PhD scholarship in biocatalyst development BRIGHT

We are searching for a PhD student to join the Enzyme Engineering and Structural Biology research group (EE&SB) at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT). EE&SB focuses on the study engineering and application of enzymes to synthesize industrial chemicals pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. We use the Life Cycle Assessment framework as a decision-making tool to design sustainable processes.

The PhD project will be in the field of industrial biotechnology and employ disciplines within biochemistry molecular biology computational biology and sustainability assessments.

Responsibilities and qualifications
If you are interested in using enzymes as biocatalysts to support the green transition of the chemical industry perhaps you are our new EE&SB you will:

• Have the opportunity to shape your project within the overarching goals
• Teach and supervise younger students
• Go to international conferences to promote your work
• Develop intellectual property and business cases

We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated self-driven and have demonstrated excellence in their previous work. Other qualities of the successful candidate include:

• High degree of responsibility for the quality and progress of their projects
• Academic curiosity and creative thinking
• Good communication skills in both written and spoken English
• A good team player and respectful colleague

We imagine that you have some of the following skills and experiences:

• Previous experience working with plant UGTs
• Strong knowledge in biochemistry protein chemistry biophysics and materials science.
• Strong laboratory skillset working with proteins including expression purification characterization and engineering.
• Prior experience in enzyme characterization including DSF HPLC SDS-PAGE and LC-MS.
• Prior experience with structural protein prediction tools such as PyMol AlphaFold Chai Boltz etc.
• Strong skills within data analyses and representation.

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 seeDTUs rules for the PhD education.

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 period of employment is 3 years.

Starting date is 1 October 2026 or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Postdoc Brianna Lax

You can read more about

• BRIGHT at
• Enzyme Engineering & Structural Biology at you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU atDTU 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 than3 May 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.

  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 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.