Postdoc in microbial production of self-assembling protein materials - BRIGHT

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to develop microbial production platforms for natural self-assembling protein materials. The project will combine molecular biology, recombinant protein production, purification, fermentation and protein assembly studies to identify protein scaffolds that can be produced efficiently and reproducibly at relevant scale.

The project will initially screen a diverse set of natural self-assembling proteins in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Promising candidates will be selected for more detailed studies of production, purification, assembly and higher-order structure formation, followed by optimisation and fermentation-scale production of selected lead materials. The work will be highly experimental, with opportunities to draw on complementary expertise and research infrastructure across DTU for areas such as materials characterisation and downstream testing.

This position is part of BRIGHT's mission-oriented Novel Biomanufacturing-Enabled Materials research programme, referred to as Mission 1A, which aims to create new classes of PFAS-free biomaterials through biotechnology. The mission's current focus are proteinaceous materials with defined composition, programmable chemistry and controlled assembly as sustainable alternatives to persistent fluorinated materials. The scientific scope spans AI-guided protein and peptide design, microbial engineering, non-canonical amino acid biosynthesis and incorporation, cell-free prototyping, fermentation, purification, materials processing, analytical quality control and structure-function characterization. The programme focuses on building an integrated pipeline from molecular design to scalable biomanufacturing and material testing, with explicit attention to manufacturability, cost, sustainability and industrial translation. Batteries provide the first proof-of-concept application, because PFAS-containing materials are currently used in several battery components and because this sector imposes strict requirements for stability, processability and performance. The broader ambition is to establish a versatile biomanufacturing platform for advanced PFAS-free materials with future relevance across energy technologies, coatings, electronics and other high-value applications.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your main responsibility will be to establish and optimise microbial production of selected self-assembling proteins and generate well-characterised material for assembly studies and downstream testing.

Your tasks will include:

• Design and construction of recombinant expression systems.
• Recombinant protein production in E. coli and, where relevant, B. subtilis.
• Development and optimisation of protein purification workflows.
• Microbial cultivation and fermentation, including optimisation of cultivation and production conditions.
• Evaluation and optimisation of protein assembly and preparation of material for structural and functional characterisation.
• Scale-up of production for selected lead protein materials.
• Analysis and interpretation of experimental data and contribution to publications and collaborative activities within Mission 1A.

We are looking for candidates with:

• A PhD in biotechnology, molecular biology, protein science or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience with molecular biology and genetic engineering, including design and construction of recombinant expression constructs.
• Documented experience with recombinant protein production in E. coli.
• Strong experience with protein purification and optimisation of expression and purification workflows.
• Experience with microbial cultivation and fermentation/bioreactor operation.
• The ability to independently plan, execute and troubleshoot experimental work.

Experience with one or more of the following will be considered an advantage:

• Protein expression or secretion in B. subtilis or other Gram-positive production hosts.
• Self-assembling, fibrillar or otherwise challenging recombinant proteins.
• Fermentation scale-up and process optimisation.
• Characterisation of protein self-assembly and higher-order structures using biophysical and/or imaging methods.
• Protein engineering to improve expression, solubility, stability or assembly of recombinant proteins.

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 3 years. The starting date is 1^st of March 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 Carsten Jers: cjer@dtu.dk 

You can read more about BRiGHT at https://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 3 January 2027 (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 

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.

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.