Postdoc position for metabolic engineering in yeast

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).

The intended starting date is 01st September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Job description

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.

The RIBOTICS project involves a team of 3 postdocs and 3 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:

Required 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.

What we offer

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.

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.