Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to investigate how microorganisms communicate within microbiomes and with their plant host in the rhizosphere. Your research will play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of how microbial secondary metabolites—complex chemical compounds produced by bacteria—serve as master regulators of microbiome behavior, and how metabolite networks influence soil health and plant productivity.
In this project, you will employ a range of cutting-edge technologies to measure microbial secondary metabolites and explore their impact on rhizobiomes. Using a novel fluorescence microscopy method, you will track bacterial responses to secondary metabolites produced by neighboring bacteria. You will link these observations to microbial gene expression through RNA sequencing and analyze bacterial chemical profiles using LC-MS/MS and mass spectrometry imaging. Throughout the project, you will collaborate closely with experts in sequencing, analytical chemistry, and data analysis, ensuring a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to this exciting field of research.
You will be part of the research teams of Associate Professor Lars Behrendt and Professor Lars Jelsbak. The Behrendt group investigates how individual microorganisms and microbial communities respond to environmental changes, with a particular focus on microfluidic model systems (www.Behrendtlab.com). The Jelsbak group focuses on soil and rhizosphere microbial ecology, specifically the roles of microbial secondary metabolites and their potential applications in biocontrol. This position is part of the Center for Excellence in Microbial Secondary Metabolites (http://www.cemist.dtu.dk), led by Professor Lone Gram, where you will join a world-leading team at the forefront of microbial secondary metabolite research. You will collaborate closely with microbiologists, natural product chemists, and bioinformaticians in a dynamic, creative, and stimulating environment. Our recently renovated laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art technology for high-content imaging, bacterial molecular research, and analytical chemistry. While the PhD project focuses on secondary metabolites in natural systems, the CeMiSt center also applies this fundamental research to the development of novel medicinal drugs.
Responsibilities and qualifications
We are seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated candidate with a background in microbiology, biophysics, engineering, or natural product chemistry, and a strong interest in bacterial interactions and/or secondary metabolites. The ideal candidate is passionate about exploring the chemical language of bacteria and its role in ecology of microbiomes, with a particular focus on how secondary metabolites facilitate microbial interactions. You should be excited by the opportunity to leverage novel tools to investigate the role and function of microbial secondary metabolites.
The role requires good organizational skills, a structured approach to work, and a collaborative spirit. You will enjoy engaging with a multidisciplinary team, including PhD students and postdocs, and contribute to a positive team environment. A good sense of humor is always appreciated!
Preferred qualifications include experience in one or more of the following areas:
– Imaging and analysis of bacterial autofluorescence signatures
– Construction and interpretation of bacterial interaction ne
– Microbial molecular biology
– Bioinformatics (transcriptomics, metagenomics)
– Metabolomics
Good English language skills are essential. The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant, including writing skills.
You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.
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
The assessment of the candidate will be made by Associate Professor Lars Behrendt, Professor Lars Jelsbak and Professor Lone Gram
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.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Lars Jelsbak, DTU Bioengineering. lj@bio.dtu.dk
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 April 2025 (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.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science industry and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus. You can read more about “the Department” at www.bioengineering.dtu.dk
The Center for Microbial Secondary Metabolites is a Center of Excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation. The Center started on the 1st of January 2018 and was recently extended running until 2028. The Center is based at the Technical University of Denmark and hosted by Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) and is led by Professor Lone Gram. Three DTU departments and 12 faculty participate in the Center, and 15 PhD students and postdocs are currently hired by CeMiSt. You can read more at www.cemist.dtu.dk
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.
