The posting
Job Description
This PhD project is part of a BRIGHT programme developing a general platform for the design of protein- and peptide-based biomaterials, with solid-state battery components as its first testbed. Our goal is to replace fluorinated PFAS polymers with de novo designed proteins and peptides.
You will make the molecules the programme designs, producing canonical and non-canonical proteins and peptides mainly by biosynthesis in microbial hosts and preparing them for structural characterisation and materials testing. You will work closely with computationalists and chemists to translate de novo generated designs out of the computer into the laboratory, synthesising and expressing DNA-encoded protein and peptide libraries. You will work with the characterization team to develop protocols and automated laboratory systems to execute rapid design-build-test-learn cycles, providing information-dense laboratory feedback to improve the generative models and designs.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Responsibilities:
- Take de novo designs into the laboratory by expressing and preparing DNA-encoded protein and peptide libraries
- Produce designed canonical and non-canonical proteins and peptides by biosynthesis in microbial hosts
- Purify and prepare candidates for structural characterisation and materials testing
- Work closely with computational researchers to deploy new methods for algorithmically-controlled stochastic synthesis and pooled testing (information dense synthesis)
- Develop and optimise expression and synthesis workflows, and manage strain, plasmid and building-block supplies
- Develop parallelisation and automation strategies to scale up the design-build-test-learn cycle
- Report your research results in peer-reviewed scientific publications and international conferences
- Collaborate within the research group and our local, national and international networks
- Teach and supervise MSc and BSc students as well as research assistants
Qualifications:
- MSc in biotechnology, biochemistry, chemistry or a related area
- Hands-on experience with recombinant protein production in microbial hosts including expression and purification as well as biochemical and biophysical characterisation
- Excellent English proficiency in written and oral form
- Careful and organised laboratory practice and good teamwork
Preferred qualifications but not mandatory:
- Experience with computational tools for de novo protein design including RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN, LigandMPNN, RoseTTAFold, AlphaFold, etc.
- Experience with analytical methods including HPLC and mass spectrometry
- Experience with non-canonical amino acid chemistry
- Experience working in integrated computational and wet-lab teams
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 appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures
The starting date is 1 March 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position. The period of employment is 3 years.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Carlos Acevedo-Rocha: [email protected]
You can read more about BRIGHT at https://bright.dtu.dk/
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 6 December 2026 (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
- One letter of reference, with referee’s email and phone number
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.
BRIGHT Mission 1: Biomaterials This position is part of BRIGHT's mission-oriented Novel Biomanufacturing-Enabled Materials research programme, referred to as Mission 1A, which aims to create new classes of PFAS-free biomaterials through biotechnology. The mission's current focus are proteinaceous materials with defined composition, programmable chemistry and controlled assembly as sustainable alternatives to persistent, fluorinated materials. The scientific scope spans AI-guided protein and peptide design, microbial engineering, non-canonical amino acid biosynthesis and incorporation, cell-free prototyping, fermentation, purification, materials processing, analytical quality control and structure-function characterization. The programme focuses on building an integrated pipeline from molecular design to scalable biomanufacturing and material testing, with explicit attention to manufacturability, cost, sustainability and industrial translation. Batteries provide the first proof-of-concept application, because PFAS-containing materials are currently used in several battery components and because this sector imposes strict requirements for stability, processability and performance. The broader ambition is to establish a versatile biomanufacturing platform for advanced PFAS-free materials with future relevance across energy technologies, coatings, electronics and other high-value applications.
BRIGHT – The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) is a major initiative based at DTU that aims to accelerate the development of biosolutions and strengthen the bio-based economy. BRIGHT serves as a hub for academic and industrial partners working together to unlock the potential of bioproduction. BRIGHT focuses on three main areas: Sustainable materials (Developing bio-based alternatives to fossil-derived materials), Microbial foods (Innovating food production through microbial technologies), and Microorganisms for net-zero agriculture (Creating solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture). The goal is to develop and scale innovative biosolutions within these areas, ultimately creating sustainable and competitive alternatives to fossil-based products and processes that can make significant contributions to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.
DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829 DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.
