Do you love fermentation and food innovation? Do you want to contribute to more sustainable, resilient and just food systems? Are you interested in traditional food fermentation and would like to build innovation on traditional and ecological knowledge?

Then join us in the Fermentation Cultures group at DTU BRIGHT, where we study fermented foods as living biocultural systems at the intersection of microbial life and human culture. Combining microbiology, mycology, ecology, evolution and genomics, we investigate the origins and evolution of food microorganisms, their interactions within fermented food ecosystems, and the genetic and ecological drivers of flavour, texture, and functionality. By using fermented food communities as model systems, we address fundamental questions in ecology and evolution while developing novel starter cultures, fermentation processes, and food innovations that support the green transition and more sustainable, healthy, and resilient food systems.

In this specific project we aim to develop a local caffeine-free coffee alternative by applying knowledge form traditional coffee fermentation on a local waste stream currently used dried as coffee alternative but lacking flavour complexity of fruity and sour notes that can only be added through fermentation. The project will screen different substrate combinations to match the organoleptic properties of coffee, develop a new caffeine-free prototype guided through genome-scale metabolic models developed at Cambridge University with Prof. Kiran Patil. The resulting prototype will be studied to further refine the model but also to assess its microbial composition, assess food safety, its flavour profile via metabolomics and sensory analysis and scalability potential.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As a PhD candidate, you will take a leading role in driving the scientific progress of the project. You will be responsible for planning, designing, and executing experiments, coordinating activities with collaborators within the group as well as external partners, and ensuring the timely progression of the research.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Deep scientific understanding of the field and all relevant literature
• Playful experimentation with culinary product development
• Designing and execution of experiments on characterizing the ferments metagenomics, metabolomics, sensory analysis
• Bioinformatic analysis, data integration and statistical analysis
• Visualizing results and communicating findings to diverse scientific audiences
• Publishing research findings in international journals
• Presenting your work at international conferences and scientific meetings
• Collaborating closely with researchers across disciplines and contributing to an open, collaborative research culture

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious candidate who thrives in a dynamic research environment and is excited by the opportunity to work transdisciplinary at the intersection of ethnography, gastronomic craft and microbiology.

The ideal candidate has:

• Experience in microbiology
• Experience in microbial food innovation
• Some experience in food fermentation and product development
• Some experience in generating and analysing metagenomic and metabolomic data
• A strong interest in sustainable food systems, food fermentation and microbial ecology

In addition, you:

• Demonstrate a high level of motivation, curiosity, and scientific integrity
• Are able to work independently and take ownership of your research
• Take a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and solving problems
• Learn quickly and adapt effectively to new methods and challenges
• Have strong communication skills, including scientific writing and oral presentations in English
• Enjoy working in collaborative and interdisciplinary teams
• Be comfortable in an interdisciplinary environment, where different types of knowledge co-exist
• Are open to and interested in different cultures
• Are organized, structured, and committed to maintaining high-quality documentation and reproducible research practices
• Be patient, charitable, curious and playful - key qualities for interdisciplinary work

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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

The preferred start date is 01.01.2027.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information please contact group leader and senior researcher Leonie Johanna Jahn at lejj@dtu.dk

You can read more about BRIGHT below, and at www.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 27 August 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 identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, color, religion, neurodiversity, national origin 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 Fermentation Cultures group
The Fermentation Cultures group investigates fermented foods as complex microbial ecosystems and as a foundation for developing sustainable foods for the green transition. By combining traditional fermentation practices with ecological and evolutionary perspectives, we draw on both traditional and scientific knowledge to create novel fermented foods and food processes. Our research explores how microbial diversity, genetics, and ecological interactions shape the flavour, texture, functionality, and stability of fermented foods, while also examining the origins of fermentation microorganisms and their co-evolution with human societies and food cultures. Using fermented foods as model systems, we address fundamental questions about microbial ecology, evolution, and host–microbe interactions, including how microbes interact with one another and communicate with humans through the production and perception of flavour.

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.

Are you passionate about science and developing and applying machine learning (ML) methodology to study the immune system and associated autoimmune disease states and mechanisms?

Then you may be the perfect candidate for this fully funded PhD Scholarship!

