Research Assistant in Synthetic Biology - BRIGHT

Are you passionate about synthetic metabolism and novel chemistries in living cells? The Systems Environmental Microbiology (SEM) group at DTU BRIGHT seeks a Research Assistant for a 10-months goal-oriented project. The project is based on an industrial collaboration for identifying, prototyping and testing novel enzymes for unnatural chemistries. In this project, the successful candidate will focus on the identification, selection, engineering, and characterization of enzymes forming a multi-component in vitro cascade for targeted metabolite production. The project will give you the opportunity to acquire and deepen your laboratory skills for protein production and in vitro characterization with a strong focus on innovation and industrial application of novel enzymes. Furthermore, we will support you to lay the best possible foundation for an industrially oriented, academic career with excess to the state-of-the-art lab equipment at the forefront of science.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The successful candidate will establish and optimize microtiter plate–based enzymatic assays to quantify activity, selectivity, and stability of individual enzymes and assembled cascades under diverse conditions. A key aspect of the role is the implementation of high-throughput workflows, including integration of liquid handling systems and assay readouts into robust, automatable pipelines. The position also involves applying computational tools to guide enzyme selection and cascade design, as well as to interpret kinetic and screening data. The candidate will document methods and results in a reproducible manner and contribute to publications, protocols, and internal know-how. The candidate should have 

Key Selection Criteria:

• Strong programming and in silico analysis skills (e.g. Python or similar) for enzyme identification and characterization.
• Experience with lab automation, including operation of liquid handling robots and setup of high-throughput microtiter plate assays.
• Knowledge protein purification is a must.
• Hands-on expertise in designing, executing, and analyzing enzymatic assays with spectrophotometric or fluorescence-based readouts.
• Demonstrated experience in recombinant protein expression in microbial systems and routine purification methods (e.g. affinity chromatography).
• Familiarity with multi-enzyme cascades, synthetic biology, or biocatalysis projects and a structured, documentation-driven working style.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary research team.

As a formal qualification, you must have a master’s degree in engineering 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 Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 10 months. The starting date is the 1^st of July.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Pablo I. Nikel (pabnik@dtu.dk)

You can read more about DTU BRIGHT at www.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 30 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:

• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc)
• Cover letter

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 BRIGHT – The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition
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.

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.