Postdoc position within the engineering and production of catalytic bacterial amyloids in bacterial biofilm Full-time

Postdoc Position Within The Engineering And Production Of Catalytic Bacterial Amyloids In Bacterial Biofilm

We are seeking applicants for a 39-month postdoctoral position in Daniel Otzen's research group at iNANO, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Aarhus University.

Job description: We invite applicants for a postdoctoral position in the Horizon Europe Pathfinder project CATAMPLAS, where you will help pioneer next-generation catalytic biomaterials based on engineered bacterial functional amyloids. Working at the interface of microbiology, protein science, and biotechnology, you will investigate how bacterial biofilm proteins can be overexpressed and engineered into sustainable catalytic materials for plastic degradation. The position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate within an interdisciplinary European consortium comprising leading expertise in microbial engineering, protein engineering, enzymology, structural and biophysical characterization, biomaterials, industrial biotechnology, and technology validation.

Your profile: Applicants must hold a PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, or a related discipline. We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a strong publication record and documented experience relevant to microbial protein engineering. The successful candidate should have:

• Hands-on experience with bacterial genetics, molecular cloning, recombinant protein expression, and microbial cultivation.
• Expertise in bacterial biofilms, functional amyloids, or extracellular protein assemblies.
• Experience with protein purification and biochemical characterization.
• Excellent written and spoken English and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment.

The following qualifications will be considered an advantage:

• Experience with protein biophysics (e.g., spectroscopy or protein assembly characterization) and/or enzymology.
• Experience with synthetic biology, protein engineering, or microbial cell factories.
• Strong collaborative skills, scientific curiosity, independence, and the ability to drive research while contributing to a multidisciplinary European consortium.

We offer an exciting and friendly interdisciplinary research environment with extensive national, international, and industrial collaborations through the Horizon Europe Pathfinder project CATAMPLAS with leading European experts in protein engineering, enzymology, microbial synthetic biology, biomaterials, polymer science, and technology translation. A research climate that encourages curiosity, scientific independence, and lively, open, and critical discussions where early-career researchers are encouraged to develop their own scientific ideas. A workplace characterized by professionalism, equality, diversity, a healthy work–life balance, close working relationships, networking opportunities, and mentoring.

Place of work and area of employment: The place of work is Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark, and the area of employment is Aarhus University.

Contact information: For further information, please contact: Professor Daniel Otzen, dao@inano.au.dk

Deadline: Applications must be received no later than 7 September 2026.

Application procedure: 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.