The Computational Autoimmunity group at the Technical University of Denmark, is looking for a highly motivated computational scientist with a strong foundation in bioinformatics and advanced ML. This PhD position offers the opportunity to push the boundaries of our understanding of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) using ML driven immune modelling in a close clinical collaboration with the leading hospital in Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet. You will gain invaluable experience in augmenting and combining your technical skillset with concrete real-world application to patient data aiming to better the life of patients for the benefit of society.

Research focus, Responsibilities and Qualifications
Your focus will be on developing and applying machine learning methods to study immune mechanisms in Type 1 Diabetes. Specifically, you will investigate disease-relevant spatial organisation of immune cells in patient samples and develop computational approaches for identifying T-cell receptor (TCR) sequence and repertoire patterns associated with disease.

The project combines large-scale public immune repertoire data with spatial transcriptomics data generated in close collaboration with Rigshospitalet. A central ambition is to bridge immune repertoire analysis and spatial transcriptomics, linking TCR-level molecular patterns with spatially resolved tissue context. The project is therefore methodologically driven, while embedded in a translational research setting with direct relevance to autoimmune disease biology.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Develop, benchmark, and apply ML methodology for pattern recognition in immune repertoire and spatial transcriptomics data
• Integrate heterogeneous public and project-specific datasets
• Interpreting computational results in close collaboration with clinical partners
• Communice findings through scientific publications and presentations at international conferences

Required qualifications
You must have:

• A two-year Master’s degree (120 ECTS) in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, applied mathematics, or a closely related field
• Strong passion for science and expanding human knowledge through research to make a difference
• Strong programming skills in R and/or Python
• Experience with machine learning and statistics
• Experience working with biological sequence and omics data
• Excellent written and spoken English

Even if you do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply if you believe your skills and experience are a strong match for the role.

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 applicants will be made by an assessment committee chaired by Associate Professor Leon Eyrich Jessen, PhD, Section for Bioinformatics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark.

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 as soon as possible.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Leon Eyrich Jessen at ljess@dtu.dk.

You can read more about the Section for Bioinformatics here.

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 Monday, 31 August 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
• Code repository (e.g., GitHub) or other documentation of programming projects, if available

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be conducted before the application deadline.

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.

DTU Health Tech
With a vision to improve health and quality of life through technology, DTU Health Tech engages in research, education, and innovation based on technical and natural science. We educate tomorrow’s health tech engineers and create the foundation for new and innovative services and technologies for the globally expanding healthcare sector with its demands for the most advanced technological solutions. DTU Health Tech’s expertise can be described through five overall research areas: Diagnostic Imaging, Digital Health, Personalised Therapy, Precision Diagnostics, and Sensory and Neural Technology. Our technologies and solutions are developed with the aim of benefiting people and creating value for society. The department has a scientific staff of about 210 persons, 140 PhD Students, and a technical/administrative support staff of about 100 persons of which a large majority contributes to our research infrastructure and related commercial activities.

The Section for Bioinformatics at DTU Health Tech develops computational methods and software for biological and biomedical research. Our research spans immunoinformatics, machine learning, systems biology, and translational data science, with strong collaborations across academia and clinical environments, both nationally and internationally.

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.

DTU Nanolab offers a truly unique opportunity, we are seeking a Head of Thin Film Processing, a position that has not been open for more than 20 years.

At DTU Nanolab we operate at the intersection of academia and industry, creating a unique environment for research, innovation and collaboration. Being Head of Thin Film Processing offers a rare chance to step into a central role within one of Denmark’s most advanced research and technology facilities.

We are looking for an experienced nanofabrication manager who can lead a team of highly experienced process specialists while advancing state-of-the-art technologies and driving the development and optimization of new process flows.

The role demands strong technological insight, solid leadership capabilities, and the ability to navigate a complex and ambitious professional environment. In return, we offer a position with significant influence, where you will help shape the future of nanotechnology.

Job content
As the Head of Thin Film Processing, you will be overall responsible for processes and tools related to plasma etch and deposition of materials. This includes but is not limited to ICP and RIE etchers, PECVD, LPCVD and PVD as well as ALD and relevant in-line characterization equipment (SEM, AFM, XRD, XPS, ellipsometry). You will interact with and advise both academic and industrial users, you will identify needs and participate in the procurement of new equipment and be responsible for processes and material cross-contamination rules related to new and existing tools. In this role, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for a team of highly experienced process specialists, while contributing as an active member of DTU Nanolab’s core management team. We foster a supportive and collaborative working environment with a strong team spirit, and expect you to lead with curiosity, pragmatism, and a solution-oriented mindset.

