PhD scholarship within new approaches to enzyme-assisted conversion of synthetic polymers DTU Bioengineering

The Enzyme Technology group at DTU Bioengineering is looking for a highly qualified candidate for a PhD position within the field of industrial enzyme technology. The PhD is focused on the development of novel enzyme-based conversion concepts for degradation of synthetic polymer materials.

Field of Research
The field of research is advanced industrial enzyme technology. A particular target of the PhD work is aimed at identifying enzymes and reaction criteria for degradation of wind turbine materials and notably assessing new ways of boosting the action of redox enzymes on synthetic polymers including epoxy composite materials. The PhD project is tied to our international research efforts on enzyme-assisted materials recycling and involves collaboration with Sweden and Australia. If you are seeking to establish your career as a top-level applied enzyme technology scientist whose results can help build a sustainable future this PhD is for you!

Responsibilities and qualifications
The position involves research work from enzyme discovery to detailed characterization of enzyme function based on understanding substrate chemistry reaction kinetics and enzyme protein characteristics. The PhD work will require development of novel analytical assay approaches to link enzymology to reaction kinetics in complex reaction environments with insoluble and soluble substrates. It is a particular focus point of this PhD to link experimental work to enzyme function and kinetics. You should have a solid foundation in chemistry and biotechnology as well as both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in advanced enzyme technology. It is also expected that you have a strong interest in the novel type of applied enzyme technology in focus in the PhD project which entails reaction optimizations of enzyme action on synthetic substrates for new sustainable applications. We expect that you are highly self-motivated passionate about your work communicate well both verbally and in writing and that you thrive in an international extremely collaborative and multidisciplinary addition it is important that you will enjoy supervising and teaching BSc and MSc students.

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 the applicants will be made by Professor Anne S. Meyer and assistant Professor Kristian Barrett DTU Bioengineering.

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.

The desirable starting date is June 1. 2026.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Prof. Anne S. Meyer

You can read more about the Department 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 than 12 March 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
• A copy of the abstract of your MSc thesis and a copy of any publications you may have authored/co-authored

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 Bioengineeringis 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 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.