Summary
The Enzyme Technology group at DTU Bioengineering (Technical University of Denmark) invites applications for a fully funded 3-year PhD scholarship focused on enzyme biotechnology for seaweed polysaccharide modifications. The project aims to develop and produce robust microbial S1 sulfatases to establish enzymatic reaction pathways for upgrading marine biomass. This position is part of a collaborative PhD Alliance Program with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany, and is embedded in the Horizon Europe NEXTMARINE Project.
PhD Scholarship within Polysaccharide Sulfatases for Marine Biomass Applications
Position Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Position / Designation | PhD Fellow / PhD Scholarship |
| Host Institution | Technical University of Denmark (DTU) – DTU Bioengineering |
| Partner Institution | Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany |
| Research Project | Horizon Europe NEXTMARINE Project |
| Duration | 3 Years (Full-time) |
| Location | Søltofts Plads, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark |
| Job ID | 7933 |
| Application Deadline | September 16, 2026 (23:59 Danish Time) |
Research Area
- Advanced Enzyme Technology & Biotechnology
- Biocatalysis & Marine Biomass Valorization: Discovery, recombinant expression, kinetic characterization, and reaction optimization of microbial S1 sulfatases for seaweed polysaccharide modification.
Location
- Primary Workplace: DTU Bioengineering, Søltofts Plads, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark.
- Mobility / Exchange: Includes funded research stay(s) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany, under co-supervision by Prof. Volker Sieber.
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Academic Degree: A two-year Master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a closely related field.
- Key Competencies:
- Solid foundation in molecular biology related to enzyme production.
- Experience with protein/DNA construct design tools, protein engineering, and heterologous expression systems.
- Practical expertise in protein purification, enzyme assays, and enzyme kinetics.
- Experience or strong interest in structure-function relationships and computational enzyme discovery.
- Excellent English communication skills (both oral and written).
Scholarship Description & Benefits
- Salary & Terms: Full-time employment for 3 years based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).
- Research Environment: Access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure at DTU Bioengineering with an international, multidisciplinary research network.
- Academic Enrolment: Successful candidates will be enrolled in the Biotechnology PhD programme at the DTU Bioengineering PhD School.
- Supervision Team: Lead supervision by Prof. Anne S. Meyer and Dr. Lara Pfaff (DTU Bioengineering), with co-supervision by Prof. Volker Sieber (TUM).
How to Apply
- Visit the DTU recruitment portal for Job ID 7933: DTU Job Application Portal.
- Click Apply Now and upload the following documents as a single combined PDF (or as required):
- Cover Letter: Stating research interests and motivation.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Grade Transcripts & Diplomas: Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates including grade records.
- Brief Project Proposal/Summary: (if applicable or requested in the application form).
Last Date to Apply
- September 16, 2026 (23:59 Danish Time / CEST)
