PhD Scholarship in Engineering Food-Safe Chassis Strains – Denmark

Location: Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
University: Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Position: PhD Student in Microbial Strain Engineering
Job ID: 8014
Employment: Full-time, 3 years
Start Date: 1 January 2027 or by mutual agreement
Application Deadline: 27 September 2026, 23:59 Danish time
Field: Microbiology, Food Science, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Mycology, Biotechnology
Programme: BRIGHT Mission 2 – Microbial Foods

PhD Scholarship at DTU in Microbial Strain Engineering

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is inviting applications for a PhD scholarship in engineering food-safe chassis strains in Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark. The position is part of BRIGHT Mission 2 and focuses on microbial strain engineering, fungal biotechnology, fermentation, food safety, and the development of safer microbial food production systems.

This PhD opportunity is designed for researchers interested in engineering fungal cells to serve as the foundation for a new generation of sustainable foods. The project combines genetic engineering with fermentation science to investigate how food-grade microbial chassis can be made safer while retaining the characteristics needed for food production. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of microbial genetics, food safety, fermentation, analytical chemistry, and regulatory science. The research will contribute to the development of engineered microbial strains and fermentation processes that can support future food prototypes.

About BRIGHT Mission 2: Microbial Foods

This PhD project is part of BRIGHT Mission 2: Microbial Foods, an interdisciplinary research programme focused on building an AI-powered framework for the rational design of microbial foods. The programme aims to develop microbial foods that meet four major targets: consumer acceptance, health, sustainability, and scalability. The first phase focuses on the fungal chassis Aspergillus and Yarrowia, with more than 500 prototypes being characterized through multi-omics, sensory analysis, life-cycle assessment, and safety testing.

The wider programme covers strain engineering, adaptive laboratory evolution, solid- and liquid-state fermentation, sensory and consumer research, and pre-clinical and clinical evaluation of safety, bioavailability, and cardiometabolic health. Predictive models for flavor, texture, nutrition, and process scale-up will also be developed through active learning.

PhD Research Project in Food-Safe Chassis Engineering

As a PhD Student in Microbial Strain Engineering, you will work with regulatory and food safety experts and collaborate closely with strain engineering researchers across BRIGHT and DTU. A central part of the project will be the engineering of filamentous fungi to attenuate biosynthetic gene clusters associated with toxin production. You will also investigate how fermentation conditions can influence the formation of secondary metabolites.

The goal is to identify combinations of genetic and process modifications that can reproducibly reduce food safety risks. The resulting engineered chassis and process variants will support the development of future microbial food prototypes. This research provides an opportunity to contribute to a multidisciplinary project where genetic engineering, fermentation technology, food safety, analytical chemistry, and AI-supported research come together.

Main Responsibilities

As part of the PhD project, your responsibilities will include:

• Designing and executing genetic edits in filamentous fungi, particularly Aspergillus.
• Engineering strains to attenuate biosynthetic gene clusters associated with mycotoxin production.
• Characterizing engineered strains using phenotypic and analytical approaches.
• Working closely with safety and analytical chemistry research teams.
• Investigating how fermentation conditions affect secondary-metabolite formation.
• Identifying combinations of genetic and process modifications that can reduce safety risks.
• Contributing to the development of toxin-attenuated strain variants for downstream food prototype development.
• Collaborating with researchers across BRIGHT and DTU.
• Exploring the use of AI in microbial strain engineering and research development.

The project combines laboratory-based research with interdisciplinary collaboration and provides a platform for developing expertise in microbial biotechnology and food safety.

Eligibility and Academic Requirements

Applicants should have a two-year Master’s degree equivalent to 120 ECTS credits in microbiology, food science, molecular biology, synthetic biology, mycology, or a related discipline. Candidates with another relevant qualification may also be considered if their academic background is equivalent to a two-year Master’s degree.

Applicants should have excellent organizational and project management skills and an interest in developing new research methods. Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Candidates should also have literacy in common IT systems.

Preferred Skills and Research Experience

Experience with CRISPR-based editing tools and/or homologous recombination strategies in microorganisms would be an advantage. Candidates with knowledge of secondary-metabolite biosynthesis and biosynthetic gene cluster analysis are also encouraged to apply. Some experience with fermentation or bioprocess development would be useful.

The position requires researchers who can work independently while contributing effectively to a large collaborative team. Because the project spans genetics, chemistry, fermentation, food safety, and regulatory science, applicants should be comfortable working across disciplines. DTU is particularly interested in candidates who are patient, meticulous, curious, and collaborative. A strong interest in using AI for research and the development of microbial food systems is also desirable.

PhD Approval and Enrolment

The PhD scholarship is subject to academic approval. The successful candidate will be enrolled in one of DTU’s general PhD degree programmes. Applicants should review DTU’s requirements for PhD enrolment and the general planning of the PhD study programme before applying.

Salary and Appointment Terms

The position is a full-time appointment for three years. The expected start date is 1 January 2027, or another date agreed upon by the university and successful candidate. The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The applicable allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

DTU offers an international and academically stimulating environment characterized by research excellence, collegial respect, academic freedom, and responsibility.

