Join En’Zync, a cutting-edge research center tackling one of the most urgent challenges in plastic recycling: the sustainable deconstruction of thermoset plastics.
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will join an international research environment with strong and open scientific interactions. Specifically, you will:
- Take a leading role in shaping and driving enzyme characterization activities
- Collaborate with researchers across Denmark and Europe in an interdisciplinary environment
- Help coordinate project efforts across En’Zync partners, including DTU, Aarhus University, the Danish Technological Institute (DTI), and the University of Porto
- Supervise and mentor junior researchers and students
- Contribute directly to innovation in the green transition and circular economy
- Be part of a vibrant, international research community with access to state-of-the-art facilities
Responsibilities and qualifications
In this position you will focus on the biochemical and biophysical characterization of enzymes capable of degrading thermoset plastics. This includes in-depth studies of enzyme activity, stability, kinetics, and structure–function relationships. You will also contribute to the development of new approaches and assays to explore enzymatic degradation pathways. In addition to scientific contributions, you are expected to:
- Take initiative in organizing and driving research activities within DTU’s part of En’Zync
- Coordinate and communicate with partners across the En’Zync consortium
- Help develop new ideas, directions, and collaborations within the center
We are looking for candidates with demonstrated expertise in several of the following areas, and a strong motivation to develop further:
- Protein chemistry and structural biology
- Enzyme kinetics and mechanistic studies
- Advanced enzymology and assay development
- Structure–function analysis of enzymes
- Project coordination and team collaboration
- Scientific writing and publication
As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).
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 terms of employment
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: 3 years.
Starting date: December 1st 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
En’Zync is a visionary research center led by Prof. Daniel Otzen, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and focused on solving the global problem of thermoset plastic waste. By discovering and engineering enzymes to degrade these highly durable plastics, En’Zync is building the foundation for a circular plastics economy. Learn more about the project at https://inano.au.dk/about/research-centers-and-projects/enzync.
Note that the current position is based at DTU, Lyngby.
Further information may be obtained from Professor Peter Westh, petwe@dtu.dk, or at the research group’s homepage:
https://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/research/research-sections/section-for-protein-chemistry-and-enzyme-technology/interfacial-enzymology
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 20 September 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:
- Application (cover letter)
- CV
- Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
- List of publications
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 Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.
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.