PhD scholarship in microbial biotechnology and chemical ecology - DTU Bioengineering

We are looking for a candidate to join our cutting-edge efforts to bring more marine bacteria into culture and discover novel bioactive compounds. Bridging microfluidics and microbiology, you will have a unique opportunity to break new ground and make a difference.
If you are highly ambitious and passionate about science, and if you want to pursue a PhD degree at the interface between microbiology, biotechnology, chemical ecology, and engineering, we are offering a fully funded 3-year PhD scholarship in the Molecular Microbial Ecology (MME) group at the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering).

The ability to grow and manipulate microorganisms is the foundation of microbial biotechnology, yet we have only exploited a miniscule fraction of the microbial diversity on Earth as most microorganisms in nature are unculturable through conventional methodology. This cultivation barrier is a significant impediment to current bioprospecting efforts and its circumvention is essential to ensure a continuous supply of novel natural products to serve as e.g. antibiotics.

The scholarship is part of a project funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark, which aims to improve the culturability of microorganisms from marine microbiomes rich in natural products, such as marine sediments and host-associated microbiomes, through sophisticated microfluidic methodologies. With this PhD scholarship, you will have the opportunity to make a difference and break new ground in the pursuit of novel bacterial strains and metabolites for the benefit of humankind.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The main objective of the PhD project will be to obtain previously uncultured consortia of bacteria from marine microbiomes and obtain the metabolites they produce. To succeed, you will develop and apply state-of-the-art high-throughput cultivation and screening approaches and verify the bioactivity of the microbial strains and metabolites you discover.

As the ideal candidate you:

• Are a passionate scientist with an intrinsic motivation to do excellent science
• Have documented bioinformatics skills relevant to natural product/secondary metabolite research
• Are preferably experience with molecular microbiology or microbial ecology
• Are excited about miniaturization and fluidics
• Have strong technical, organizational, and writing skills

The project involves collaboration with other scientists from different research fields. It is essential that you have good communication skills in English and you are interested in many aspects of science and its applications. You should be able to work independently and contribute to a positive and inspirational work atmosphere.

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.

Assessment
The assessment of the applications will be made by Associate Professor Mikkel Bentzon-Tilia.

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.

Expected starting date: May 2025 or as soon as possible hereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Mikkel Bentzon-Tilia, [email protected]

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 24 February 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.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science industry and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus. You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.dtu.dk

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.

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