Postdoc in Biomass Fractionation and Valorization - DTU Bioengineering

DTU; Kongens Lyngby; Remote; DKK 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Bioengineering in Lyngby is seeking a Postdoc to advance biobased processes through biomass fractionation and valorization, focusing on pectin extraction from lignocellulosic biomass with process optimization and scale-up within the Biomass Conversion and Bioprocess Technology group (BCBT).

You will collaborate with PhD and MSc students and with academic partners and industry, publish results, and contribute to green transition goals and UN SDGs.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in engineering, biotechnology, or related field.
• Experience in biomass fractionation and enzymatic processes.
• Experience with process optimization is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines; supervision experience is a plus.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop research activities in biomass characterization and fractionation, enzymatic processes, process optimization, separation/purification, and scale-up.
• Disseminate knowledge to the project team through seminars and presentations.
• Write scientific reports and present results at national/international conferences.
• Supervise MSc and BSc students.

Skills

Biomass fractionation

Enzymatic processes

Process optimization

Scientific writing

Presentations

English communication

Education

PhD degree in engineering/biotechnology

Job description

If you are motivated to guide innovation by developing new biobased processes able to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future, this is the perfect position for you.

We are looking for a Postdoc with experience in the areas of Biomass Fractionation and Valorization to start the activities from the 1st of March 2027. The candidate will work on a project focused on the extraction of pectin from lignocellulosic biomass including process optimization and scale-up.

The successful applicant will be working within the Section of Synthetic Biology at the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) in the research group "Biomass Conversion and Bioprocess Technology" (BCBT group). With this position, we want to expand our research in biomass valorization and sustainable biobased processes to promote a green transition and support the UN Sustainable Development goals.

You will work with a team of scientists including PhD and MSc students in close collaboration with academic collaborators and industry partners. Your primary tasks will be to:

• develop research activities in the areas of biomass characterization and fractionation, enzymatic processes, process optimization, separation/ purification, and scale-up;
• familiarize her/himself with relevant background literature and disseminate the acquired knowledge to the project team and other group members through seminars;
• write scientific reports and present her/his results at national/international scientific conferences;
• supervise MSc and BSc students.

To apply for this position, you must have:

• A PhD degree in engineering, biotechnology, or a related field.
• Previous experience in the areas of biomass fractionation and enzymatic processes.
• Previous experience with process optimization will be a plus.
• Ability to work independently, responsibility to perform research and meet deadlines.
• Previous experience with the supervision of students.
• Talent for scientific writing and to give presentations.
• Excellent skills to communicate (written and spoken) in English.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

The assessment of the applicants will be made by the head of BCBT group, Prof. Solange I. Mussatto.

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 terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

The period of employment is 2 years. Starting date is 01.03.2027 (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 about this position may be obtained from Prof Solange I. Mussatto, e-mail: [e-mail]. Please do not send applications to this email address, instead apply online as described below.

You can read more about the BCBT group at www.bcbtgroup.com.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU - Moving to Denmark.

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 Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the fields of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and in healthcare systems that are transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs of the life sciences and biotech industries and contribute to innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research institutions and industry partners. DTU Bioengineering has approximately 400 employees, of whom two-thirds are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU's Lyngby Campus.

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.