Teknisk Forskningsmedarbejder til Alge-Fermentationsplatform i København

Laboratorietekniker / Laboratorium / Specialist / Teknisk / mikroalger / bioteknologi / fermentation / forskningsprojekt

Department of Food Science (FOOD) at the Faculty of Science,University of Copenhagen, is looking for a highly motivated and technically skilled person for the installation, operations and maintanence of a BioLectar XT for multiplex microalgae fermentation and cultivation starting in the research project “AMPLIFY - Algae Microbioreactor Platform

For Innovative Yield optimization” financed by Novo Nordisk Foundation. The position is available from 1 January 2026 or as soon as possible hereafter and runs until 31 of March 2028. The employment will be at the group for Plant based foods & Biochemistry (PfB) at FOOD led by Professor Poul Erik Jensen but will in associated with the Algae Biochemistry group (ABG) led by associate professor Johan Andersen-Ranberg at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN).

Plant based foods and biochemistry

(https://food.ku.dk/english/research_at_food/food-analytics-and-biotechnology/plant-based-foods-and-biochemistry_group/)

PfB is led by Professor Poul Erik Jensen and consists of 3 associate Professors, 1 assistant Professor, 2 postdocs and 4 PhD fellows. The focus of the group is on generating knowledge about food components and their interactions, with emphasis on plants, microalgae, fungi, and side streams. Core activities include molecular and structural characterization of proteins, studying their interactions in the food matrix, and linking protein composition to functionality and food quality to guide future food biotechnology strategies.

The Algae Biochemistry group

(https://plen.ku.dk/english/research/plant_biochemistry/algae-biochemistry/)

ABG consist of 5 Post docs. 2 PhD students, and 1 research assistant. Core focus of the group includes both basic science and applied science with societal impact. In 2022 the biotech company TriptoBIO (http://triptobio.com/, >10 FTE), spun-out of ABG. Strong collaboration and day-to-day interaction between ABG and TriptoBIO provide opportunities for the Post Doc fellow to engage in translational science and be exposed to the biotech start-up community in the greater Copenhagen area. In parallel as part of PLEN, the Post Doc fellow will be interacting leading scientist within the fields of plant science and synthetic biology. Further information on the Department is linked at (http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/).

Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Poul Erik Jensen and Associate Professor Johan Andersen-Ranberg.

Tasks

This position involves being responsible for the BioLector platform ensuring that it is operational for users of the platform. Furthermore, tasks include coordination of research activities related to the platform, running experiments with and for users of the BioLector. User and collaborators on the BioLector platform include external academic institutions, biotechnology industry (incl. start-ups) and colleagues at FOOD and PLEN. This includes monitoring of scientific progress, follow up on internal milestones and deadlines and ensuring that material is distributed between the groups.

The job entails

• Installation, operations, and maintanence of a Beckman-Coultor BioLector XT instrument
• Coordination of collaborators and users of the instrument
• Develop protocols for cultivation of microalgae in BioLector XT
• Preparation of protein and metabolite samples from microalgae material.
• Analysis of metabolite samples using methods standardized in the lab.
• Coordination of sample analyses for proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics.
• Handling and curation of omics datasets.
• Design and develop data analyses pipelines for larger research projects.
• General laboratory procedures relevant to the analyses performed.
• In addition, the job includes support for teaching activities carried out in relation to the research laboratory.
• Collaborate with users of the BioLector XT.

We expect

• You have a PhD degree, within the following research fields: Fermentation, biochemistry, or analytical chemistry / metabolomics
• Experience with cultivation of phototrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms
• Fluent in both written and spoken English
• A vested interest in working with microalgae
• Experience working with analytical chemistry including LC-MS, proteomics, and transcriptomics
• Extensive experience with standard laboratory practise including handling of GMO
• Experience with handling large sample sets and data sets in an organized manner
• Experience with collaborations with external partners

Ability to collaborate and contribute to building a positive group dynamics.

We offer:

• The possibility to engage in high-impact, multidisciplinary research.
• A stimulating, diverse and international research environment and international collaborations.
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and infrastructure.
• A supportive scientific and social network, including mentoring and career development.
• Opportunities address core knowledge gaps in the field of algae cultivation and uses of algae in novel food applications.

Key personal skills

• Broad curiosity in biological questions and open-mindedness to interdisciplinary research
• Enthusiasm and good interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate with others including supervision and mentoring of students
• Ability to work independently and manage method delvelopment and collaborations with users
• Ability to critically review research results generated as part of the project
• Engagement in Departmental and Laboratory activities including lab duties and teaching
• Ensuring GLP and general safety operations

The position is open from 1 January 2026or as soon as possible thereafter.

Terms of salary and employment

The employment and salary is made in accordance with the Circular on the Collective Agreement concerning academics in the state sector concluded between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Employment will be as academic employee or Special Consultant depending on qualifications. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. The working time are 37 hours per week on average. The working hours are flexible.

UCPH is in the process of designing a new shared administrative organisation at UCPH, which is expected to lead to changes within the next 12 - 18 months. The purpose of the administrative reform is, among other things, to strengthen cross-organisational cooperation, increase efficiency, and ensure good career paths for administrative staff members at UCPH. The reform will lead to cutbacks on administration. You are encouraged to contact Marianne Nissen Lund (hlewismnlcharles89jonathanlopez@food.ku.dkhurst.dkaguilar-vincent.dk) to learn more about the connection between this position and the administrative reform.

Your application

If you find the job description interesting, please send an electronic application with attachment via Jobportalen (click on the link "Apply Now" at the bottom of the post) no later than 9 November 2025.

The application must include the following:

• Letter of application/motivation (max 1 page)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Copy of relevant certificates/diplomas.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held immediately after the application deadline.

Further questions

Any questions about the position may be directed to Professor Poul Erik Jensen (mfrenchkelly29peje@clark-thompson.dkfood.ku.dkmcdonald.dkjuarez.dk ).