Postdoc position for metabolic engineering in yeast Full-time NEW

Postdoc Position For Metabolic Engineering In Yeast

Applications are invited for a three-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). The intended starting date is 01st September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

In the Andersen lab for Biomolecular Design, 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 and have recently developed RNA origami robots that can sense, compute and actuate, which opens new possibilities for controlling cellular function. In the recently funded RIBOTICS 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.

The RIBOTICS project involves a team of three postdocs and three PhD students, who will work on design, characterization, and experimental verification of several RNA systems that can regulate gene expression, control enzyme proximity, sense product yields, and do molecular computations for feedback control. The postdoc will work in close collaboration with the RIBOTICS team and will be part of a vibrant research environment at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center.

Your qualifications:

• 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.

Desirable qualifications:

• 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.

The Andersen lab for Biomolecular Design has long-standing expertise in designing DNA, RNA and proteins to create nanoscale devices for applications in biotechnology and medicine. The lab is located at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center which combines expertise from the disciplines including physics, chemistry, molecular biology and medicine to carry out world class interdisciplinary research in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The center gives access to a broad range of infrastructure, tools and expertise. The lab is part of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Aarhus University, which is a vibrant, collaborative, and international research community that includes 142 full-time scientific staff and 85 PhD students. The department is committed to fostering an inspiring and inclusive work environment. Aarhus University offers a wide range of services to support international researchers and their families, including relocation assistance and career counselling for accompanying partners. English is the primary language used for internal communication and teaching, and international candidates are not required to learn Danish.

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.

The place of work is Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments. As of 1 August 2026, iNANO's educational and research activities will be transferred to the faculty's departments. Consequently, your employment will as of that date be with a department.

For further information, please contact: Professor Ebbe Sloth Andersen, +45 4117 8619, esa@inano.au.dk.