PhD in AI for Microbial Protein & Nutrient Bioavailability

Technical University of Denmark (DTU); Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 320,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) invites applications for a PhD position in computational modelling of protein and nutrient bioavailability of microbial foods within the BRIGHT initiative. The role is fully computational, with access to in vitro and clinical data for training and validation.

You will build multi-modal AI/ML models, curate microbial food databases, and collaborate with international partners to publish results and release open-source tools.

Qualifications

• MSc in bioinformatics or related field.
• Advanced programming experience in Python.
• Experience with machine learning, including deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch.
• Excellent English proficiency in written and oral form.
• Excellent communication and social skills for interdisciplinary work.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Review the state-of-the-art in protein bioavailability with a focus on microbial foods.
• Build a multi-modal AI/ML model predicting protein digestibility and bioavailability using embeddings and nutrition data.
• Create and curate a database of microbial foods (e.g., Yarrowia lipolytica, Aspergillus spp.).
• Model proteolytic digestion and absorption of peptides, amino acids, and small molecules.
• Test and refine the model with proteomics and metabolomics data.
• Retrain the model with in vitro digestion data and clinical trial data.
• Apply the model to redesign microbial foods for improved bioavailability and release it as open-source tool.
• Report results in peer-reviewed publications and conferences.
• Collaborate within BRIGHT and with international networks.
• Disseminate results via publications, outreach, and social media.
• Teach and supervise MSc and BSc students.

Skills

MSc in bioinformatics

Python programming

Machine learning

PyTorch

English proficiency

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Two-year MSc or equivalent

Job description

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) invites applications for a PhD position in computational modelling of protein and nutrient bioavailability of microbial foods within the BRIGHT initiative. The role is fully computational, with access to in vitro and clinical data for training and validation.

You will build multi-modal AI/ML models, curate microbial food databases, and collaborate with international partners to publish results and release open-source tools.