Postdoc in fungal fermentation - DTU Biosustain

The project is part of a larger effort between the start-up MATR Foods, who produces plant-based meat alternatives based on fungal fermentation, Copenhagen University and DTU Biosustain.
The project is part of a larger effort between the start-up MATR Foods, who produces plant-based meat alternatives based on fungal fermentation, Copenhagen University and DTU Biosustain. We will systematically investigate and screen fermentation parameters and built models for targeted innovation with fungi for the creation of new products such as chicken alternatives. You will be working in a vibrant and excellent research environment in a team of enthusiastic scientists working on related projects under the umbrella of Microbial Foods and in a collaborative and stimulating research environment.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be to perform systematic tests of fungal fermentations and build models to explain variability in the fungal growth. It will be expected that you also work closely with KU Food to determine flavour profiles of the ferments as well as MATR Foods. In addition, you will get the opportunity to supervise students and work with them on different aspects of your project.

Specifically, we are looking for applicants with the following skill set:

• Expertise in fungal fermentation
• Proficiency in LC and GC MS data analysis
• Experience with bacteria-fungi interplay in fermentation processes
• Strong industry-academia collaboration skills
• Advanced coding and data analysis capabilities: python and R
• Skilled in texture analysis, protease, and amylase assays
• Excellent experimental design and method development skills
• Collaboration skills with university and industry partners
• Experience supervising students

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. Starting date will be the 01.07.2025

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from lejj@biosustain.dtu.dk

You can read more about the Department here: DTU-Biosustain

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 9 April 2025 (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 Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain)
Recent progress in our ability to read and write genomic code, combined with advances in automation, analytics and data science, has fundamentally changed the scope and ambition of harnessing the potential of biological systems. Big data approaches and analysis of biological systems are key research instruments at the Center. DTU Biosustain utilizes these advances for microbial cell factory design to foster sustainable lifestyles in relation to three application areas: Sustainable Chemicals, Natural Products, and Microbial Foods.

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.

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