PhD and Postdoc Positions in RNA Nanotechnology for Metabolic Engineering, Biosensing, and RNA Circuits Aarhus University in Denmark

Applications are open for postdoc and PhD positions in the Andersen lab for Biomolecular Design at Aarhus University, Denmark, as part of the ERC-funded RIBOTICS project (RNA Origami Technology in Cell Systems).

The project focuses on RNA nanotechnology, RNA origami, synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, biosensing, and RNA design software. The lab aims to introduce programmable RNA devices into yeast cells for controlling gene expression, enzyme proximity, pathway regulation, and cellular decision-making. Available projects include: a 3-year postdoc on RNA devices for metabolic engineering in yeast; a 2-year postdoc on RNA design software for multi-state devices; and three PhD projects on switchable RNA scaffolds, biosensing in biological fluids with chemically modified RNA devices, and programmable RNA circuits for cellular control.

Supervisor/announcer: Professor Ebbe Sloth Andersen, Professor of Experimental Bionanoscience, Aarhus University. The lab is based at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center and the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, with access to strong interdisciplinary infrastructure including cryo-EM, cryo-ET, FACS, and microfluidic systems.

PhD eligibility: Master’s degree or at least one year of a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Nanoscience, Biophysics, or Bioengineering. Applicants should have strong interest in RNA structural biology and biophysical characterization, good communication skills, and proficiency in English. Relevant experience with biomolecular design, in vitro selection, cryo-EM/cryo-ET, fluorescence microscopy, microfluidics, SELEX/capture-SELEX, or RNA/XNA design is desirable.

Postdoc eligibility: A PhD in Molecular Biology, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or a similar field depending on the project. The experimental postdoc prefers experience with cloning and gene expression analysis in bacteria and/or yeast; the software postdoc requires programming in Python and JavaScript and experience with bioinformatics or database development. Strong collaboration, communication, independence, and English proficiency are required.

Funding and duration: The postdoc positions are fixed-term full-time roles funded through the ERC RIBOTICS project. The PhD positions are fellowship/scholarship positions within Aarhus University’s Graduate School of Natural Sciences. No stipend amount is stated in the post.

Deadlines and start dates: PhD deadline: 1 May 2026, with start from August 2026 or later. Postdoc deadline: 1 June 2026, with start from September 2026.

How to apply: For the PhD calls, use the Aarhus University PhD portal, choose the May 2026 Call, select the programme Molecular Biology and Genetics, and choose the relevant project in the Study dropdown. Upload the project description PDF as instructed. For the postdoc roles, apply through Aarhus University’s recruitment system via the job advertisements on the university website.