Postdoctoral researcher in microbial genomics applied to plant-based kefir production Full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher In Microbial Genomics Applied To Plant-Based Kefir Production

The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics at Aarhus University has an exciting position for a 22-month postdoctoral research in microbial genomics applied to kefir production, expected to start on November 1st, 2026. The postdoc will aid in domesticating bacterial and yeast strains to make new plant-based products. If you're interested in applying state-of-the-art genomics tools toward innovative solutions in Food Science, feel free to reach out to Guillaume Ramstein or Clarissa Schwab.

As part of the planfir project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, you will analyze the evolution of bacterial and yeast genomes during their fast-track domestication for plant-based kefir production (adaptive laboratory evolution). You will be involved in genome sequencing, metagenome analysis, and genome-wide association studies to characterize genomic evolution and connect it to desirable traits for plant-based food production. Your research will leverage exciting new techniques across computational fields in bioinformatics, statistics, and AI-based sequence analysis. Your activities will take place at the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics in Aarhus, Denmark, in close collaboration with the Biological and Chemical Engineering department at Aarhus University.

This is a 22-month position from November 1st, 2026, or as soon possible.

Applicants should hold a PhD in Bioinformatics, Microbial Biology and Genomics, Quantitative Genetics, or a related field. Experience in bioinformatics (genomic sequence data processing, metagenomics analysis) and computational genomics (association studies, AI-based sequence analysis) is central to this position. Additionally, expertise in bacterial or yeast genomics is highly desirable. Applicants are expected to have published in international peer-reviewed journals, especially on topics related to genomics and food production. Research experience in microbial genetics and genomics is especially relevant to this position. Good communication skills in English and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team—consisting of quantitative geneticists, food scientists, and bioinformaticians—are particularly appreciated for this position.

The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) is a major center for research and education in quantitative genetics and genomics at Aarhus University. We conduct basic and applied research in computational genetics across model systems. Our focus areas include quantitative genetics, artificial intelligence applied to agriculture and medicine, population genetics, and integrative genomics. Research within QGG is characterized by a very close synergy between method development and application on practical problems across species, in collaboration with industry partners. QGG is an international research center with about 70 employees and visiting researchers from over 15 nations. QGG works in teams and strives for an excellent working environment, in which we value self-leadership, open communication, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The successful candidate will be offered:

• computational resources, including the Genetics/Genomics High-Performance Cluster and GenomeDK, with growing capabilities (e.g., additional nodes, GPUs).
• a collaborative environment, in which the candidate will be able to share across research fields (quantitative genetics, machine learning, bioinformatics, and population genetics) and applications (in biology, agriculture, and biomedicine).
• a research environment characterized by collaboration, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and success in mentoring and supervision.
• an excellent working environment, characterized by professionalism, diversity and healthy work-life balance.

The place of work is C. F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000, Aarhus (Denmark), and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Applications must be received no later than 21 June 2026.

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.