Furthermore, you will take part in projects that will expand DTU Nanolab’s technological capabilities and expertise in close interaction with research groups and other academic and industrial collaborators. Additionally, you will play a significant part in DTU Nanolab’s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration across the Nordic countries and EU, within for example: EuroNanoLab, Nordic Nanolab Network or EU Chips Joint Undertaking efforts.

Qualifications
You must have a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. degree within a relevant field, such as Micro/Nanofabrication, Physics, Microelectronics, or similar. Industrial experience is a distinct advantage.

We expect you to have:

• At least 10 years of experience within cleanroom fabrication related to etch and deposition of various materials.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with both academic and commercial users
• Broad knowledge of nano-fabrication methods such as lithography (UV, DUV, e-beam), wet chemical etching, dry etching, thin film deposition and process characterization, backend and packaging on a wafer level scale.
• In depth knowledge of plasma processes for deposition and etching of materials (ICP, RIE, PECVD, LPCVD, PEALD and sputter).
• In depth knowledge of non-plasma processes (anneal, oxidation, diffusion doping, RTP, ALD, thermal and e-beam PVD).
• Several years of experience with process development including process yield and process windows.
• A broad understanding of the micro- and nanofabrication industry and an in depth understanding of its requirements, challenges and timelines.
• Deep knowledge of common semiconductor materials like silicon, various oxides and metals.
• Experience and understanding regarding cleanroom, chemical and electrical safety.
• Proven leadership experience, including responsibility for leading highly skilled technical staff.
• Fluency in English - both spoken l and written, preferably also Danish but at least an interest and ambition to learn Danish.

Furthermore, it is desirable that you:

• Are communicative, proactive and curious.
• Are self-driven and team oriented.
• Have the ability to inspire and engage others.
• Have a wholehearted enthusiasm for semiconductor fabrication technology.
• Have several years of relevant industrial experience.

At DTU Nanolab, safety is a top priority, and we are looking for candidates who can thrive in a highly safety-conscious environment and meet the following physical and mental requirements:

• Is able to work in an environment where it can be necessary to wear specialized safety and protective equipment.
• Is able to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations, including evacuation in case of alarms.
• Is able to perform tasks that require work while standing up and mobility for longer periods.
• Is mentally able to handle work with potentially hazardous chemicals and gases in accordance with our mandatory safety procedures.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for academic staff employed in technical-administrative positions at DTU (AC TAP): www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

The position is a full-time position. Starting as early as possible with respect to mutual agreement.

As Head of Thin Film Processing, you will directly report to the Director of DTU Nanolab.

The workplace is DTU Lyngby Campus, located approximately 10 km north of Copenhagen.

Application and contact
Please submit your online application no later than 20 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Open the “Apply now” link, fill out the form and attach your motivated application, CV and exam certificates.

If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Jörg Hübner, Director, jhub@dtu.dk or +45 2278 5157.

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.

DTU Nanolab is a common infrastructure and research facility located at and fully owned by the Technical University of Denmark, DTU. The core facilities consist of a large cleanroom and a state-of-the-art electron microscopy center. The research activities carried out at DTU Nanolab span from nano- and microfabrication with Silicon-based materials, carbon and polymers to the highly sophisticated analysis of nanoscale materials in hard and soft matter.

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.

Are you motivated to develop advanced modelling tools for the green transition of one of the world’s most CO₂-intensive industries?

This PhD position offers an opportunity to work at the interface of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), high-temperature process engineering, carbon capture, and sustainability analysis for cement production.

You will contribute to the INNO-CCUS-funded CAP-FLEX project, which aims to develop a novel calcination technology that can be integrated into existing cement plants to produce a concentrated CO₂ stream from cement raw meal. The technology builds on the pulse-fluidized FUELFLEX(r) Pyrolyser developed by Fuller Technologies and combines flexible heat input from electric heating and oxyfuel combustion.

