Research Assistant in microbial biofertilizer characterization

We are looking for a proactive and motivated Research assistant to work in our rapidly growing research activities within the Initiative for Biofertilizer Science and Innovation (IBIS) at DTU Bioengineering ). IBIS is an international, multidisciplinary research program dedicated to developing the next generation of microbial biofertilizer solutions for a sustainable agriculture on a global scale. As part of our team, you will play a key role in developing and implementing various analytical methods for characterizing bacterial and fungal strains with biofertilizer potential, and contribute to an ambitious, collaborative, and supportive research environment.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The Research assistant position offers a unique opportunity to join a dedicated, international team of scientists working within the IBIS initiative at DTU and its global partner institutions. You will contribute to developing and implementing new technologies and methods for the characterization of biofertilizer strains, and you will have opportunities to work both collaboratively and independently.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and testing microbiological assays and molecular methods for assessing phenotypes relevant to biofertilizer strains.
• Designing and evaluating plant–microbe assays to study how biofertilizer strains interact with plants and how they perform in the rhizosphere.
• Taking an active role in increasing the throughput and robustness of assays and methods in close collaboration with the IBIS screening team.
• Independently analysing and characterising potential biofertilizer candidate strains (both bacteria and fungi) and evaluating their performance and potential.
• Contributing to the supervision of BSc and MSc student projects.
• Maintaining good laboratory practice and documenting protocols, results, and workflows clearly and reliably.

As a formal qualification, you must have a master's degree in engineering or equivalent. Preferably your degree should be in the fields of Biotechnology, agricultural sciences or similar. We are specifically looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious person with a strong interest in microbiology, plant–microbe interactions, and in development of microbial fertilizers as sustainable biosolutions.

You have: 

• A background in microbial physiology, ecology, or genetics, as well as knowledge of plant–microbe interactions and/or soil microbiology. 
• Hands-on laboratory skills related to the characterization and analysis of microbial strains. Ideally, you also have experience with plant–microbe interaction assays. For example, methods to assess plant growth and health, and/or assays that reveal microbial activity and physiology in situ during plant colonization.
• Good collaboration skills and a constructive, inclusive approach to working in interdisciplinary teams.
• The ability to work independently and take responsibility for experimental planning, execution, and data analysis.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Motivation to work at the intersection of applied science and the generation of new fundamental knowledge.

In addition, you have

• Good communication skills in written and spoken English.
• A positive and collaborative attitude - good humor is appreciated.

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 terms of employment 

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 2 years, starting from 1 February 2026 or soon thereafter

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 

Further information may be obtained from Professor Lars Jelsbak,  

You can read more about the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine at 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 21 December :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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc)
• Provide minimum one reference that DTU may contact

Applications may be reviewed continuously as they are received. 

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.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

IBIS is a bold open-science initiative with the ambition to revolutionize whole-cell biosolutions in agriculture. Our goal is to advance the fundamental understanding of what makes an effective microbial biofertilizer and to develop the enabling technologies and translational framework needed to bring robust and affordable 

microbial solutions to farmers across the globe. IBIS is led by DTU, and brings together leading partners from across Europe, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The IBIS initiative funded the Gates Foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. You can read more about IBIS here:  

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.