Summary: This PhD scholarship offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of tomorrow’s food fermentation technology. The project focuses on harnessing microorganisms for the sustainable production of nutritious fermented foods, in collaboration with a world-leading expert in Metabolic Engineering from KAIST, South Korea.
PhD Scholarship in Microbial Biotechnology at DTU Food Institute
Designation: PhD Scholar
Research Area: Microbial Biotechnology, Metabolic Engineering, Food Fermentation Technology, Genetic Engineering
Location: Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Eligibility/Qualification:
- A two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.
- Extensive experience with microbiology and metabolic engineering is required.
- Experience with genetic engineering is a prerequisite.
- Experience with fermentation, including the use of bioreactors, is expected.
- A publication record is considered an advantage.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will be responsible for optimizing selected food-grade microorganisms using both natural and genetic engineering approaches. This will involve guiding and elucidating the effect of introduced mutations. Key activities include:
- Optimizing food-approved microorganisms through classical mutagenesis/screening and adaptive evolution.
- Utilizing genetic engineering for guidance and understanding mutation effects.
- Conducting fermentation processes, potentially using bioreactors.
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online as a single PDF file containing all materials in English. The PDF file should include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter).
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English), including an official description of the grading scale.
- A reference.
Last Date for Apply: June 11, 2026 (23:59 Danish time)
Additional Information:
- The scholarship is for a 3-year full-time position.
- Appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.
- The scholarship is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in a general degree program at DTU.
- Assessment will be conducted by Associate Professor Christian Solem based on previous performance and an interview.
- DTU offers a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment known for its research excellence.
- Information regarding working in Denmark and at DTU for international applicants is available, including a monthly free seminar on relocation.
- Background checks may be conducted due to the nature of critical technology research.
