Postdoctoral position in Metabolic Engineering for Gas Fermentation

University of Tartu, Estonia

Updated: about 1 month ago

Job Type: FullTime

Deadline: 11 Jan 2026

12 Dec 2025
Job Information

Organisation/Company: University of Tartu
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Technology » Biotechnology
Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
Positions: Postdoc Positions
Country: Estonia
Application Deadline: 11 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Tallinn)
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Offer Starting Date: 2 Feb 2026
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No

Offer Description

Join ValgepeaLab to advance sustainable biomanufacturing! We are seeking a creative and motivated Postdoc to lead metabolic engineering of acetogen cell factories for gas fermentation in collaboration with local partners.

ABOUT THE LAB

ValgepeaLab , established in 2019 at the University of Tartu (UT), Estonia, is a leading research group in gas fermentation. Our success was recognised by an ERC Consolidator grant in 2024. We integrate gas fermentation with systems and synthetic biology to tackle global biosustainability challenges. Learn more about our cutting-edge gas fermentation facility and platforms from: Valgepea et al. 2017, Cell Systems ; de Lima et al. 2022 Front. Bioeng. Biotech. ; de Lima et al. 2022 Micr. Spectrum ; Nwaokorie et al. 2023 Front. Bioeng. Biotech. ; Ingelman et al. 2024 New Biotech. ; Ingelman et al. 2025 Microb. Biotechnol. .

DUTIES

The postdoc will apply synthetic biology tools for engineering acetogen cell factories for producing novel chemicals from both synthetic and waste gasification-derived syngas mixtures.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related fields

• Strong background in microbiology and synthetic biology

• Experience with anaerobic techniques is a plus

SKILLS

• Microbial cultivation

• Application of synthetic biology tools

• Ability to work independently and in a team

• Excellent organisational and record-keeping skills

• Strong communication skills and proficiency in English

WE OFFER

• Pioneering project in the field of gas fermentation

• Cutting-edge facilities and international collaboration network

• Opportunities for career development

• 3-year position

• Competitive salary (€3000-3200/monthbefore tax), based on experience

HOW TO APPLY

• Send a letter describing your motivation and skills, CV, and contact details of two referees to kaspar.valgepea@ut.ee by January 11, 2026

• Preferred start date: February 2026

• Work location: Institute of Bioengineering, Nooruse 1, Tartu

For more information, contact group leader Kaspar Valgepea at kaspar.valgepea@ut.ee

*A copy of a document (including its annexes) can be required from the applicant which shows the candidate to hold the required qualification (authorized translation into Estonian or English if the credential is not in one of these languages). If the candidate has acquired the higher education in question outside Estonia, he or she may be required to submit an assessment issued by the Academic Recognition Information Centre (the Estonian ENIC/NARIC) of his or her qualification in respect of the qualification requirements for the position.

Where to apply

E-mail: kaspar.valgepea@ut.ee

Requirements

Research Field: Biological sciences » Other
Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications