PhD scholarship in fermentation-based production of biochemicals - BRIGHT

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet; Denmark; On-site; DKK 350,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU in Kongens Lyngby, Denmark invites applications for a PhD scholarship under Professor Alex Toftgaard Nielsen within BRIGHT (Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition). You will develop fermentation and downstream processes for producing biochemicals from C1-derived substrates, aiming to create microbial production systems that transform chemical production.

The role involves optimizing fermentation, performing media optimization, and contributing to

Qualifications

• Two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Optimize fermentation conditions for selected processes under anaerobic and aerobic conditions.
• Be involved in carrying out and analyzing proteomics and transcriptomics experiments.
• Contribute to developing downstream processes for purification of selected products.
• Help establish titer, rate and yield requirements for economically relevant processes.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of researchers.
• Contribute to publishing research findings in high‑impact journals.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and project deliverables ensuring accuracy and quality.

Skills

Fermentation

Anaerobic cultivation

Aerobic cultivation

Proteomics

Transcriptomics

Process modelling

Programming

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Two-year master's degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent

Tools

Process modelling

Programming

Job description

Are you establishing your career as scientist and are you looking for the best possible foundation for carrying out research on production of biochemicals from CO2-derived substrates?

You will play a key role in a project coordinated by Professor Alex Toftgaard Nielsen at BRIGHT (Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition) at the Technical University of Denmark.

You will be involved in developing fermentation and downstream processes for production of biochemicals from mixed C1-derived substrates. The goal is to develop microbial production systems that radically change the production of chemicals in our society.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your primary focus will be to:

• Optimizing fermentation conditions for selected processes under both anaerobic and aerobic processes.
• Carry out media optimization experiments to identify limiting substrates.
• Be involved in carrying out and analyzing proteomics and transcriptomics experiments.
• Contribute to developing downstream processes for purification of selected products.
• Help establish titer, rate and yield requirements for economically relevant processes.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of researchers.
• Contribute to publishing research findings in high-impact scientific journals.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, as well as project deliverables ensuring high levels of accuracy and presentation.

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.

We are looking for a candidate with a background in fermentation and downstream processes, ideally combined with:

• Hands-on experience with cultivation of anaerobic bacteria, including Clostridium sp., as well as aerobic organisms, including for example S. cerevisiae.
• Hands-on experience with anaerobic cultivation methods.
• Experience with process modelling and basic programming skills is an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills and an openness to interdisciplinary teamwork.

Solid English capabilities are required, and you will be involved in teaching and supervision of BSc and MSc student projects.

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 Professor Alex Toftgaard Nielsen.

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. Please see DTU's salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The period of employment is 3 years. Start date is 01-01-2027 or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Professor Alex Toftgaard Nielsen.

You can read more at www.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.

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.

Location

Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Apply Before

2026-11-03T22:59:00+00:00