PhD scholarship in Probing the Physiological Limits of Microbial Acetate Assimilation via External Electron Supply - BRIGHT

Jobbeskrivelse

If you are curious about the fundamental physiology of microbial metabolism and excited by the prospect of pushing microorganisms to their biochemical limits, this is your opportunity.

At DTU, you will investigate how microbial cells can be empowered to assimilate acetate more efficiently by supplying external reducing power — contributing to a deeper understanding of microbial physiology while helping unlock the potential of Power-to-X feedstocks for sustainable bioproduction.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Acetate is a promising CO₂-derived P2X feedstock, but its assimilation is energetically costly for microbial cells. In this project, you will investigate whether co-feeding reduced C1 compounds such as methanol can relieve these redox constraints and push the carbon-efficiency limits of acetate assimilation — using a genetically tractable model bacterium that naturally encodes the relevant metabolic pathways. Specifically, you will:

• Establish and characterize stable acetate–C1 co-utilization phenotypes using adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) and/or targeted metabolic engineering
• Quantify carbon yields and biomass during co-utilization and validate stoichiometric predictions of carbon retention across different acetate assimilation pathways
• Map physiological trade-offs and substrate partitioning across acetate:C1 ratios using high-throughput cultivation systems, ¹³C-labelling, and metabolite quantification
• Investigate how the redox entry point of C1 oxidation controls carbon assimilation flux and retention efficiency
• Apply transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to identify the regulatory and metabolic adaptations enabling efficient redox balancing between substrates of distinct reduction states
• Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent. The ideal candidate has:

• A MSc in microbiology, biochemistry, microbial physiology, or a related field
• A strong foundation in microbial physiology and intermediary metabolism
• Hands-on experience with microbial cultivation, including anaerobic or microaerobic techniques
• Experience with analytical methods for metabolite and substrate quantification (e.g. GC-FID, LC-MS, ¹³C-labelling)
• Familiarity with molecular biology and basic genetic engineering in bacteria
• Curiosity, scientific rigour, and genuine enthusiasm for fundamental physiological questions
• A collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills in English

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of their academic background in microbial physiology and metabolism, their hands-on laboratory experience, and their motivation for fundamental physiological research. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a formal interview with the principal supervisor and the co-supervisor.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is January 1st, 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 3 August 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.