The PhD project is a collaboration between DTU Chemical Engineering, DTU Sustain, Fuller Technologies, and other project partners. It covers two connected modelling tracks: CFD/process modelling anchored at DTU Chemical Engineering and system/sustainability modelling in collaboration with DTU Sustain. The CFD model will describe gas–solid flow, heat transfer, combustion, and calcination, while the system model will assess environmental, economic, and societal implications.

You will develop and validate CFD and engineering models using experimental, pilot-scale, and industrial data generated in the project. You will also be involved in data collection and analysis. The models will support process design, operation, optimization, and scale-up of the calcination technology, and contribute to life cycle assessment, techno-economic assessment, and broader system analysis.

You will join an interdisciplinary and industry-oriented research environment with close interaction between academic and industrial partners. The project combines fundamental modelling, experimental validation, sustainability assessment, and industrial scale-up, giving you a strong platform to develop scientific and applied competences in sustainable high-temperature processes, carbon capture technologies, and system analysis for the green transition.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall responsibility will be to develop CFD and system modelling tools to support the design, optimization, scale-up, and sustainability assessment of a novel calcination technology for CO₂ capture in cement production.

Your primary tasks will include:

• Develop and validate CFD models for gas–solid flow, heat transfer, oxyfuel combustion, electric heating, and calcination
• Use CFD and engineering models to analyze key process parameters and support process design, operation, optimization, and scale-up
• Contribute to system-level assessment of the technology, including life cycle assessment, techno-economic assessment, and sustainability analysis
• Publish results in scientific journals and present your work at project meetings and international conferences

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a background in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, energy engineering, process engineering or a related field.

Experience with one or more of the following areas will be an advantage:

• CFD modelling of multiphase reactive flows
• High-temperature processes, combustion, calcination, cement production, or carbon capture
• Life cycle assessment, techno-economic assessment, system analysis, or sustainability assessment

You should be able to work independently and collaborate effectively with academic and industrial partners. Good written and spoken English skills are required.

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 applicants will be made by Prof. Hao Wu from DTU Chemical Engineering and Associate Professor Daniel Fozer from DTU Sustain.

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: 1 October 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Hao Wu (haw@kt.dtu.dk) and Associate Professor Daniel Fozer (danfo@dtu.dk).

You can read more about DTU Chemical Engineering at www.kt.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 15 August 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

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 Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at DTU is a leader in innovative teaching and research, built on core technical subjects and engineering scientific disciplines. The teaching and research cover separation processes, bioprocesses, bioengineering, bioconversions, reaction engineering, dynamics and process regulation, process and facility planning, unit operations, a.o. The Department enjoys very close relations with international partners, and especially a wide range of industrial companies.

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.

The Center for Nanophotonics (NanoPhoton) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) conducts cutting-edge fundamental research on semiconductor nanocavities that confine light to dimensions far below the wavelength. Until recently, such extreme light localization was considered impossible, yet it now enables access to regimes of strong light–matter interaction. This opens exciting new opportunities in quantum and information technologies while advancing fundamental science. We refer to this emerging research area as Extreme Dielectric Confinement (EDC), and we invite you to become part of the team shaping this field.

NanoPhoton is an interdisciplinary research center that brings together several departments at DTU and is supported by a Center grant from the Danish National Research Foundation. It offers a highly collaborative and international research environment at the forefront of nanophotonics.

We are now seeking a highly motivated PhD student with strong academic records who is eager to contribute to this rapidly developing field. We welcome applicants with backgrounds or/and interests in areas such as nanofabrication, epitaxy, laser physics, integrated photonics, condensed matter physics, and nanoscopy.

If you are passionate about advancing nanophotonics through cutting-edge research, we warmly encourage you to apply. In this call, we are particularly recruiting PhD candidates for the following research topic:

• Epitaxy and nanofabrication of III-V semiconductor emitters in nanocavities
  The goal of this project is to realize extremely small, precisely engineered active regions for nanophotonic devices. This will be achieved by studying semiconductor growth in narrow three-dimensional dielectric templates, including low-dimensional gain materials and tailored doping strategies. The results will enable electrically driven nanolasers and nano-LEDs based on extreme dielectric confinement (EDC), where tiny III–V heterostructures are integrated into silicon nanocavities at optical field maxima.

As a PhD student at NanoPhoton, you will become part of a vibrant and ambitious research environment, working alongside talented graduate students, postdocs, senior scientists, and professors. At DTU, you will have access to state-of-the-art optical laboratories and world-class cleanroom facilities, providing an exceptional setting for cutting-edge research.

