Biobased materials offer a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-based resources by reducing dependence on limited petroleum supplies and lowering carbon emissions. Their biodegradable or compostable nature helps to minimize environmental pollution, making them an eco-friendly choice for many applications. In this project we will explore protein-based biomaterials using bacterial cell factories.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Responsibilities include:
- Studying the available literature in the field and formulating own scientific hypotheses and questions
- Conducting scientific experiments and analysing data.
- Design and perform cultivation in bioreactors.
- Writing peer-reviewed scientific publications.
- Actively interacting and collaborating with other partners involved in the project.
- Completing courses and training required for being awarded the PhD degree.
- Design and perform strain engineering works in Bacillus.
- Perform OMICS data analysis, especially RNAseq analysis.
Specific qualifications we are looking for:
- Excellent knowledge and practical experience on current molecular microbiology methods
- Experience with genomic and transcriptomics data analysis is beneficial.
- Experience with fermentation is beneficial.
- Demonstrated oral and written English skills
- You are a team player enjoying working in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment and interacting with peers within the group and partners.
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.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Dr. Lei Yang and Prof. Johannes Kabisch (Norwegian University of Science and Technology).
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.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Dr. Lei Yang ([email protected]) or Prof. Tilmann Weber ([email protected]).
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 July 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
- Contact information of 2 referees
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.