PhD in Molecular Biology and Bioreceptor Engineering for Biosensors - BRIGHT

Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 355,000 - 391,000; Full time

Job summary

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is seeking a motivated PhD student to develop biological recognition molecules for graphene-based biosensors within the BUG-ID network. The project focuses on aptamer discovery (SELEX) and exploration of protein receptors, under Prof.

Ivan Mijakovic’s supervision in BRIGHT. You will engage in interdisciplinary research across molecular biology, biotechnology and nanotechnology, with international partners and opportunities for mobility to other countries.

Qualifications

• Strong practical background in experimental molecular biology (PCR, DNA manipulation, cloning).
• Experience with nucleic acid biochemistry or recombinant protein production is a plus.
• Good written and spoken English; interest in interdisciplinary research.

Responsibilities

• Study literature and formulate research questions.
• Establish and apply SELEX for aptamer selection against microbial biomarkers.
• Design, engineer and characterise biological recognition molecules (aptamers, protein receptors).
• Conduct experiments, analyse data and publish results.
• Collaborate with BUG‑ID partners on receptor modelling and graphene‑based biosensors.
• Participate in training and courses for PhD degree.

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR

DNA manipulation

Molecular cloning

SELEX

Protein engineering

Analytical thinking

English proficiency

Education

Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS)

Tools

Aptamer selection (SELEX)

Biomolecular engineering

Job description

Are you interested in applying your molecular biology skills to develop new technologies for infection diagnostics? We are looking for a motivated PhD student with a strong background in experimental molecular biology to develop and engineer biological recognition molecules for next-generation biosensors. The position is part of the EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network BUG-ID, which aims to improve infection diagnostics by combining molecular biology, biotechnology and nanotechnology. Your project will initially focus on the identification of nucleic acid aptamers targeting microbial biomarkers, with opportunities to explore alternative receptor technologies, including protein-based receptors. You will join the research group of Prof. Ivan Mijakovic at BRIGHT and work in an interdisciplinary, international network connecting academia, healthcare and industry. Through collaborations with BUG-ID partners, you will gain experience in biomolecular engineering, receptor characterisation and the development of graphene-based biosensors.

Project Focus

The overall focus of the PhD project will be to develop and engineer biological recognition molecules for the detection of microbial biomarkers in graphene-based biosensors. Initially, the candidate will establish and apply aptamer selection methods (SELEX) to identify receptors targeting selected microbial biomarkers. Subsequently, the candidate will characterise and optimise these receptors and explore alternative recognition technologies, including protein-based receptors, in collaboration with other BUG-ID partners.

Responsibilities

• Study the relevant scientific literature and formulate research hypotheses and questions.
• Establish and apply SELEX methods for aptamer selection against microbial biomarkers.
• Design, engineer and experimentally characterise biological recognition molecules, including aptamers and protein-based receptors.
• Conduct scientific experiments, analyse data and publish results in peer‑reviewed scientific journals.
• Actively collaborate with BUG‑ID consortium partners on receptor modelling, engineering and integration into graphene‑based biosensors.
• Participate in consortium training, outreach activities and courses required for obtaining the PhD degree.

Qualifications

• A strong practical background in experimental molecular biology, including PCR, DNA manipulation and molecular cloning.
• Experience with nucleic acid biochemistry, recombinant protein production or related experimental techniques.
• Good analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to independently plan and troubleshoot experiments.
• Good written and spoken English and an interest in interdisciplinary research.
• Experience with aptamer selection (SELEX), protein engineering or biochemical binding assays will be considered an advantage.
• 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.
• Applicants are required to undertake transnational mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up their appointment.
• At the time of recruitment by the host beneficiary, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the date of appointment.

Assessment

Submitted applications will be reviewed by the members of the Mijakovic lab. Top applicants will be invited to an online interview (target date early January 2027), where among other items, fluency in English will be assessed.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures The PhD salary will be based on the Marie S. Curie compensation scheme conditions and according to the grant agreement. Based on seniority the candidate will receive a minimum of DKK 30.264,08 (base salary) and 1580,90 (PhD supplement). In addition, DTU will also pay pension consisting of 18,07%. Finally, it is possible to apply for family allowance. The period of employment is 3 years. The position is a full‑time position. Tentative start date is 1st February 2027 (according to mutual agreement). You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Equal Opportunity Statement

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Prof. Ivan Mijakovic: [e-mail] You can read more about the hiring department at https://bright.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.

About BRIGHT – The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) is a major initiative based at DTU that aims to accelerate the development of biosolutions and strengthen the bio‑based economy. BRIGHT serves as a hub for academic and industrial partners working together to unlock the potential of bioproduction. BRIGHT focuses on three main areas: Sustainable materials (Developing bio‑based alternatives to fossil‑derived materials), Microbial foods (Innovating food production through microbial technologies), and Microorganisms for net‑zero agriculture (Creating solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture). The goal is to develop and scale innovative biosolutions within these areas, ultimately creating sustainable and competitive alternatives to fossil‑based products and processes that can make significant contributions to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829

DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.