasts. The candidates will perform their work at department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, DTU, and at the Microbial Expression Engineering Department at Novo Nordisk, Måløv.

Responsibilities and qualifications
 As a postdoc, your primary skills will be:

• Design and execute experiments to identify key genetic factors for thermotolerance and alternative carbon utilization, including literature analysis, genetic crosses, and mutant library screening.
• Apply findings to engineer yeast strains with improved traits.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across academia and industry.
• Publish results in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.
• Prepare technical reports and project deliverables with high standards of accuracy and clarity.
• Teach and supervise BSc and MSc student projects, and be co-supervisor for PhD students

We are looking for candidates with:

• Skills in molecular biology, synthetic biology, yeast genetics, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of heterologous protein expression and optimization.
• Experience with high-throughput screening and genetic-engineering technology is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Proficiency in English for documentation and communication in a multinational environment

In addition we expect the candidates to have hands-on experience with microbial cultivation and strain engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Postdoc position 1) or of non-conventional yeasts, preferentially Komagataella phaffii (Postdoc position 2).

The positions offer a chance to make a tangible impact on sustainable biomanufacturing while working at the intersection of fundamental research and industrial application working alongside world-class experts in molecular biology, synthetic biology, and industrial biotechnology.  It is an opportunity to acquire genetic engineering and strains developing skills from using the unique technologies and high throughput platforms available at the host laboratories. We expect the candidates to produce insights, which we will be able to publish in the high impact journals in the field as they will enable future construction of new more environmental friendly yeast based cell factories. Hence, the candidates will be in a superior position to further pursue a career in academic- or industrial biotechnology after completion of the project.

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 2 years with 1 May 2026 , or as soon as possible, as starting date.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from: Professor Uffe Mortensen, E-Mail: um@bio.dtu.dk 

You can read more about Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine at https://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk 

Sr. Principal Scientist Inga Sig Nielsen Nørby, E-Mail: isnn@novonordisk.com - Novo Nordisk Center for Expression Engineering, R&D, Måløv.  

You can learn more about Novo Nordisk at www.novonordisk.com 

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 13 March 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 references in your CV – or One or more letters of recommendation

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 Bioengineering is an important contributor to the areas of biotechnology, food technology, and human and animal health, through the advances we make in research, technology and innovation, and through the training and education of first-class BScs, MScs and PhDs in bioengineering.

At Novo Nordisk, we harness bold science and advanced technologies to shape the future of health for people with serious chronic diseases. From cutting-edge research and rigorous clinical testing to global manufacturing, we transform ideas into innovative biological medicines and solutions.  

The Department of Microbial Expression Engineering aims to accelerate the production of protein and peptide variants and to design best-in-class expression systems using advanced microbial platforms.

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 UN’s 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 13,500 students and 6,000 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.