Professor in Biocatalysis and Structural Biology for Sustainable Biosolutions BRIGHT

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRiGHT) at Technical University of Denmarkinvites applications for a position as Professor inBiocatalysis and Structural Biology for Sustainable Biosolutions.

BRiGHT is a research centre with the overall mission of contributing to research development and innovation within discovery and engineering of novel biosynthesis routes and exploration of compounds suitable for a sustainable bioproduction and industrial applications.

Your research leadership is of utmost importance and therefore you are an empathetic role model that fosters and nurtures inspiring environments e.g. by inclusion and openness. We strive for a decent work-life balance.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The position involves research publication innovation entrepreneurship and commercialization and scientific dissemination at highest international level as well as teaching supervision training and mentoring. Translational activities play a key role so experience in driving innovation processes within biocatalysis in the context of sustainability is of significant importance.

In addition assignments will include:

• Research leadership to strengthen and develop the research field
• Day-to-day management of the research group operations including scientific guidance and mentoring of group members
• Development of the specific research area
• Facilitation and driving of technology transfer and spin-off activities
• External collaboration e.g. with other research institutions relevant industry and European consortia
• Guidance and supervision of assistant professors researchers and PhD students
• Academic assessment work
• Supervision of PhD students and postdocs
• Teaching at graduate and undergraduate courses at the Technical University of Denmark related to the professorships field of expertise

Furthermore the professor is expected to

• coordinate the activities of the research group with the other scientific groups and core facilities
• facilitate collaboration with colleagues internally and at other DTU departments e.g. in terms of joined research proposals sharing of research infrastructures/technologies and supervision of students.
• Use sustainability as a guide for research direction.

This professorship is expected to significantly contribute to developing novel enzymatic processes and products enabling the green transition and integrating quantitative sustainability assessment. Recent advances in the field of enzymology and structural biology provide the enabling technologies necessary to bring enzymatic reactions to an economically feasible and practical stage for both bulk and fine chemicals as well as other compounds and materials made of proteins.

Innovative approaches on how to establish theseenzymatic processes are therefore needed towards biosynthesis of industrial and novel chemicals. Likewise establishing a modus operandi for integrating quantitative sustainability assessment in early-stage research and technology development will be a focus of the position. The professorship is expected to play a significant role in the new NNF initiative BRIGHT. By developing sustainable enzymatic biosolutions to agricultural technology microbial foods sustainable protein production and food ingredients the professor will contribute with research supervision and innovation within these fields.

Emphasis is placed on applicants having the potential to continue to develop the research area and have documented original scientific production at international qualification requirements are:

• A PhD degree in biochemistry bioengineering or similar field
• Relevant postdoctoral/group leader experience; experience in managing a research group covering topics like natural products computational biology and enzyme engineering
• A high level of original scientific production at international level that has contributed to the further development of the subject area in question.
• High productivity and profiling
• Experience in integrating sustainability assessment into molecular research
• Experience in driving innovation processes in the context of sustainability and biosolutions
• Significant input that contributes to the development of the subject area including identification and cultivation of new fields of research
• Initiative and impact vis-à-vis sponsors recipients and partners
• Appreciable contribution to research-based programs.

Consideration will also be given to:

• the ability to collaborate with major international partners within and outside of BRiGHT
• a well-established network within the relevant research community and internationally leading research groups
• experience in managing diverse research operations including track record of attracting talented PhD and postdoc researchers
• documented research experience and research leadership
• experience in working with experimental and computational staff

You are expected to take a lead role in teaching at theBEng BSc MSc and PhD levels.

DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages and in time are expected to master both.

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Documented experience and quality of teaching and curriculum development
• Research impact and experience funding track record and research vision
• International impact and experience
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Leadership collaboration and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation ofProfessional addition supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTUs salary structure for scientific staff: information
Further information may be obtained from Executive Advisor Dina P. Nielsen .

You can read more about BRiGHT atBRIGHT

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

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than14 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply please open the link Apply now fill out the online application form and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter) addressed to the President
• CV including employment history list of publicationsindicating scientific highlights H-index and ORCID (see Diplomas (MSc/PhD)
• Research proposal and vision
• Innovation entrepreneurship and collaborations portfolio: overview and experience as well future vision
• Teaching portfolio: documentation of teaching experience and the teaching philosophy

You can learn more about the recruitment process here.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

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

BRIGHT is an international research centre of excellence developing and scaling bioprocesses for sustainable production of chemicals as well as protein-based products. The centres activities are a mix of basic applied and translational research complemented by an emphasis on business development and partnerships to facilitate commercialization of new products processes and associated technologies. BRIGHT offers state-of-the-art research facilities and offering a unique platform providing excellent talent development and career opportunities.

Building on the 15 years of the previous Center for Biosustainability BRIGHT is based upon a long-term grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation to DTU started in 2025 inaugurated in 2026 and has about 200 employees.

DTU For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europes 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 Europes 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 13800 students 1600 PhD students and 6500 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.