You will be immersed in an interdisciplinary community, with opportunities to collaborate and exchange ideas with researchers across a broad range of scientific fields. The center brings together scholars from many nationalities and cultural backgrounds, creating a truly international environment. We are committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and trust-based atmosphere where curiosity thrives, new ideas are encouraged, and innovative collaborations naturally emerge.

Qualifications
Candidates should have a relevant master’s degree.

We are looking for motivated and ambitious PhD students with a strong background in physics or engineering and with an interest in nanofabrication, epitaxy, laser physics, integrated photonics, condensed matter physics, and nanoscopy.

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 scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates 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 candidates will be made by Professor Elizaveta Semenova, Professor Kresten Yvind and Professor Jesper Mørk.

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. The starting date is 1 October 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, and the position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from the NanoPhoton Center Leader Prof. Jesper Mørk, jesm@dtu.dk, and co-PI Prof. Elizaveta Semenova, esem@dtu.dk.

You can read more about NanoPhoton at www.nanophoton.dk and DTU Electro at www.electro.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 10 August 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

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 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.

DTU Electro
DTU Electro employs more than 300 skilled researchers with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. As a department, we strive towards creating sustainable energy and a greener internet, as well as strengthening cyber security and health technology. Working with industry and public organizations is one of our top priorities to find and implement new solutions to our society. We aim to offer education, research, and innovation of the highest standard, and our focus on application-oriented research enables us to work across many engineering disciplines and research areas, such as IT and the medical and health sciences. We have a close collaboration with researchers from all over the world, just as we collaborate with industry and public authorities about the dissemination of solutions based on electrical and photonics engineering as their key enabling technologies.

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.

If you are curious about the fundamental physiology of microbial metabolism and excited by the prospect of pushing microorganisms to their biochemical limits, this is your opportunity. At DTU, you will investigate how microbial cells can be empowered to assimilate acetate more efficiently by supplying external reducing power — contributing to a deeper understanding of microbial physiology while helping unlock the potential of Power-to-X feedstocks for sustainable bioproduction.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Acetate is a promising CO₂-derived P2X feedstock, but its assimilation is energetically costly for microbial cells. In this project, you will investigate whether co-feeding reduced C1 compounds such as methanol can relieve these redox constraints and push the carbon-efficiency limits of acetate assimilation — using a genetically tractable model bacterium that naturally encodes the relevant metabolic pathways. Specifically, you will:

• Establish and characterize stable acetate–C1 co-utilization phenotypes using adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) and/or targeted metabolic engineering
• Quantify carbon yields and biomass during co-utilization and validate stoichiometric predictions of carbon retention across different acetate assimilation pathways
• Map physiological trade-offs and substrate partitioning across acetate:C1 ratios using high-throughput cultivation systems, ¹³C-labelling, and metabolite quantification
• Investigate how the redox entry point of C1 oxidation controls carbon assimilation flux and retention efficiency
• Apply transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to identify the regulatory and metabolic adaptations enabling efficient redox balancing between substrates of distinct reduction states
• Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent. The ideal candidate has:

• A MSc in microbiology, biochemistry, microbial physiology, or a related field
• A strong foundation in microbial physiology and intermediary metabolism
• Hands-on experience with microbial cultivation, including anaerobic or microaerobic techniques
• Experience with analytical methods for metabolite and substrate quantification (e.g. GC-FID, LC-MS, ¹³C-labelling)
• Familiarity with molecular biology and basic genetic engineering in bacteria
• Curiosity, scientific rigour, and genuine enthusiasm for fundamental physiological questions
• A collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills in English

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
Candidates will be assessed on the basis of their academic background in microbial physiology and metabolism, their hands-on laboratory experience, and their motivation for fundamental physiological research. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a formal interview with the principal supervisor and the co-supervisor.

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 January 1st, 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Enrico Orsi (enricoo@dtu.dk) or co-supervisor Ruud Weusthuis (ruud.weusthuis@wur.nl), Wageningen University and Research.

