Join En’Zync, a cutting-edge research center aiming to solve one of the most critical challenges in plastic recycling: the sustainable breakdown of thermoset plastics.
As a PhD student in this project, you will:
- Collaborate with leading experts across Denmark and Europe in a high-impact, interdisciplinary setting
- Gain hands-on experience with protein characterization, advanced techniques in enzyme kinetics and structure-function analysis
- Contribute to pioneering research in the green transition and circular economy
- Be part of a vibrant international research community with excellent facilities
Responsibilities and qualifications
Your focus will be on the biochemical and biophysical characterization of enzymes capable of degrading thermoset plastics. This includes detailed studies of enzyme activity, stability, kinetics, and structure–function relationships. The goal is to gain fundamental insights into enzymatic degradation — knowledge that can ultimately guide the development of more effective enzymatic recycling processes.
We are looking for candidates with strong qualifications in some of the following areas, and a motivation to develop within others:
- Protein chemistry
- Enzyme kinetics and kinetic modelling
- Expression, purification, and characterization of enzymes from fungal and bacterial sources
- Development and optimization of enzyme assays
- Structure–function studies of enzymes
- Scientific writing and communication
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.
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.
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 date: December 1st 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. Note that the current position is based at DTU, Lyngby.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Peter Westh, [email protected], or at the research group’s homepage:
https://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/research/research-sections/section-for-protein-chemistry-and-enzyme-technology/interfacial-enzymology
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.
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 15 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:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scal
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.
DTU Bioengineering focuses on advancing both fundamental and applied knowledge in biological and molecular systems. The Enzyme Technology section is dedicated to discovering new enzymes and developing innovative bioconversion processes that support sustainable development. Our work spans enzyme engineering, sustainability assessment, and bioenergy processes, contributing to cutting-edge research for a greener future.
You can read more about DTU-Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.dtu.dk.
You can read more about the Section for Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology at https://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/research/research-sections/section-for-protein-chemistry-and-enzyme-technology
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.
