We are seeking an ambitious postdoctoral researcher to pioneer the integration of gut microbiome science into next-generation food design and fermentation strategies, laying the scientific foundations for gut microbiome-guided food innovation.
About us
The position will be based in the Biotechnology and Plant-Based Food group (Abdollahi's Lab), where research focuses on microbial innovation, fermentation science, and sustainable food processing in close collaboration with the Precision Nutrition group (Landberg's Lab) and the University of Gothenburg (Bäckhead's Lab).
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
This project aims to uncover how food composition and food fermentation influence gut microbial interactions and metabolic activity, with a particular focus on the production of metabolites relevant to human health. By understanding how food-derived substrates shape microbial cross-feeding and metabolite production, we aim to establish the scientific foundations for next-generation, gut microbiome-guided food design.
The research will combine controlled anaerobic cultivation of gut microorganisms and in vitro gut fermentation models to investigate how fermented and non-fermented food matrices, including plant-based and dairy ingredients and their hybrids, influence microbial metabolism. Using advanced metabolite analysis and microbiome profiling, we will explore how food composition and processing shape gut microbial function and contribute to individual differences in dietary responses. The project builds on findings from human dietary intervention studies and is conducted in collaboration with the University of Gothenburg and industrial partners Lantmännen and Arla.
Who we are looking for
The following requirements are mandatory:
- A doctoral degree in microbiology, microbial physiology, microbial ecology, biotechnology, food microbiology, or a closely related field, or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
- Documented hands-on experience in anaerobic cultivation of gut microorganisms and in vitro gut fermentation models, including the design, execution, and evaluation of microbial fermentation experiments.
- Experience in quantitative analysis of microbial metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids and other fermentation products, using chromatographic or mass spectrometry-based analytical techniques.
- Knowledge and understanding of gut microbial physiology, substrate utilization, metabolic interactions, and microbial cross-feeding.
- Experience or demonstrated knowledge of how food composition, food-derived substrates, and food fermentation influence gut microbial activity and metabolism.
- Strong skills in quantitative data processing, statistical analysis, and interpretation of complex experimental datasets, preferably using R, Python, or similar software.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to conduct independent research, demonstrate scientific initiative, and collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
The following qualifications are meritorious:
- Experience with defined microbial communities, co-culture systems, and mechanistic studies of microbial metabolic interactions.
- Experience with human faecal fermentation models and investigating inter-individual variation in gut microbial responses.
- Experience with food matrices, food fermentation, and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion models.
- Experience with metabolomics, stable-isotope tracing, or other advanced approaches for investigating microbial metabolic pathways.
- Experience with microbiome sequencing, metagenomics, multivariate statistical analysis, or integration of microbiome and metabolomics datasets.
You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.
What you will do
You will investigate how food composition and food fermentation influence gut microbial interactions and metabolism, combining mechanistic studies of selected gut microorganisms with in vitro gut fermentation models and advanced analytical approaches.
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Design and conduct anaerobic cultivation experiments with selected gut microorganisms, including mono- and co-culture systems, to investigate substrate utilization, microbial cross-feeding, and metabolic interactions.
- Perform in vitro gut fermentation experiments to investigate how food composition, food fermentation, and processing influence gut microbial activity and metabolite production.
- Investigate the effects of different food components and fermented and non-fermented food matrices on gut microbial metabolism, including their interactions with complex human faecal microbial communities.
- Quantify short-chain fatty acids and other microbial metabolites using chromatographic and mass spectrometry-based analytical techniques.
- Perform advanced data processing, statistical analysis, and integration of metabolomics and microbiome data to understand relationships between food characteristics, microbial interactions, and metabolic responses.
- Collaborate with researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, the University of Gothenburg, and industrial partners Lantmännen and Arla, and communicate research findings through scientific publications and presentations.
- Supervise master’s and/or PhD students to a certain extent
- Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level
The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.
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
The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
CV
- A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
- Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.
Personal letter
- A brief introduction about yourself.
- A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.
- An outline of your future goals and research focus.
Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.
Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.
We welcome your application no later than 08-12-2026.
For questions, please contact:
Mehdi Abdollahi
Associate Professor
Email address: khozaghi@chalmers.seRikard Landberg
Professor
Email address: rikard.landberg@chalmers.se
We look forward to your application!
- *** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***
Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.
