Postdoc in Yeast Synthetic Biology for Developing Next-Generation Anti-Fungal Vaccines - DTU Biosustain

We are seeking an ambitious postdoctoral researcher to join our pioneering research project at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (CfB), Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The position is at the forefront of yeast synthetic biology and immunology, aiming at engineering Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells to interact with human immune cells for developing next-generation anti-fungal vaccines.

Specifically, the aim is to express antigens and immuno-modulatory proteins on the yeast surface to construct whole-cell yeast immunogens. Combined with immunological assays, we aim to establish proof-of-concept yeast immunogens as a foundation for next-generation anti-fungal vaccine candidates.

You are expected to take a lead investigator role with support from senior team members. You will collaborate closely with immunology research groups and external stakeholders to align the yeast engineering with direct applications and emerging needs in immunological research.

This position offers a chance to push the frontiers of yeast synthetic biology toward translational immunology, while also contributing to the development of robust, scalable, and cost-effective vaccine platforms with broad future applications. If you care for applied technologies in human health, as well as sustainable and cost-effective solutions, and you are motivated by working in an interdisciplinary and international framework, then this project could be the right career opportunity for you. The position offers a 1-year contract funded under the Novo Nordisk Foundation Pioneer Innovator grant #0103456, and your active participation in acquiring continuation funding is expected.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Within this interdisciplinary project, the successful candidate hired at DTU will be key responsible for leading the following efforts:

• Design, build, and characterize engineered yeast strains and synthetic biology systems (e.g., DNA design, cloning, PCR, plasmid building, genetic engineering, mutagenesis, sequencing, cell cultivation).
• Plan, perform, and analyse yeast and immunological experiments independently, driving the project forward (e.g., cellular assays, immunoassays, flow cytometry, cell sorting, microscopy).
• Act as proactive lead investigator, shaping the research direction and ensuring project milestones are met.
• Establish and maintain collaborations with internal and external stakeholders and research groups (e.g., immunologists).
• Actively support further funding through grant proposals and contribute to commercialization efforts.
• Publish high-impact scientific papers and deliver presentations at conferences and meetings.
• Maintain high scientific rigor while fostering innovation and translational impact. 

Required Qualifications

• PhD in yeast synthetic biology, biotechnology, molecular biology, immunology or related fields. 
• Preferably strong interest and foundation in immunology, immune cell assays, or translational research.
• Preferably experience with computer-guided protein engineering.
• Experience in human cell cultivation, immunoassays, and general immunology lab expertise is beneficial.
• Keen on generating high-quality data.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills in interdisciplinary and international teams.
• High level of motivation and ambition to lead interdisciplinary research and advancing translational impact in synthetic biology, immunology, and biotechnology.
• A strong scientific track record with international publications in yeast synthetic biology or immunology. 

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. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

The period of employment is 1 year.

Further information 
You may contact Group Leader Emil Damgaard Jensen, emdaje@biosustain.dtu.dk

You can read more about DTU Biosustain at www.biosustain.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 14 October 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 
• List of patents (if any)

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.