Are you wondering why life looks as is does and what the fundamental drivers of evolution are? Are you fascinated by the magical world of filamentous fungi? Do you enjoy fermented foods and would like to contribute to more sustainable food systems?Then this PhD might allow you to combine all of these interests into a single PhD in the Fermentation Cultures group where we are studying fermented foods as living biocultural systems at the intersection of microbial life and human culture by combining microbiology, mycology, ecology, evolution and genomics to investigate the origins and evolution of food microorganisms, their interactions within fermented food ecosystems, and the genetic and ecological drivers of flavour, texture, and functionality. By using fermented food communities as model systems, we address fundamental questions in ecology and evolution while developing novel starter cultures, fermentation processes, and food innovations that support the green transition and more sustainable, healthy, and resilient food systems.
While evolutionary theory has long been built on the idea that genetic variation arises randomly and is then shaped by natural selection, emerging evidence suggests that mutation rates, spectra, and genomic instability may be influenced by the environment, potentially via epigenetic mechanisms. This project will test this concept directly by investigating whether epigenetic states can bias where, when, and how mutations arise in the genome in response to the environment.
Using
Aspergillus flavus and its domesticated relative
Aspergillus oryzae as a powerful model system, you will combine targeted genetic engineering with adaptive laboratory evolution and integrated multi-omics to link epigenetic regulation, genome dynamics, and evolutionary outcomes at unprecedented resolution. A key part of the project will be the generation and analysis of selected knockout mutants to establish causal mechanistic links between epigenetic state and adaptive genetic change.
Beyond advancing fundamental evolutionary theory, this work also explores the potential to guide the domestication of
A. flavus into safe and functional starter cultures with novel properties for food fermentation applications.
This is a highly interdisciplinary project in an ambitious and collaborative research environment at DTU BRIGHT with external research stays at the University of Macau and the Southern University of Science and Technology in China, where you will develop cutting-edge expertise across molecular mycology, evolution, and systems-level biology while contributing to both conceptual breakthroughs and applied innovation.
Responsibilities and qualificationsAs a PhD candidate, you will take a leading role in driving the scientific progress of the project. You will be responsible for planning, designing, and executing experiments, coordinating activities with collaborators within the group as well as external partners, and ensuring the timely progression of the research.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Designing and conducting experiments in fungal genetic engineering, adaptive laboratory evolution, and multi-omics analyses
- Generating, processing, and analyzing experimental data
- Visualizing results and communicating findings to diverse scientific audiences
- Publishing research findings in high-impact international journals
- Presenting your work at international conferences and scientific meetings
- Collaborating closely with researchers across disciplines and contributing to an open, collaborative research culture
We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious candidate who thrives in a dynamic research environment and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to both fundamental biological discovery and applied innovation.
The ideal candidate has:
- Hands-on experience in mycology (required)
- Experience with fungal genetic engineering (preferred)
- Experience generating genomic and transcriptomic data from fungi (preferred)
- Experience generating and analying metabolomics data (preferred)
- A strong interest in fungal biology, evolutionary theory, ecology and evolution, and food innovation
In addition, you:
- Demonstrate a high level of motivation, curiosity, and scientific integrity
- Are able to work independently and take ownership of your research
- Take a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and solving problems
- Learn quickly and adapt effectively to new methods and challenges
- Have strong communication skills, including scientific writing and oral presentations in English
- Enjoy working in collaborative and interdisciplinary teams
- Are organized, structured, and committed to maintaining high-quality documentation and reproducible research practices
- Are curious and enthusiastic and playful
This position is particularly suited for candidates who aspire to become independent scientists and are eager to develop a broad and modern research toolkit spanning mycology, genetic engineering, adaptive laboratory evolution and multi-omics data generation.
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.
We offerDTU 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.
The preferred start date is 01.11.2026.
You can read more about
career paths at DTU here.
Further information Further information please contact group leader and senior researcher Leonie Johanna Jahn at
lejj@dtu.dk You can read more about BRIGHT below, and at
www.bright.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
27 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
- One letter of reference, with referee’s email and phone number
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 identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, color, religion, neurodiversity, national origin 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.
The Fermentation Cultures groupThe Fermentation Cultures group investigates fermented foods as complex microbial ecosystems and as a foundation for developing sustainable foods for the green transition. By combining traditional fermentation practices with ecological and evolutionary perspectives, we draw on both traditional and scientific knowledge to create novel fermented foods and food processes. Our research explores how microbial diversity, genetics, and ecological interactions shape the flavour, texture, functionality, and stability of fermented foods, while also examining the origins of fermentation microorganisms and their co-evolution with human societies and food cultures. Using fermented foods as model systems, we address fundamental questions about microbial ecology, evolution, and host–microbe interactions, including how microbes interact with one another and communicate with humans through the production and perception of flavour.BRIGHT – The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green TransitionThe Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) is a major initiative based at DTU that aims to accelerate the development of biosolutions and strengthen the bio-based economy. BRIGHT serves as a hub for academic and industrial partners working together to unlock the potential of bioproduction. BRIGHT focuses on three main areas: Sustainable materials (Developing bio-based alternatives to fossil-derived materials), Microbial foods (Innovating food production through microbial technologies), and Microorganisms for net-zero agriculture (Creating solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture). The goal is to develop and scale innovative biosolutions within these areas, ultimately creating sustainable and competitive alternatives to fossil-based products and processes that can make significant contributions to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829DTU 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.
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