MIRRI-ERIC Partner University of Latvia Offers Postdoctoral Opportunity in Microbial Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology

Photo credits: MIRRI-LV

 

The University of Latvia, partner of MIRRI-ERIC through its Latvian Node, will offer a postdoctoral research opportunity in Microbial Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology under the Choose Europe for Science MSCA COFUND programme. The initiative will recruit 11 outstanding postdoctoral researchers across several research fields, with one position focusing on microbial biotechnology and the discovery of new natural products.

The research will build on the University of Latvia's national microbial strain collection and expertise in genomics to explore new approaches for activating silent biosynthetic pathways. The selected researcher will apply genome mining, co-cultivation and strain engineering to unlock new natural products and advance sustainable biotechnology applications.

Candidates will be invited to develop their own individual postdoctoral project proposal within this research direction. The selection process will be highly competitive, with recruitment based on the strength of the submitted proposal and the candidate’s profile.

 

A five-year postdoctoral opportunity

The position will offer a five-year, full-time employment contract with the University of Latvia, providing a supportive environment for research and professional development. The selected candidate will receive a monthly remuneration package of EUR 6,700, including a mobility allowance, alongside EUR 25,000 per year dedicated to research, training, networking, conference participation and related activities.

Additional benefits include structured career development, mentoring and international networking opportunities, access to research infrastructure at the University of Latvia Academic Centre, private health insurance, flexible working arrangements and a family allowance where applicable.

 

Mentoring and application support

Anete Borodušķe, researcher at the University of Latvia’s Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, will be one of the mentors for this research topic. Interested candidates are welcome to contact her at [email protected] for guidance and support in developing their individual postdoctoral project proposals.

 

Timeline and further information

The official call is expected to be published in mid-January 2027, with an application deadline in March 2027. Successful candidates are expected to begin their positions in the second half of 2027 and no later than 1 January 2028.

Detailed information on eligibility criteria, supervisors and application requirements will be published alongside the official call on the University of Latvia website and EURAXESS.

Through its Latvian Node, MIRRI-ERIC welcomes this opportunity to connect researchers with expertise and infrastructure in microbial resources, supporting scientific discovery and the development of innovative and sustainable biotechnology applications.