Postdoctoral Position in Yeast Synthetic Biology at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden (2026)
The research project focuses on engineering yeast strains that function efficiently within synthetic microbial communities. Potential applications include producing tailored food oils using sugars supplied by cyanobacteria and developing engineered living materials, such as 3D-printed tissues made from defined microbial communities.
The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment, using modern synthetic biology techniques to improve microbial interactions and production performance. The position is a two-year, full-time temporary appointment in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Application deadline: November 30, 2026.
Position Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Postdoc in Yeast Synthetic Biology |
| Institution | Chalmers University of Technology |
| Department | Department of Life Sciences |
| Division | Systems and Synthetic Biology |
| Location | Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Position Type | Postdoctoral Research Position |
| Employment Duration | 2 years |
| Workload | Full-time |
| Reference Number | REF 2026-0471 |
| Salary | Not specified in the supplied vacancy announcement |
| Application Deadline | November 30, 2026 |
| Application Language | English |
About Chalmers University of Technology
Chalmers University of Technology is a Swedish university based in Gothenburg, specializing in research and education in technology and natural sciences. Founded in 1829, the university works to develop scientific knowledge and technological solutions that support a more sustainable world.
The position is based in the Department of Life Sciences, which conducts research, innovation, and education focused on biological systems, human health, and the development of a biobased society.
Researchers in the department investigate how biological systems and innovative technologies can convert biomass into valuable products. They also use computational approaches to understand the functions and interactions of biomolecules and organisms.
The Division of Systems and Synthetic Biology brings together biologists, chemists, mathematicians, and engineers to understand and quantitatively describe complex biological systems. Its research contributes to biosustainability, biotechnology, and human health.
About the Research Project
The postdoctoral project will develop yeast-based synthetic biology solutions for sustainable food production and related biomanufacturing applications.
A central concept is the use of synthetic microbial consortia—communities of engineered microorganisms designed to interact and perform specific functions together. These systems create opportunities to develop sustainable production processes and new biological materials.
The research will focus on engineering yeast strains that perform reliably and productively within these microbial communities.
Main Research Applications
1. Sustainable food oil production
One application involves engineering yeast to produce tailored food oils using sugars supplied by cyanobacteria. This approach aims to harness interactions between different microorganisms for sustainable biomanufacturing.
2. Engineered living materials
The project also relates to the development of engineered living materials, including 3D-printed tissues constructed from defined microbial communities.
3. Improved microbial interactions
The research will investigate how yeast metabolism and cell-to-cell interactions can be engineered to support robust and productive microbial consortia.
The project will use state-of-the-art synthetic biology tools and technologies and will be conducted within an interdisciplinary and international research team.
Key Responsibilities
The vacancy announcement outlines research, supervision, and potential teaching responsibilities.
1. Engineer Yeast Strains
The researcher will contribute to developing yeast strains optimized for performance within synthetic microbial consortia. This involves applying genetic engineering and synthetic biology methods to improve microbial function.
2. Improve Microbial Metabolism and Interactions
The project focuses on engineering yeast metabolism and interactions between cells to achieve reliable and productive consortium performance.
3. Apply Advanced Synthetic Biology Techniques
The research will use tools and technologies that include:
Biosensors.
CRISPR-based strain libraries.
High-throughput screening.
Genetic engineering of microorganisms.
Experience with relevant molecular biology and analytical techniques will be valuable for carrying out the research.
4. Contribute to Sustainable Biomanufacturing
The researcher will work on biological systems with potential applications in sustainable food production and engineered living materials. The work combines fundamental research in synthetic biology with applications in biotechnology and biosustainability.
5. Supervise Graduate Students
The postdoctoral researcher will supervise master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent, contributing to research training and the development of early-career scientists.
6. Participate in Teaching
There may be opportunities to teach at undergraduate and master's levels. Candidates are expected to have some familiarity with teaching and to demonstrate potential in both research and education.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should review the mandatory qualifications carefully before applying.
Mandatory Requirements
Candidates must have:
A doctoral degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a similar field, or an equivalent foreign degree.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Experience in genetic engineering of microorganisms, preferably yeast.
The doctoral degree requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
Candidates are also expected to have some familiarity with teaching and demonstrate good potential in research and education.
Preferred Qualifications
The following experience will strengthen an application:
A PhD obtained within the three years preceding the application deadline.
Experience with CRISPR technologies.
Experience with Golden Gate and/or Gibson cloning.
Experience with flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).
Experience analyzing next-generation sequencing data.
Experience with fermentation.
Experience using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Experience using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
These are listed as advantageous experiences rather than mandatory requirements. Applicants should emphasize the techniques they have actually used and explain how their expertise relates to the proposed research.