About the Technical University of Denmark

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading European technical university recognized for research, education, innovation, and scientific advice. Founded by Hans Christian Ørsted, DTU has a long-standing mission to develop scientific and technological solutions that benefit society. The university has approximately 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees.

DTU operates in an international research environment and collaborates with universities, research organizations, and industry partners around the world. For PhD researchers, this position provides an opportunity to contribute to research addressing food-system challenges while working within a major European technical university.

About BRIGHT

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) is a major initiative based at DTU that aims to accelerate biosolutions and strengthen the bio-based economy. BRIGHT brings together academic and industrial partners to develop innovative biotechnology solutions across several areas. These include sustainable materials, microbial foods, and microorganisms for net-zero agriculture.

The microbial food research programme aims to develop food production technologies that can combine sustainability, scalability, nutritional value, safety, and consumer acceptance. The present PhD project contributes to this goal by focusing on the safety of microbial chassis strains and the processes used to produce food prototypes.

International Applicants and Relocation to Denmark

International candidates are encouraged to apply. Applicants relocating to Denmark can access DTU resources covering practical information about working and living in Denmark. DTU also provides a monthly free seminar on PhD relocation to Denmark, which addresses practical questions about moving to Denmark and beginning doctoral studies at DTU.

Equal Opportunity and Security Requirements

DTU encourages applications from interested candidates regardless of age, gender, disability, race, religion, or ethnic background. Because DTU conducts research involving critical technologies, certain research activities may be subject to special security and export-control requirements. Open-source background checks may therefore be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

Key Details

DetailInformation
Position	PhD Student in Microbial Strain Engineering
Research Topic	Engineering food-safe microbial chassis strains
University	Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Programme	BRIGHT Mission 2 – Microbial Foods
Location	Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Job ID	8014
Job Category	PhD
Employment	Full-time, 3 years
Start Date	1 January 2027 or by mutual agreement
Degree Requirement	Two-year Master’s degree / 120 ECTS equivalent
Relevant Fields	Microbiology, Food Science, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Mycology
Research Areas	Strain Engineering, Fungal Biotechnology, Fermentation, Food Safety
Key Organisms	Aspergillus and Yarrowia
Language Requirement	English
Application Format	One PDF file
Application Deadline	27 September 2026, 23:59 Danish time
Assessment	Prof. Morten Sommer
Job Location	Søltofts Plads, Building 220, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark

How to Apply

The complete online application must be submitted no later than 27 September 2026 at 23:59 Danish time. All application materials must be submitted in English as one PDF file through the online application system.

The application should include:

1. A letter motivating your application or cover letter.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Grade transcripts.
4. BSc and MSc diploma in English.
5. Official description of the grading scale.
6. One letter of reference, including the referee’s email address and telephone number.

Applicants may apply before obtaining their Master’s degree. However, the degree must be completed before the successful candidate can begin the PhD position.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Application Deadline

27 September 2026 at 23:59 Danish time

Candidates should ensure that all required documents are included in the single PDF application before submission. Preparing the application well in advance is recommended.

Further Information

For additional information about the PhD position, applicants can contact: Prof. Morten Sommer
Email: msom@dtu.dk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this PhD scholarship about?

The PhD project focuses on engineering microbial chassis strains to improve food safety. The research will investigate genetic and fermentation-based approaches for reducing the formation of undesirable secondary metabolites in fungal food-production strains.

Where is the PhD position located?

The position is based at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.

What degree is required?

Applicants should have a two-year Master’s degree equivalent to 120 ECTS credits in microbiology, food science, molecular biology, synthetic biology, mycology, or a related discipline.

Is CRISPR experience required?

The position lists experience with CRISPR-based editing tools and/or homologous recombination strategies in microorganisms as desirable experience rather than an absolute requirement.

Which microorganisms are involved in the BRIGHT programme?

BRIGHT Mission 2 focuses initially on two fungal chassis, Aspergillus and Yarrowia.

What is the main food-safety focus of the project?

The research will focus on attenuating biosynthetic gene clusters associated with mycotoxin production and understanding how fermentation conditions influence secondary-metabolite formation.

Is fermentation experience useful?

Yes. Some exposure to fermentation or bioprocess development is listed among the desirable qualifications for the position.

Does the project involve AI?

Yes. The position specifically expresses a strong interest in using AI in research and is part of a BRIGHT programme that uses AI-powered approaches to support the rational design of microbial foods.

Can I apply before completing my Master’s degree?

Yes. Candidates may apply before obtaining their Master’s degree. However, the Master’s degree must be awarded before the successful candidate can begin the PhD position.

How long is the PhD appointment?

The appointment is three years full time.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 27 September 2026 at 23:59 Danish time.

What documents are required?

Applicants must submit a motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, BSc/MSc diploma and official grading-scale information, plus one reference letter containing the referee’s contact information. All documents must be submitted together as one PDF file.

Who can I contact about the position?

For additional information, contact Prof. Morten Sommer at msom@dtu.dk.