Are you passionate about metabolic engineering of bacteria? Do you want to contribute to solving urgent problems with synthetic biology? The Systems Environmental Microbiology (SEM) group at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain) seeks a talented Metabolic Engineer for a 3-year, fully funded Ph.D. project. In this role, you’ll play a crucial part in working on solutions against PFAS contamination.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be the metabolic engineering of the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida for removal of PFAS.
During the project, you are expected to supervise Bachelor and Master students, work in tandem with colleagues and coordinate with collaboration partners, therefore we expect a high degree of project management, self-organization and strong social skills.
Lastly, you are expected to communicate scientific findings in international conferences as well as in high-impact scientific journals. Your primary tasks will be to:
- Genetic engineering of bacteria.
- Phenotypic characterisation of engineered strains.
- Teach and supervise BSc and MSc student projects.
You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
Key Selection Criteria
- Hands-on experience in Synthetic Biology and Genetic Engineering is mandatory.
- Knowledge of cell metabolism and physiology, especially in environmental bacteria.
- Enthusiastic and self-driven, independent thinking and strong social skills.
- Team player capabilities.
- Passionate about science and dedicated to the scientific project.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made according to the qualification requirements stated above.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.
The period of employment is 3 years starting the 1st of October 2025 or according to mutual agreement.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Dr. Pablo Iván Nikel (pabnik@biosustain.dtu.dk).
You can read more about DTU Biosustain at www.biosustain.dtu.dk
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 25 August 2025 (23:59 Danish time).
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain)
Recent progress in our ability to read and write genomic code, combined with advances in automation, analytics and data science, has fundamentally changed the scope and ambition of harnessing the potential of biological systems. Big data approaches and analysis of biological systems are key research instruments at the Center. DTU Biosustain utilizes these advances for microbial cell factory design to foster sustainable lifestyles in relation to three application areas: Sustainable Chemicals, Natural Products, and Microbial Foods.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.