Research Assistant in Microbial Plastic Degradation - BRIGHT

DTU; Denmark; Remote; DKK 180,000 - 240,000; Part time

Job summary

DTUBRIGHT is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to support development of microbial plastic degradation technologies at DTU. You will contribute to lab research across microbiology, enzymology and polymer technology, aiming for practical, scalable, and sustainable solutions.

The role is anchored in collaboration with engineers and research partners. The position is for 1 year, 25 hours per week, starting 01-12-2026 or by mutual agreement, under a collective agreement with the relevant union.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (biochemistry, microbiology, engineering).
• Experience with bacterial cultivation and sterile laboratory techniques.
• Interest in sustainable technologies, enzymology and microplastic waste solutions.
• Strong data handling and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute bacterial growth experiments under controlled lab conditions.
• Prepare growth media, buffers, and experimental materials daily.
• Support analysis of lab findings with engineers and partners.
• Screen and develop microbial systems and enzymes for degradation of plastics.
• Operate and monitor laboratory-scale cultivation systems.
• Compile, process and interpret data to identify trends and improvements.
• Develop and refine experimental protocols for enzymatic processes.
• Document procedures and results in line with good laboratory practice.

Skills

Bacterial cultivation

Sterile technique

Data handling

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Biochemistry / Microbiology / Engineering

Job description

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to support the development of innovative microbial plastic degradation technologies. In this role, you will contribute to laboratory research activities aimed at advancing biological approaches for plastic degradation. This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of microbiology, enzymology, and polymer technology. Your contributions will support the development of practical, scalable, and sustainable solutions in this rapidly evolving field.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your overall role is to support the experimental development of microbial plastic degradation processes, with emphasis on bacterial cultivation and enzyme optimization under controlled laboratory conditions.

Primary tasks include

• Design and execution of bacterial growth and performance experiments under controlled laboratory conditions
• Day-to-day preparation of growth media, buffers, and experimental materials
• Support the analysis of laboratory findings in collaboration with engineers and research partners
• Investigation, screening, and development of microbial systems and enzymes for plastic degradation applications
• Operation and monitoring of laboratory-scale cultivation systems
• Compilation, processing, and interpretation of experimental data to identify trends and improvement opportunities
• Development and refinement of experimental protocols for enzymatic processes
• Documentation of experimental procedures, results, and technical learnings in accordance with good laboratory practice

Required competencies:

• Experience with bacterial cultivation and sterile laboratory techniques
• Interest in sustainable technologies, enzymology and microplastic waste solutions
• Strong data handling and analytical skills
• Structured, hands-on, and able to work both independently and in a collaborative team

As a formal qualification, you must have a master’s degree in biochemistry, microbiology, engineering or equivalent.

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 Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 1 year, 25 hours weekly. Start date 01-12-2026 or according to mutual aggreement

Further information

Further information may be obtained fromColleen Manyumwa: [e-mail]

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

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

You can read more at https://bright.dtu.dk/

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.

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.