Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Molecular Biology and Genetics programme. The position is available from August 2026 or later.
 

Title:
Metabolic engineering with switchable RNA scaffolds

Research area and project description:
In the Andersen lab for Biomolecular Design (andersen-lab.dk) we are experts in designing DNA, RNA and proteins to create nanoscale devices for applications in biotechnology and medicine. The lab invented the RNA origami method that allows rational design of RNA scaffolds and devices for expression in cells [1] and have recently developed RNA origami robots that can sense, compute and actuate [2], which opens new possibilities for controlling cellular function.

In the recently funded RIBOTICS (RNA Origami Technology in Cell Systems) project, the lab aims to develop RNA origami robots for cell factories (yeast production strains) for improved synthesis of valuable proteins and biochemicals. This PhD project aims to develop RNA scaffolds for metabolic enzymes that can be switched on or off inside living cells to regulate enzymatic pathways. To obtain this goal the PhD candidate will:

• Develop RNA origami structures with ligand-induced interactions through in vitro selection methods.
• Use RNA origami structures to engineer a “lattice robot” capable of forming 1D fibers, 2D sheets, and 3D lattices in response to specific ligands.
• Characterize the formation and function of these lattices in vitro and in vivo using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and fluorescence microscopy.
• Apply these lattices to control enzyme clustering in metabolic pathways, enhancing biochemical flux and pathway regulation.

The RIBOTICS project involves a team of 3 postdocs and 3 PhD students, who will work on design, characterization, and experimental verification of several RNA systems that can regulate gene expression, control enzyme proximity, sense product yields, and do molecular computations for feedback control. The PhD student will work in close collaboration with the RIBOTICS team, will receive day-to-day scientific guidance from a Postdoctoral mentor, and will be part of a vibrant research environment at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center.

References:

[1] A single-stranded architecture for cotranscriptional folding of RNA nanostructures. Science (2014). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1253920

[2] An RNA origami robot that traps and releases a fluorescent aptamer. Science Advances (2024). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adk1250

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Qualifications and specific competences:
Required qualifications:

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or have completed 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 a strong interest in structural biology and a motivation to acquire expertise in relevant biophysical characterization methods.
• Applicants must have good communications skills and ability to work both collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team and independently.
• Applicants must have proficiency in English, both written and spoken

Desirable skills:

• Hands-on experience with relevant methods for biomolecular design, synthesis and analysis, in vitro selection, or in vivo expression.
• Knowledge of or practical experience with relevant biophysical techniques such as Cryo-CLEM, Cryo-EM or Cryo-ET.
   

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C  , Denmark. 

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Professor Ebbe Sloth Andersen, esa@inano.au.dk

How to apply:

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.

When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2026)

1. Choose May 2026 Call with deadline 1 May 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
2. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme “Molecular Biology and Genetics”.
3. In the boxed named “Study”: In the dropdown menu, please choose: “Metabolic engineering with switchable RNA scaffolds (MesRNA)”

Please note:

• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.