Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Genomics Technician - DTU Chemical Engineering

The Bioconversions group at DTU Chemical Engineering invites for applications as a molecular microbiology and microbial genomics technician.

The successful candidate will strengthen the group's capabilities in molecular biology and microbial community analysis supporting research on microbial ecosystems and bioprocesses for the production of bioenergy and value-added products.

The position will focus primarily on the processing and analysis of microbial community samples for metagenomic and metatranscriptomic studies, including DNA/RNA extraction, quality control, sequencing, and molecular analyses. Moreover, the work will also involve cultivations of pure or mixed microbial cultivations, operation of robotics, single cell isolations and other relevant microbiological work.

You will become part of an international and interdisciplinary research environment and support multiple research projects through the implementation and execution of molecular biology and sequencing workflows. Depending on your experience and interests, you may also contribute to bioinformatics analyses of microbial community sequencing datasets.

Your role will be to support and further develop the Bioconversions group's molecular biology, sequencing, and microbial genomics capabilities. You will work closely with researchers, PhD students, and collaborators from both academia and industry in Denmark and abroad.

Responsibilities and qualifications

You will join an innovative, collaborative, international and multidisciplinary team. The group works on both fundamental understanding and development and validation of new technologies based on the use of microorganisms to valorize organic waste and wastewater into useful bioproducts, biofuels and bioenergy. One of our core values is cooperation, and we believe that we can achieve world-class results together.

Your primary tasks will be to:

Perform DNA and RNA extraction from environmental, engineered, and microbial community samples, as well as selected pure cultures.

Conduct DNA/RNA quantification and quality assessment using spectrophotometric, fluorometric and electrophoretic methods.

Operate and maintain molecular biology instrumentation, including TapeStation, real-time PCR (qPCR), and Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms.

Prepare sequencing libraries and carry out sequencing workflows for metagenomic and other microbial community analyses.

Process, organize, and document molecular biology and sequencing data according to established laboratory standards.

Perform routine molecular analyses to support research projects within microbial ecology, environmental biotechnology, and bioprocess development.

Contribute to bioinformatics analyses of sequencing datasets, including sequence quality control, metagenome processing, taxonomic profiling, and generation of reports.

Assist researchers, PhD students, and MSc students with molecular biology, sequencing, and data-analysis activities.

Participate in general laboratory activities, including inventory management, ordering of consumables, maintenance of laboratory equipment, and implementation of good laboratory practices.

Your primary qualifications are:

Hold an AP Graduate in chemical and biotechnical science, or either BSc or MSc degree in Biotechnical Science, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, or a related field.

Hands-on experience with microbial cultivations, DNA and RNA extraction PCR techniques, and quality assessment.

Experience working with microbial community samples and/or environmental microbiology samples.

Experience with Oxford Nanopore sequencing, TapeStation, and sequencing library preparation will be considered strong advantages.

Basic knowledge of bioinformatics tools for sequencing data is desirable.

Experience with metagenomic, amplicon sequencing, or microbial community analyses is an advantage.

Experience working in a research laboratory environment, with strong organizational and detail-oriented skills.

Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

The tasks and responsibilities will be adjusted based on your background and experience.

What we offer in return

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

Salary and appointment terms are in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) or with the OAO-S Joint Agreement and the organization agreement for Office Clerks, Laboratory Technicians and IT staff (HK/stat).

In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for academic staff employed in technical-administrative positions (AC TAP) or salary structure for DTU laboratory technicians: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

The period of employment is 2 years. The starting date would be 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Application and contact

Please submit your online application no later than Monday, 7 December 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Open the “Apply now” link, fill out the form and attach your motivated application, CV and exam certificates.

Further information may be obtained from Antonio Grimalt-Alemany (email: angral@kt,dtu.dk) and Dimitar Borisov Karakashev (email: dbka@kt.dtu.dk).

You can read more about DTU Chemical Engineering at www.kt.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.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829 DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.