项目介绍

2026年7月9日

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 qualifications
As 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 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. 

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.