Entrepreneurial Post Doc in Algae biochemistry

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Do you want to turn cutting-edge algae biotechnology into real-world solutions? The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN), University of Copenhagen, invites applications for a 2.5-year (30 months) Entrepreneurial Postdoctoral Fellowship funded by a Distinguished Innovator Grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

The fellow will join the Algae Biochemistry Group (ABG) led by Associate Professor Johan Andersen-Ranberg, working at the interface of synthetic biology, and CO2-based algae biomanufacturing.

We are seeking a curious and ambitious scientist with a strong scientific background and a genuine interest in fundamental biological questions, combined with an entrepreneurial mindset and a desire to translate discoveries into real-world impact.

The project combines experimental molecular biology research on eukaryotic microalgae, including Nannochloropsis oceanica, with the development of innovative technologies and commercialization strategies for production of high-value algae products.

The position offers a unique opportunity to combine academic discovery with technology development. The fellow will be encouraged to explore intellectual property, industry collaborations, and possible spin-out opportunities.

Candidates should have expertise in one or of the following topics: Chemical engineering, biochemistry, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, plant science, microbiology, or related fields, and an interest in innovation, deep-tech entrepreneurship, and commercialization. Experience outside academia, including biotech companies, start-ups, or technology transfer, is an advantage.

Research will focus on algae genome engineering and technologies for extraction of valuable bio-based compounds. The fellow will also mentor students and contribute to teaching within an international research environment.

The Algae Biochemistry group
( plen.ku.dk/english/research/plant_biochemistry/alg... )

Currently, the Algae Biochemistry Group (ABG) consist of 2 Assistant Professor, 1 staff scientist, 4 Post docs, and 3 PhD candidates. Core focus of the group includes both basic science and applied science with societal impact. Together with the department of FOOD at UCPH, ABG is co-hosting the AMPLIFY platform (est. 2026) with state-of the art equipment for cultivation of microalgae. In 2022 the biotech company TriptoBIO (?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftriptobio.com%2F&module=jobs&id=4403" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftriptobio.com%2F&module=jobs&id=4403" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://triptobio.com/, 8 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 the Section of Plant Biochemistry & PLEN, the Post Doc fellow will be interacting with leading scientist within the fields of plant science and synthetic biology.

Further information on the Department is linked at ( science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisati... ). Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor Johan Andersen-Ranberg, joarplen.ku.dk .

The requirements
Applicants should, prior to the start date, hold a PhD degree in chemical engineering, biochemistry, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, fermentation science, photobiology, synthetic biology, microbial biology, plant biology, algae biology or similar subjects, and should be fluent in both spoken and written English. If you are still a PhD candidate at the time of the application deadline, please provide a confirmation letter from your supervisor that you are expected to finish in time before the start date of the Post. Doc. position. Previous publications and relevant work experience will be included in the assessment of your qualifications.

Key scientific qualification areas 

• Chemical engineering
• Protein and lipid biochemistry
• Molecular biology
• Algae genome engineering
• Yeast metabolic engineering
• Analytical chemistry / pigment analysis
• Heterologous expression of algae proteins
• Bioinformatics
• High-resolution microscopy
• Strong publication record
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Key personal skills 

• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Interest in commercialization of academic research
• 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 your own project
• Ability to critically review research results generated as part of the project
• Engagement in Departmental and Laboratory activities including lab duties, teaching and dissemination of your research
• Ensuring GLP and general safety operations

Further information on the Department is linked at ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplen.ku.dk%2Fenglish%2F&module=jobs&id=4403" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplen.ku.dk%2Fenglish%2F&module=jobs&id=4403" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://plen.ku.dk/english/ .

The position is open from 15th of June 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University of Copenhagen wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae (max 2 page)
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Innovation plan* - A plan for research activities on microalgae, incl. Nannochloropsis, enabling the introduction of algae derived products to market. Include how your own previous experiences with translating science into innovation is relevant. (1 page, incl. fig.).
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

*Note on the use of generative AI, e.g. Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, for Innovation Plan.

Ability to do critical thinking is an essential skill for this position. Inability to critically assess the output of generative AI used for making the Innovation Plan, will be evaluated negatively. In contrast ability to critically assess output from generative AI and improve via additional prompting or editing will accordingly be evaluated positively.

The deadline for applications is 1st May 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

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

?url=https%3A%2F%2Femployment.ku.dk%2Ffaculty%2Frecruitment-process%2F&module=jobs&id=4403" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Femployment.ku.dk%2Ffaculty%2Frecruitment-process%2F&module=jobs&id=4403" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/­recruitment-process/ .

Interviews for the position will be announced as soon as possible after the application deadline.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation - with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture - creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.

Contact

Johan Andersen-Ranberg
E-mail: bqz450ku.dk

Info

Application deadline: 01-05-2026

Employment start: 15-06-2026

Working hours: Full time

Department/Location: Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences

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