PhD scholarship in machine learning for enzyme and process engineering

The Computational Protein Engineering (CPE) group at The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain) is developing novel methods to engineer proteins more effectively using state-of-the-art experimental and computational approaches. Our mission is to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to the most pressing issues facing our societies in terms of bioproduction and bioremediation. To support this goal, we are looking for a colleague who is independent, who thrives within an interdisciplinary environment at a world-class research centre, and who is highly motivated to move the area of enzyme engineering to the next level, while having a positive impact on our world. When joining our group, you get the opportunity to use the latest algorithms in machine learning for improving protein function, for instance, enzyme activity, selectivity, or stability, etc. We currently work with enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of natural products and biochemicals as well as in the breakdown of greenhouse gases including CO2 and CH4.

The PhD project is part of the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) doctoral network (DN) ELEGANCE (machinE LEarning for inteGrated multi-parAmetric eNzyme and bioproCess dEsign), and it will focus on:

• Engineering monooxygenases for enhanced activity, selectivity and stability
• Strain engineering for high-throughput screening of enzyme libraries
• Setting up analytics including HPLC, LC-MS and GC-MS
• Protein expression, purification and characterization using biochemical and biophysical assays
• Variant identification using next generation sequencing
• Applying machine learning-guided directed evolution to improve multiple enzyme properties
• Upscaling selected biotransformation reactions in collaboration with academic partners

Responsibilities and qualifications

Responsibilities:

• Combine enzyme and process engineering supported by machine learning as described above
• Participate in training events, workshops and secondments within MSCA doctoral network ELEGANCE
• Collaborate within the CPE research group and our local, national and international networks
• Report your research results in peer-review scientific publications and international conferences
• Disseminate your results through public engagement and social media
• Teach and supervise MSc and BSc students as well as research assistants

Qualifications:

• MSc in biotechnology, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, biophysics, or related area
• Experience with molecular biology and protein engineering
• Experience with assay development and enzyme kinetics
• Excellent English proficiency in written and oral form
• Excellent communication and social skills for working within an interdisciplinary research team
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work independently

Preferred qualifications but not mandatory:

• Experience with bioinformatics including NGS (Nanopore, Illumina, PacBio)
• Experience with automation and coding in Python or other programing languages
• Experience with protein software tools like AlphaFold3, Boltz2, PyMOL, Chimera, etc.
• Interest in advanced computational methods to improve and understand protein function
• Interest in entrepreneurship to make a positive impact on planetary and human health

You must have 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.

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 preferred starting date is 1st June 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Furthermore, the PhD salary will be based on the Marie S. Curie compensation scheme conditions and according to the grant agreement. The period of employment is 3 years. Based on seniority the candidate will receive a minimum of DKK 29.701,83 (base salary) and 1.551,00 (PhD supplement). In addition, DTU will also pay pension consisting of 18,07%. Finally, it is possible to apply for family allowance

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 

Further information may be obtained from Carlos Acevedo-Rocha: 

MSCA doctoral network ELEGANCE website:

Google Scholar profile:  

More information about DTU Biosustain: 

CPE group:

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar "PhD relocation 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 than 31 January :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.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Bioresearch Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT)
Recent progress in our ability to read and write genomic code, combined with advances in automation, analytics and data science, has fundamentally changed the scope and ambition of harnessing the potential of biological systems. Big data approaches and analysis of biological systems are key research instruments at the Center. DTU Biosustain utilizes these advances for microbial cell factory design to foster sustainable lifestyles in relation to three application areas: Sustainable Chemicals, Natural Products, and Microbial Foods. 

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.