Job Description

Are you passionate about sustainability and reducing environmental impact through biomanufacturing? Then come join us in advancing technologies for developing robust microbial cell factories and scalable bioprocesses that convert CO₂-derived feedstocks into high-volume chemicals. This multi-year initiative consists of joint efforts between multiple groups covering the entire innovation pipeline, from metabolic tools and design, strain engineering, process design, fermentation, downstream processing, multi-omics, techno-economic validation, and business development. We aim to establish new industrial routes for essential chemicals in a low-carbon economy through interdisciplinary collaboration, aiming to create a real impact in establishing a circular economy.

If you are a genome editing specialist eager to push the boundaries of what automation and CRISPR technology can achieve at scale, this is your opportunity to do exactly that. At DTU, you will be at the forefront of high-throughput microbial engineering, building portable genome editing tools and libraries that will directly fuel both fundamental discoveries and real-world biotechnological applications — within a large, ambitious, and highly collaborative research programme.

Responsibilities and qualifications

You will play a key role in designing and developing high-throughput CRISPR-based genome editing workflows, with a focus on making them modular, organism-agnostic, and compatible with automated laboratory platforms. As the automation infrastructure will be co-developed throughout the project, you will have a unique opportunity to shape the tools themselves, not just use them. Specifically, you will:

• Design and optimize CRISPR/Cas genome editing strategies for systematic gene deletions, with an emphasis on transferability across multiple prokaryotic hosts
• Co-develop automated, high-throughput protocols for genome-wide library construction in close collaboration with the broader project team
• Build and curate high-throughput collections of deletion mutants for functional characterization and strain optimization campaigns, aiming at genome-wide KO mutants
• Help in analyzing mutant libraries using relevant phenotypic and omics-based approaches
• Contribute to the design and implementation of automation-compatible workflows using liquid-handling robotics and related platforms
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members and disseminate results through publications and presentations

The ideal candidate has:

• A PhD in microbiology, synthetic biology, biotechnology, or a related field
• Hands-on experience with CRISPR/Cas genome editing in (non-model) microbial systems
• Experience in multiple DNA delivery methods like electroporation or conjugation
• An interest in or experience with laboratory automation and high-throughput experimental design
• Strong analytical skills and, ideally, programming experience for data analysis and workflow scripting (e.g. Python)
• A collaborative mindset, creativity, and excellent communication skills in English

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 2 years.Starting date is January 1st 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Enrico Orsi (enricoo@dtu.dk).

You can read more about us 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 2 August 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
• Contact details of two reference persons

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.

BRIGHT – Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) is a flagship initiative hosted at DTU, one of the world's top 5 universities in biotechnology research and innovation. BRIGHT connects and amplifies biotechnology and bioproduction research, innovation, and education across the entire value chain — from bold ideas in the lab to real-world implementation in industry. Focused on three missions — sustainable materials, microbial foods, and microorganisms for net-zero agriculture — BRIGHT aims to accelerate the development of scalable biosolutions for Europe and beyond, guiding the way towards a more sustainable, circular, and competitive bioeconomy.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
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.