Postdoc in rhizosphere chemical ecology and secondary metabolite networks - at Danmarks Tekniske Universitet

Copenhagen, Capital, Denmark -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

23 Sep, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

25 Jun, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Microbiology, Natural Product Chemistry, Metabolite Analysis, Microbial Ecology, Synthetic Microbial Communities, Molecular Microbiology, Chemical Ecology, High-content Imaging, Analytical Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Teaching, Supervision

Industry

Research Services

Description

You will investigate how soil microorganisms biotransform secondary metabolites and how these transformations influence microbial interactions and community assembly. Using simple synthetic microbial communities (SynComs), the project will explore the fate of microbial and plant-derived metabolites in soil and their role in mediating chemical communication between microorganisms. The work will combine microbiology, microbial ecology, and metabolite analysis to uncover fundamental mechanisms governing microbial interactions in soil ecosystems. You will be part of the research teams of Associate Professor Lars Behrendt and Professor Lars Jelsbak. The Behrendt group investigates how individual microorganisms and microbial communities respond to environmental changes, with a particular focus on microfluidic model systems. The Jelsbak group focuses on soil and rhizosphere microbial ecology, specifically the roles of microbial secondary metabolites and their potential applications in biocontrol. This position is part of the Center for Excellence in Microbial Secondary Metabolites (http://www.cemist.dtu.dk [http://www.cemist.dtu.dk/]), led by Professor Lone Gram, where you will join a world-leading team at the forefront of microbial secondary metabolite research. You will collaborate closely with microbiologists, natural product chemists, and bioinformaticians in a dynamic, creative, and stimulating environment. Our recently renovated laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art technology for high-content imaging, bacterial molecular research, and analytical chemistry. While the Postdoc project focuses on secondary metabolites in natural systems, the CeMiSt center also applies this fundamental research to the development of novel medicinal drugs. Responsibilities and qualifications We are seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated candidate with a background in microbiology or natural product chemistry, and a strong interest in bacterial interactions and secondary metabolites. The ideal candidate is passionate about exploring the microbial- and plant derived secondary metabolites and their role and fate in ecology of soil microbiomes, with a particular focus on how secondary metabolites facilitate microbial interactions. You should be excited by the opportunity to leverage novel tools and analytical methods to investigate the role, fate and function of microbial secondary metabolites. The role requires good organizational skills, a structured approach to work, and a collaborative spirit. You will enjoy engaging with a multidisciplinary team, including PhD students and postdocs, and contribute to a positive team environment. A good sense of humor is always appreciated! Preferred qualifications include experience in the following areas: * A PhD in microbiology, biotechnology, microbial ecology, or a closely related area. * A good publication record demonstrating research excellence in areas relevant to microbial and microbiome-based solutions, including microbial chemical ecology and molecular microbiology. * A strong background in studies of the function and/or fate of microbial secondary metabolites in microbial communities. * Experience in developing and applying experimental model systems such as synthetic communities to investigate complex microbial communities. * Expertise in studying microbial interactions, integrating chemical, molecular, and community-level approaches to link mechanisms with ecological outcomes. * Experience with interdisciplinary research and collaboration across scientific domains. * Experience with teaching and supervision at the university level, or clear potential to develop high-quality teaching skills. * Strong written and oral communication skills in English. Good English language skills are essential. The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant, including writing skills. 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 and 3 months. Starting date is the 1st of October 2026. You can read more about career paths at DTU here [http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths]. Further information Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Lars Behrendt (labeh@dtu.dk [labeh@dtu.dk]) and Professor Lars Jelsbak, DTU Bioengineering (lj@bio.dtu.dk [lj@bio.dtu.dk]) You can read more about DTU Bioengineering www.bioengineering.dtu.dk [http://www.bioengineering.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 [https://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/moving-to-denmark]. Application procedure Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 9 July 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 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. The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science industry and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus. The Center for Microbial Secondary Metabolites is a Center of Excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation. The Center started on the 1st of January 2018 and was recently extended running until 2028. The Center is based at the Technical University of Denmark and hosted by Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) and is led by Professor Lone Gram. Three DTU departments and 12 faculty participate in the Center, and 15 PhD students and postdocs are currently hired by CeMiSt. You can read more at www.cemist.dtu.dk [http://www.cemist.dtu.dk] 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.

Responsibilities

Investigate how soil microorganisms biotransform secondary metabolites and influence microbial interactions using synthetic microbial communities. Combine microbiology and metabolite analysis to uncover mechanisms governing soil ecosystem community assembly.