Postdoc in Microbial & Data-Driven Food Biotechnology

We are looking for an ambitious postdoctoral researcher to advance the integration of microbial biodiversity and data-driven innovation for next-generation food fermentation within the MIND initiative at Chalmers University of Technology.

About us 

The position will be based in the Biotechnology and Plant-Based Food group, where research focuses on microbial innovation, fermentation science, and sustainable food processing. The Biotechnology and Plant-Based Food group belongs to the division of Food and Nutrition Science and the department of Life Sciences.

The Department of Life Sciences conducts research, innovation, and education to enable a biobased society and improve human health. We explore how biological systems, and innovative technologies can be used to convert biomass into valuable products. We use advanced computational technologies to discover how biomolecules and organisms function and interact. We pioneer new methods for prediction, prevention, diagnostics and treatment of diseases. 

The Division of Food and Nutrition Science addresses major societal challenges related to sustainable food production, nutrition and health. We conduct research, innovation, education and dissemination with the aim to provide new knowledge and solutions for a sustainable planet and healthy humans. 

About the research project   The transition toward sustainable, resilient, and data-driven food systems requires new infrastructures that integrate microbial biodiversity, advanced genomics, fermentation science, and digital innovation. MIND, Microbial & Data-Driven Food Innovation Hub, is being established as a national competence platform. The platform is hosted at Chalmers, in close collaboration with RISE and multiple industry partners, to develop and utilize well-characterized microbial and digital resources for next-generation food and circular bio-based applications.

In this postdoctoral position, you will contribute to building MIND’s biological and digital core by integrating microbial genomics, functional characterization, fermentation science, and predictive data analysis. The project offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of academia and industry, developing knowledge and tools that translate microbial biodiversity into safe, competitive, and sustainable food innovations.     

  Who we are looking for  The following requirements are mandatory: 

• A doctoral degree (or an equivalent foreign degree) in biology, biotechnology, food biotechnology, microbiology or a related discipline, with a strong foundation in microbial genomics and data-driven analysis relevant to fermentation and food applications. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made. • Proven experience in bioinformatics and data science, including analysis of microbial whole-genome sequencing or metagenomic data, and demonstrated ability to develop computational pipelines for biological datasets. • Experience in statistical modeling and/or machine learning applied to biological systems, with the ability to link genomic information to functional traits relevant to fermentation or food biotechnology. • Demonstrated experience in isolating, cultivating, preserving, and functionally characterizing microorganisms, including high-throughput screening of functional traits and analysis of metabolites in complex biological matrices. • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, bridging computational analysis with experimental validation and engaging effectively with interdisciplinary research teams and industry stakeholders and local communities.

You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education. 

The following experience will strengthen your application: 

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline. • Strong communication skills in English (oral and written).

What you will do  In this role, you will contribute to establishing and developing MIND’s microbial strain collection. Your work will include strain isolation, cultivation, preservation, and functional characterization in close collaboration with research team members and industry partners.

You will design and implement high-throughput phenotyping workflows. You will also integrate genomic and functional data to develop predictive, data-driven tools for microbial and fermentation innovation.

Your responsibilities will include experimental planning, data analysis, and coordination with consortium partners. You will contribute to scientific dissemination and support the long-term development of MIND as a national competence hub for microbial and digital food biotechnology.

Contract terms   The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension. 

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn. 

What we offer 

• As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees. 

• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 

• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg. 

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities. 

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in. 

Application procedure  For information about the application procedure, please refer to the advert on Chalmers' webpage.

We welcome your application no later than 31 March 2026. 

For questions please contact:  Mehdi Abdollahi  Associate Professor Email address: khozaghi@chalmers.se

We look forward to your application!