PhD scholarship in microbial biotechnology: The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is offering a fully-funded, 3-year PhD scholarship in Microbial Biotechnology and Chemical Ecology at the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering). This interdisciplinary project focuses on advancing the cultivation and exploration of marine microorganisms for the discovery of novel bacteria and their valuable metabolites, which may have applications such as antibiotic production.
PhD SCHOLARSHIP IN MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY AND CHEMICAL ECOLOGY – DTU BIOENGINEERING
Designation:
PhD Scholar
Details:
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Institution | Technical University of Denmark (DTU) |
| Department | Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Funding | Fully-funded PhD scholarship |
| Starting Date | May 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter |
Research Area:
The PhD scholarship lies at the intersection of several fields:
- Microbial Biotechnology
- Chemical Ecology
- Microbiology
- Engineering and Bioprospecting
The focus is on enhancing the cultivation of challenging microorganisms from marine microbiomes, utilizing advanced microfluidic techniques to discover novel metabolites.
Location:
DTU Bioengineering, Søltofts Plads, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
Eligibility/Qualifications:
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A two-year Master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent academic level in a relevant field.
- Documented bioinformatics skills, particularly for research in natural products and secondary metabolism.
- Preferred experience in molecular microbiology or microbial ecology.
- Interest in miniaturization and fluidic technologies.
- Strong skills in technical tasks, organization, and academic writing.
- Proficiency in English and willingness to collaborate across scientific disciplines.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while fostering a positive work environment.
Description:
The project focuses on overcoming the cultivation barrier in marine microbiomes to discover beneficial bacteria strains and metabolites. This involves:
- Development and implementation of advanced high-throughput cultivation and screening methodologies.
- Extraction and verification of bioactivity from newly identified metabolites.
- Applying innovative techniques in fluidics and miniaturization for microorganism cultivation.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to maximize scientific impact.
DTU offers an international, dynamic research environment that encourages academic freedom, innovation, and collaboration. The selected scholar will be enrolled in DTU’s PhD program and supervised by Associate Professor Mikkel Bentzon-Tilia.
How to Apply:
To apply for the scholarship:
- Submit your application as one PDF file containing:
- A cover letter motivating your application.
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English), including a description of the grading scale.
- Applications must be completed using the “Apply Now” link on the DTU Career site.
Note: Applications can be submitted before obtaining a Master’s degree, but the degree must be completed before starting the PhD.
Additional support regarding relocation and practical matters is available for international candidates, including monthly seminars about working and living in Denmark.
Deadline:
The last date to apply is 24 February 2025 (23:59 Danish time).
This PhD offers an unparalleled opportunity to break new ground in microbial research, contributing to impactful discoveries with global benefits. Apply now and be part of cutting-edge innovations in biotechnology!
