Marie-Curie PhD scholarship in Anaerobic Microbial Consortia – DTU Chemical Engineering

If you are establishing your career as a scientist and you are looking for the best possible foundation for fulfilling your dreams and ambitions, it is right here in front of you. At DTU Chemical Engineering you will break new ground at the absolute forefront of what is possible in the area of anaerobic microbiology and biotechnology.

Job summary
Through the support by the MSCA Doctoral Network project "Leveraging Anaerobic Digestion through environmental stresses (LeAD)", the hired PhD Scholar will focus on anaerobic microbiome, microbial ecology, microbial interactions for biotechnological applications aiming at valorization of biowastes. The proposed research title is "Construction of microbial consortia based on genetic information", and the aim is to develop a platform for constructing microbial associations (consortia) based on genetic information of the involved microorganisms to be used for efficient mixed culture fermentations.

The position is for an MSc student with the following qualifications:

• Must hold an MSc degree in areas such as Microbiology/Biochemistry/ Bioinformatics, Bioengineering, or other relevant to this position.
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Able to work both independently and in a team

Some of the following qualifications are optionally wished:

• Experience with bioinformatic tools
• Experience with working in microbiology of anaerobes
• Experience in flux balance analysis of biological processes
• Experience in process design using constructed microbial consortia for biotechnological applications
• Experience in kinetics, fermentations.
• Strong writing and communication skills
• An advantage would be authorship in high impact articles
• Collaborative international experience

The successful candidates will join an innovative, collaborative, international and multidisciplinary team. The group works on both fundamental understanding but also development and validation of new technologies based on the use of microorganisms as tools to valorise organic wastes and wastewaters into useful bioproducts, biofuels and bioenergy. One of our important values is cooperation, and we believe that we can reach world-class results together.

You will be involved in strengthening the Bioconversions group competences within anaerobic mixed cultures design, bioprocess modelling and valorisation. You will work with nearby colleagues, and with both academic and industrial partners in Denmark as well as abroad.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your primary tasks will be to:

• Design and perform experimental work at high level
• Data analysis, modeling interpretations, scientific papers writing
• Follow PhD courses for 30 ECTS points
• Present research findings in scientific papers, conferences, public domain and other outreach activities
• Collaborate with the other PhD students in the MSCA project
• Finalize a PhD study

Eligibility
The Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering invites applications for MSCA financed project. According to the (MSCA DN Mobility Rule) Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment. The candidates must have a two-years MSc degree after the BSc degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Scholarship
The scholarship is given according to The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks Programme PhD rules.

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 DTU's 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. Starting date is 1 September 2025 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 April 2025 (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 master's 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.