Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
Institute:
Aarhus University
Country:
Denmark
Research Field:
Molecular Biology
Posted Date:
Apr 11, 2026
Deadline:
Jun 01, 2026
Offer Period:
3 Years
Offer Start Date:
Sep 01, 2026
Postdoc positions for metabolic engineering in yeast
Project Description:
- Applications are invited for a 3-year postdoc position in the field of RNA synthetic biology at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark. The position is part of the project RIBOTICS (RNA Origami Technology in Cell Systems) funded by an Advanced Grant from the European Research Council (ERC).
- In the Andersen lab for Biomolecular Design (andersen-lab.dk) we are experts in designing DNA, RNA and proteins to create nanoscale devices for applications in biotechnology and medicine. The lab invented the RNA origami method that allows rational design of RNA scaffolds and devices for expression in cells [1] and have recently developed RNA origami robots that can sense, compute and actuate [2], which opens new possibilities for controlling cellular function.
- In the recently funded RIBOTICS (RNA Origami Technology in Cell Systems) project, the lab aims to develop RNA origami robots for cell factories (yeast production strains) for improved synthesis of valuable proteins and biochemicals. This Postdoc project aims to develop RNA origami robots that can control RNA functional motifs in gene expression and demonstrate applications in metabolic engineering in yeast.
The project includes the following tasks:
- Develop RNA origami devices to control functional motifs in mRNAs and regulatory RNAs.
- Characterization of RNA devices by structural biology methods such as cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and tomography (cryo-ET).
- Testing and screening of RNA devices by functional assays in vitro and in vivo using methods such as fluorescence microscopy and microfluidic sorting systems.
- Apply these RNA devices to control gene expression of metabolic pathways and determine improvements in biochemical flux and pathway regulation.
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- Applicants must hold a PhD in Molecular Biology or similar.
- Experience with cloning techniques and gene expression and analysis in bacteria and/or yeast.
- Have strong cooperation and communication skills.
- Have good command of the English language, both spoken and written.
- Be independent and capable of assisting younger students in their research projects.
Preferred Qualification:
- Experience with biomolecular design methods including production and verification.
- Experience with relevant structural biology techniques such as cryo-EM or cryo-ET.
- Experience with relevant screening methods such as fluorescence spectroscopy and microfluidic sorting systems.
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- The position is for 3 years.
Benefits:
- The department offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment with many industrial, national and international collaborators. The city of Aarhus is the second largest in Denmark located on the eastern coast of the peninsula of Jutland. Aarhus offers a rich cultural life with its many international students and cultural events. It is easily accessible from major European cities either by train or plane. Furthermore, the workplace offers:
- a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment including world-class cryo-EM and FACS core facilities.
- a research climate encouraging lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research
- a work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities
- a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.
- a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment including world-class cryo-EM and FACS core facilities.
- a research climate encouraging lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research
- a work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities
- a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.
Application Process:
Documents Required:
Letter of reference
- If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline. Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.
- The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any).
How to apply:
- Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated.
- All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation.
- The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self.
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity. Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here. Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here. At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development. The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s re
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a postdoctoral position?
Postdoctoral positions are open to candidates who have completed a PhD or will complete their doctoral degree before the start date. Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the funding scheme and host institution.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most postdoctoral positions are open to international applicants. Visa sponsorship and work permit support are usually provided by the host institution, subject to local regulations.
Is prior postdoctoral experience required?
In most cases, prior postdoctoral experience is not mandatory. However, candidates with relevant research experience beyond the PhD may be preferred for certain positions.
What is the typical duration of a postdoctoral contract?
Postdoctoral contracts typically range from six months to three years, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance.
Are teaching responsibilities included?
Teaching responsibilities vary by institution and position. Some postdoctoral roles are research-only, while others may include limited teaching or supervision duties.
Can I apply for multiple postdoctoral positions?
Yes. Candidates are encouraged to apply for multiple suitable postdoctoral positions to increase their chances of selection.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.