PhD scholarship in Antibody Dependent Enhancement of Toxicity for Snake Venom Metalloproteases DTU Bioengineering

Are you motivated by the opportunity to elucidate mechanisms in protein-protein interactions Do want to apply your skills in molecular biology protein design and characterization and use both in silico and in vitro methodology to conduct ground-breaking research

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the newly formed Protein Design and Function Lab headed by Assistant Professor Melisa Benard Valle at DTU Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine. As a PhD student you will be working on the design of precision molecular tools to modulate metalloproteases using snake venom metalloproteases (SVMPs) as case proteins.

The research group belongs to the Section of Biologics Engineering (SBE) at the Department of Bioengineering. The position will be available from 1^st of June or soon thereafter.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The overall focus of your project will be to develop SVMP binders for the modulation of metalloprotease activity. You will work mainly in wet-lab discovering binders by phage display selection and characterize them by ELISA BLI and enzymatic activity assays. You will also perform in silico structural analysis and design of potential binders.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Purify SVMPs from snake venoms.
• Discover nanobodies against SVMPs by phage display selection.
• Design and express binders against SVMPs.
• Characterize binders and uncover their interactions with metalloproteases to modulate function.
• Contribute to ./. student supervision and projects.
• Keep detailed track of all experiments and tasks.
• Report results in the form of publications and/or conference presentations.

Essential qualifications include:

• You must have a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters degree.
• You are ambitious curious and motivated.
• The ability to work in an international team as well as independently.
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English.
• Extensive knowledge of protein engineering molecular biology and immunology.
• Hands on experience with protein binding assays phage display and cloning techniques.
• Extensive wet-lab experience and resilience to work on challenging tasks and assays.
• Excellent record-keeping skills to keep track of lab experiments.

You must have a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters degree.

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 DTUs rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of applicants will be made by Assistant Professor Melisa Benard Valle together with relevant project partners.

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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

Starting date is June 1^st 2026 (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 Assistant Professor Melisa Benard Valle melval@
can read more about The Section for Biologics Engineering at you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation to Denmark and startup Zoom seminar for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than16 February 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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to obtaining your masters degree but cannot begin before having received it.

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. 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.

DTU Bioengineering is an international leader in the areas 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 with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation new businesses and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UNs 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13500 students and 6000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive evolving and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.