4 Jun 2026
Hosting Information
Offer Deadline: Mon, 31 Aug 2026 - 23:59
EU Research Framework Programme: Horizon Europe - MSCA
Country: Denmark
City: Kgs Lyngby
Organisation/Institute
Organisation / Company: Technical University of Denmark
Department: BRIGHT
Is the Hosting related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Contact Information
Organisation / Company Type: Higher Education Institution
Website: https://www.dtu.dk/
Email: [contact details available in the full listing]
Postal Code: 2800
Street: Søltofts Plads 220
Mobile Phone: [contact details available in the full listing]
Description
Hosting Offer — MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
Call deadline: 9 September 2026 | Expression of interest deadline: 31st July 2026
Hosting Offer: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship in Microbial Natural Products for Sustainable Agriculture
Host group: Gren Lab — Microbial Natural Products & Agricultural Biotechnology
Host institution: DTU BRIGHT (Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition), Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Lyngby, Denmark
Supervisor: Dr. Tetiana Gren, Group Leader, DTU BRIGHT
Contact: tetgre@biosustain.dtu.dk | Fellowship type: European Postdoctoral Fellowship
Expression of interest deadline: 31st July 2026
About the Host Group
The Gren Lab at DTU BRIGHT investigates the biosynthesis, regulation, and agricultural application of microbial natural products, with a focus on Actinobacteria, particularly Streptomyces, as a prolific source of novel compounds. We combine genome mining, CRISPR-based genome engineering, heterologous expression, and chemical ecology approaches to discover and engineer novel compounds with relevance to sustainable agriculture.
Our core research themes include:
- Discovery and characterization of novel antifungal compounds from soil Actinobacteria
- Cloning and engineering of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) for enhanced production of plant growth-promoting and biocontrol metabolites
- Development of CRISPR/Cas tools for genetic manipulation of non-model Actinobacteria strains. Automation of genetic engineering protocols
- Elucidation of the ecological roles of secondary metabolites in plant–microbe interactions
The lab is embedded within DTU BRIGHT, a state-of-the-art bioengineering research hub at DTU with access to advanced genomics, metabolomics, and fermentation infrastructure. DTU is ranked among Europe's leading technical universities and is an active partner in European research consortia.
Fellowship Opportunity
We are inviting expressions of interest from motivated and talented postdoctoral researchers to develop a joint MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship proposal with Dr. Gren as supervisor. The successful candidate will design an independent research project within one or more of the following thematic areas:
Theme 1 — Biocontrol & Antifungal Discovery
Genome-guided discovery of novel antifungal or antibacterial compounds from underexplored Actinobacteria, including bioassay-guided isolation, structure elucidation, and evaluation of efficacy against relevant agricultural pathogens.
Theme 2 — Engineering Biosynthetic Pathways for Agriculture
Metabolic and genetic engineering of Streptomyces strains to overproduce plant growth-promoting compounds or biocontrol agents. Includes combinatorial BGC engineering and heterologous expression in chassis strains. Development of novel methods,
Theme 3 — Genome Mining & Computational Methods
Large-scale genome mining of Actinobacterial genomes using bioinformatic tools (antiSMASH, BiG-SCAPE, GNPS) combined with metabolomics to prioritize novel BGCs and link gene clusters to metabolites with agricultural utility.
Theme 4 — Chemical Ecology of Plant-Associated Microbiomes
Investigation of the role of secondary metabolites in mediating Streptomyces interactions with plants, fungi, and competing bacteria in soil and rhizosphere environments.
Candidates are welcome to propose their own research direction within these themes or at their intersection. We encourage interdisciplinary proposals that bridge microbiology, chemical biology, and plant science.
What We Offer
- A dynamic, internationally oriented research environment at one of Europe's leading technical universities
- Direct supervision from an active, early-career group leader with a strong publication record in Streptomyces genome engineering and natural product biosynthesis
- Access to world-class genomics, metabolomics (LC-MS/MS, NMR), and synthetic biology infrastructure at DTU BRIGHT
- Full support with MSCA proposal development: guidance on project design, training plan, career development narrative, and administrative submission
- Integration into DTU's vibrant postdoctoral community and access to cross-faculty collaboration networks
- Opportunities for secondments with academic or industry partners in Europe or internationally
- Copenhagen/Lyngby as a base — consistently ranked among the world's best cities for quality of life, work-life balance, and research culture
Candidate Profile
We are looking for candidates who fulfil the MSCA eligibility criteria and bring the following:
Required
- A PhD in microbiology, biochemistry, natural product chemistry, chemical biology, synthetic biology, or a closely related field, awarded by the call deadline (9 September 2026)
- A maximum of 8 years of postdoctoral research experience after PhD award (career breaks, parental leave, and clinical training are excluded from this calculation)
- Mobility requirement: the candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to 9 September 2026
- A strong publication record commensurate with career stage
- Excellent written and spoken English
Desirable
- Hands-on experience with Streptomyces or other Actinobacteria (cultivation, genetics, molecular biology)
- Experience with CRISPR-based genome engineering in bacteria
- Familiarity with genome mining tools (antiSMASH, BiG-SCAPE) and/or LC-MS-based metabolomics
- Interest in the agricultural applications of microbial natural products
- A demonstrated ability to work independently and communicate science effectively
How to Express Interest
Interested candidates should send the following documents to Dr. Tetiana Gren at tetgre@biosustain.dtu.dk with the subject line 'MSCA PF 2026 — Expression of Interest' by 15 July 2026:
- A cover letter (max. 1 page) describing your research interests, motivation for joining the Gren Lab, and a brief outline of the project you would like to develop
- A full CV including list of publications
- Contact details for two referees (letters not required at this stage)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a video interview to discuss the project concept in more detail. We will work closely with selected candidates to develop a competitive MSCA proposal ahead of the 9 September 2026 deadline.
DTU and DTU BRIGHT have extensive experience in hosting MSCA fellows and provide institutional support for grant preparation and administration.
About DTU and Denmark
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is one of the leading technical universities in Europe, consistently ranked in the global top 100. DTU BRIGHT is a flagship bioengineering research hub hosting multiple internationally competitive research groups in metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and biomedical science.
Denmark offers a world-class research environment, generous parental leave policies, excellent public services, and a high standard of living. Copenhagen and the greater Øresund region form one of Europe's most dynamic life science clusters, with strong connections between academia and industry.
DTU is committed to equal opportunities and diversity in research. Researchers of all nationalities and backgrounds are warmly encouraged to apply.
Note for candidates: This hosting offer is an expression of interest. The formal MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship application is submitted jointly by the researcher and DTU (as host organisation) through the EU Funding and Tenders Opportunities Portal before 9 September 2026, 17:00 CEST. For general information about MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships, visit: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships
This is a Preview Listing…
You must sign in to see the full job description, and to apply.
Manage / Upgrade this job to a Full Job Listing.
Find Your Best Opportunity
Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!