The Food Tech and Bioengineering laboratory at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is focused on developing sustainable solutions in the bioeconomy sector. Led by Professor Petri-Jaan Lahtvee, the lab specializes in bioinformatics, metabolic engineering, and bioprocess optimization. Research efforts are directed towards creating microbial cell factories to convert waste materials into valuable products, with a focus on biosustainability and the sustainable production of food, feed, bio-chemicals, and materials.

TFTAK (Center of Food and Fermentation Technologies) is a leading Estonian R&D center specializing in innovative solutions for the food, biotech, and fermentation industries. Its fermentation competencies cover from strain development and metabolic engineering to precision fermentation and process scale-up. Dr. Steven van der Hoek’s group develops synthetic biology tools and strain engineering capabilities, focusing on precision fermentation for alternative protein production, combining systems biology, bioprocess engineering, and high-throughput screening.

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site Doctoral Researcher role shared between Bioengineering and Food laboratory in Tallinn University of Technology and TFTAK. The doctoral researcher will be involved in tool development for reliable protein production pipeline from concept to gram scale. Duties will include participating in the Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle of cell factory design and process development, as well as collaborating on projects for creating microbial cell factories.

Qualifications

• Research experience in bioinformatics, metabolic engineering, or bioprocess optimization
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• English at least B2 level
• Ability to work in a collaborative multicultural research environment
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Master’s degree in life sciences
• Master´s degree in bioengineering, bioinformatics, or related field is a plus
• Experience in programming in Phyton and omics data analysis is a plus
• Experience with cell factory design and optimization is a plus
• Estonian language is a plus
• Foreign applicants must have a valid Estonian residence permit or right of residence and a permanent legal income in accordance with the provisions of the Aliens Act.

What we offer

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position starting in September 2025
• Gross monthly salary starting from 2300 €
• 35 calendar days of paid vacation yearly
• Additional benefits including paid sick leave and health insurance
• Flexible working hours and supportive supervision
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and high-throughput platforms
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment bridging academia and industry
• International research collaboration and opportunities for mobility
• Personal and professional development through conferences, courses, and workshops
• The chance to contribute to meaningful innovation in sustainability and synthetic biology

Applying

For more info and applying please submit your CV and documents via: https://taltech.glowbase.com/positions/977

More info about applying for a PhD position in Tallinn University of Technology can be found at https://taltech.ee/en/phd-admission