Postdoc in Microbial Biotechnology - DTU Food

At DTU National Food Institute, we are offering a 1-year postdoc position on the project SayCheese. 

In SayCheese the focus is on testing solutions for speeding up the cheese ripening process. Does this sound interesting and do you have the right profile, then don’t hesitate to apply

Responsibilities and qualifications
Tasks include 

• Optimizing lactic acid bacteria to make them perform better
• Carrying out laboratory cheese trials and assessing ripening by quantifying relevant compounds. The best solutions will be tested at a Danish dairy in large scale 
• To be responsible for optimizing selected food grade microorganisms. 

To carry out the tasks, the ideal candidate has following qualifications:

• Extensive experience with microbiology is required 
• Experience with metabolic engineering is required as proof-of-concept studies with recombinant microorganisms may be needed
• Since a major activity in the project is fermentation, the successful candidate should have experience with this, also using bioreactors
• Practical experience with HPLC is needed for quantifying various cheese relevant compounds. 

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in relevant field. 

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.

Starting date is 1 September 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

The period of employment is 1 year.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor, Christian Solem on chso@food.dtu.dk.

You can read more about DTU National Food Institute at www.food.dtu.dk/english. 

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 28 May 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.

DTU National Food Institute
DTU National Food Institute conducts research into and disseminates - through advice, innovation and teaching - sustainable and value-creating solutions in the area of food and health for the benefit of society. The vision is to make a difference by generating future prosperity through research into food and health. The institute works to prevent disease and promote health, develop new and better food products for a growing population and create sustainable technological solutions, including biosolutions. The institute’s tasks are carried out in interdisciplinary collaboration within e.g. nutrition, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, epidemiology, modelling, and technology. This is achieved through a strong academic environment of international top class with correspondingly skilled researchers and employees. The Institute employs approximately 380 staff members.

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.