Salary and Benefits
Salary Information
The supplied vacancy announcement does not specify a salary range for this postdoctoral position. Applicants should consult the official job advertisement or contact the university for details about compensation.
Employee Benefits
Chalmers states that postdoctoral researchers are university employees and receive employee benefits. Candidates can review the university's official information for details about benefits and employment conditions.
Useful resources include:
Working in Gothenburg, Sweden
The position is based in Gothenburg, a coastal city with an international research and technology environment.
The university highlights Sweden's family support systems, including parental leave, subsidized childcare, schooling, and healthcare. Chalmers also offers Swedish-language courses for employees whose native language is not Swedish.
The university emphasizes equality, diversity, and inclusion as important parts of its working culture.
Employment Terms and Residence Requirements
The position is a temporary, full-time appointment for two years.
The vacancy announcement specifies that the role requires physical presence throughout the entire employment period. Candidates must present a valid residence permit by the start date; otherwise, the offer may be withdrawn.
International applicants should review their residence and work authorization requirements well in advance of the proposed start date.
A background check may also be conducted as part of the recruitment process.
Required Application Documents
Applications must be written in English and submitted as PDF files through the official application system. Each file must be no larger than 40 MB, and ZIP files are not supported.
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Prepare a comprehensive CV that includes:
Academic qualifications.
Research and employment experience.
A complete list of publications.
Previous teaching experience.
Relevant pedagogical experience.
Technical and laboratory skills.
Highlight your experience in yeast engineering, synthetic biology, molecular biology, and any relevant analytical methods.
2. Personal Letter
The personal letter should include:
A brief introduction about yourself.
A summary of your previous research fields.
Your key research outcomes and contributions.
An outline of your future goals and research focus.
Explain how your research experience relates to yeast synthetic biology and the development of synthetic microbial consortia.
Important Application Instructions
Submit the application through the official online portal.
Ensure all required materials are complete.
Do not send the application by email; applications submitted by email will not be considered.
Contact details for references will be requested after the interview.
Follow the portal's instructions for uploading PDF documents.
The university states that applicants are responsible for ensuring that their applications are complete.
How to Apply
Official Application Link: Apply online
Contact for Questions
Applicants with questions about the position or research project can contact the professor using the email address listed in the vacancy announcement.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is November 30, 2026.
Candidates should submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that all required documents have been uploaded successfully. The supplied announcement does not specify an exact closing time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What postdoctoral position is available at Chalmers University of Technology?
Chalmers is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher in yeast synthetic biology within its Division of Systems and Synthetic Biology.
2. Where is the position located?
The position is based in Gothenburg, Sweden.
3. How long is the employment contract?
The position is a temporary, full-time appointment for two years.
4. What degree is required?
Applicants must have a PhD in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a similar field, or an equivalent foreign degree. The degree requirement must be met by the time the employment decision is made.
5. Is yeast engineering experience mandatory?
Experience in genetic engineering of microorganisms is mandatory, with yeast experience preferred.
6. Which technical skills can strengthen an application?
Experience with CRISPR, Golden Gate or Gibson cloning, flow cytometry, FACS, next-generation sequencing data analysis, fermentation, HPLC, and GC-MS can strengthen an application.
7. What is the salary for this position?
The supplied vacancy announcement does not provide a specific salary figure. Applicants should consult Chalmers for compensation details.
8. What documents are required?
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV, including a complete publication list and teaching experience, and a personal letter summarizing their research background, key outcomes, and future goals.
9. Can I apply by email?
No. The announcement states that applications sent by email will not be considered. Applicants must use the official online application portal.
10. Is the position open to international candidates?
The announcement accepts an equivalent foreign doctoral degree and describes an international research environment. However, the successful candidate must present a valid residence permit by the start date and be physically present throughout the employment period.
11. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is November 30, 2026.
12. Who can answer questions about the position?
Professor Verena Siewers can be contacted at siewers@chalmers.se.
Final Thoughts
The Postdoctoral Position in Yeast Synthetic Biology at Chalmers University of Technology offers an opportunity for researchers to contribute to emerging approaches in synthetic biology, sustainable food production, and engineered living materials.
The project is particularly relevant to candidates with experience in microbial genetic engineering who want to work with advanced tools such as CRISPR-based strain libraries, biosensors, and high-throughput screening. Its combination of interdisciplinary research, graduate student supervision, and potential teaching opportunities may also support future careers in academia, industry, or the public sector.
Interested researchers should review the official announcement, prepare a complete CV and personal letter, and apply online by November 30, 2026.
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