DTU PhD Scholarship (BRIGHT), Denmark | Biosynthesis of De Novo Proteins & Peptides

Help develop biological alternatives to fluorinated polymers. This DTU PhD Scholarship at the Technical University of Denmark focuses on producing de novo designed proteins and peptides for PFAS-free biomaterials, using solid-state battery components as the first testbed. The project combines microbial biosynthesis, protein purification and collaboration with computational scientists and chemists.

  • Position: PhD Scholarship – Biosynthesis of De Novo Proteins and Peptides
  • Institution: Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
  • Research Institute: BRIGHT – The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition
  • Mission: Novel Biomanufacturing-Enabled Materials
  • Location: Søltofts Plads, Building 220, Kgs. Also, lyngby, Denmark
  • Job ID: 8595
  • Duration: Three years, full-time PhD employment
  • Application Deadline: 6 December 2026, 23:59 Danish time

About DTU and BRIGHT

Founded in 1829 by Hans Christian Ørsted, DTU is one of Europe’s leading technical universities. In addition, it has approximately 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students and 6,500 employees.

BRIGHT is a major Novo Nordisk Foundation initiative at DTU, accelerating biosolutions and the bio-based economy. Moreover, its research focuses on sustainable materials, microbial foods and microorganisms for net-zero agriculture.

DTU PhD Scholarship Job Description

This DTU PhD Scholarship project is part of a BRIGHT programme developing a platform for protein- and peptide-based biomaterials. Furthermore, its goal is to replace fluorinated PFAS polymers with de novo designed proteins and peptides.

You will produce canonical and non-canonical proteins and peptides, mainly through biosynthesis in microbial hosts, and prepare candidates for structural characterisation and materials testing. Also, working with computationalists and chemists, you will also help establish automated design-build-test-learn cycles.

DTU PhD Scholarship – Key Responsibilities

  • Express and prepare DNA-encoded protein and peptide libraries.
  • Produce designed molecules in microbial hosts.
  • Purify candidates and prepare them for characterisation and materials testing.
  • Contribute to algorithmically controlled stochastic synthesis and pooled testing.
  • Develop and optimise expression and synthesis workflows.
  • Manage strain, plasmid and building-block supplies.
  • Support parallelisation and automation of experimental workflows.
  • Publish findings, present at conferences and collaborate nationally and internationally.
  • Teach and supervise bachelor’s and master’s students.

Educational Requirements and Eligibility For DTU PhD Scholarship

Applicants should have:

  • An MSc in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related discipline, corresponding to a two-year master’s degree of 120 ECTS, or equivalent.
  • Hands-on experience in recombinant protein production in microbial hosts, including expression, purification and biochemical or biophysical characterisation.
  • Excellent English.
  • Careful, organised laboratory practices and effective teamwork skills.

You may apply before completing your master’s degree, but cannot start the position until the degree has been awarded. Appointment is subject to academic approval and enrolment in a DTU PhD programme.

Skills and Qualifications

The following would be advantageous:

  • De novo protein design tools such as RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN, LigandMPNN, RoseTTAFold or AlphaFold.
  • HPLC and mass spectrometry.
  • Non-canonical amino acid chemistry.
  • Experience working in integrated computational and wet-laboratory teams.

Employment and Research Environment

The position offers three years of full-time PhD employment. In addition, salary follows the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and DTU’s salary structure; a salary figure is not stated.

The project provides opportunities to work across biotechnology, chemistry, computational design and materials research, alongside publication, conference participation, teaching and supervision.

Salary and Benefits

For this DTU PhD Scholarship, salary follows the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and DTU’s salary structure. However, the listing does not state a salary figure.

How to Apply

Apply online through the official DTU listing by 6 December 2026 at 23:59 Danish time. Late applications will not be considered.

Upload one PDF in English containing:

  • Cover letter.
  • CV.
  • Grade transcripts and bachelor’s/master’s diplomas, including the grading scale.
  • One reference letter, with the referee’s contact details.

The posting notes that open-source background checks may be conducted in connection with export control.

Additional Information

  • Position Type: Full-time, three-year PhD employment
  • Start Date: 1 March 2027, or by agreement
  • Salary: According to the applicable collective agreement and DTU salary structure
  • Application Deadline: 6 December 2026 at 23:59 Danish time

For candidates experienced in microbial protein production, this DTU PhD Scholarship offers an opportunity to connect biosynthesis with sustainable materials development and help turn computationally designed molecules into experimentally tested biomaterials.

APPLY ONLINE HERE