You can read more about us at www.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 3 August 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

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 – Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) is a flagship initiative hosted at DTU, one of the world's top 5 universities in biotechnology research and innovation. BRIGHT connects and amplifies biotechnology and bioproduction research, innovation, and education across the entire value chain — from bold ideas in the lab to real-world implementation in industry. Focused on three missions — sustainable materials, microbial foods, and microorganisms for net-zero agriculture — BRIGHT aims to accelerate the development of scalable biosolutions for Europe and beyond, guiding the way towards a more sustainable, circular, and competitive bioeconomy.

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.

Are you fascinated by traditional cultural practices? Do you enjoy making and eating fermented foods? Are you dreaming of contributing to more sustainable, healthy and democratic food systems?

Then join us in the Fermentation Cultures group at DTU BRIGHT, where we study fermented foods as living biocultural systems at the intersection of microbial life and human culture. Combining microbiology, mycology, ecology, evolution and genomics, we investigate the origins and evolution of food microorganisms, their interactions within fermented food ecosystems, and the genetic and ecological drivers of flavour, texture, and functionality. By using fermented food communities as model systems, we address fundamental questions in ecology and evolution while developing novel starter cultures, fermentation processes, and food innovations that support the green transition and more sustainable, healthy, and resilient food systems.

In this specific project we aim to revive a traditional dairy fermentation practice form Scandinavia, where the insect eating plant common butterwort was used to initiate milk coagulation and dairy fermentation. We aim to study the contributions of proteases, microorganisms and potentially additional factors (such as pH or antimicrobial properties) of the plant to the fermentation process and test of it can be translated to plant-based dairy innovation. This part of the project will focus on a local traditional fermentation practice and potential novel applications for it for sustainability while another part of the project will be carried out in collaboration with the University of Nairobi also looking at a local traditional fermented food where we aim to map the origins of fermentation microorganisms and how they might be transmitted to humans upon consumption, thereby looking on the role of traditional fermented foods in human health and nutrition.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As a PhD candidate, you will take a leading role in driving the scientific progress of the project. You will be responsible for planning, designing, and executing experiments, coordinating activities with collaborators within the group as well as external partners, and ensuring the timely progression of the research.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Deep scientific understanding of the field and all relevant literature
• Designing and conducting ethnographic and/or historic research on traditional fermentation practice
• Playful experimentation with culinary product development
• Designing and execution of experiments on characterising the ferments and plant contributions such as metagenomics, metabolomics, rheology, proteomics, enzymatic and MIC assays
• Bioinformatic analysis, data integration and statistical analysis
• Visualizing results and communicating findings to diverse scientific audiences
• Publishing research findings in international journals
• Presenting your work at international conferences and scientific meetings
• External research stay at the University of Nairobi
• Public engagement and science communication
• Collaborating closely with researchers across disciplines and contributing to an open, collaborative research culture

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious candidate who thrives in a dynamic research environment and is excited by the opportunity to work transdisciplinary at the intersection of ethnography, gastronomic craft and microbiology.

The ideal candidate has:

• Hands-on experience in dairy or plant-based dairy fermentation
• Experience or interest in ethnographic research
• Some experience in generating and analysing metagenomic and metabolomic data
• A strong interest in traditional food fermentation, food culture and microbial ecology

In addition, you:

• Demonstrate a high level of motivation, curiosity, and scientific integrity
• Are able to work independently and take ownership of your research
• Take a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and solving problems
• Learn quickly and adapt effectively to new methods and challenges
• Have strong communication skills, including scientific writing and oral presentations in English
• Enjoy working in collaborative and interdisciplinary teams
• Be comfortable in an interdisciplinary environment, where different types of knowledge co-exist
• Are open to and interested in different cultures
• Are organized, structured, and committed to maintaining high-quality documentation and reproducible research practices
• Be patient, charitable, curious and playful - key qualities for interdisciplinary work

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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

The preferred start date is 01.11.2026.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information please contact group leader and senior researcher Leonie Johanna Jahn at lejj@dtu.dk

You can read more about BRIGHT below, and at www.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 27 August 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 identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, color, religion, neurodiversity, national origin 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 Fermentation Cultures group
The Fermentation Cultures group investigates fermented foods as complex microbial ecosystems and as a foundation for developing sustainable foods for the green transition. By combining traditional fermentation practices with ecological and evolutionary perspectives, we draw on both traditional and scientific knowledge to create novel fermented foods and food processes. Our research explores how microbial diversity, genetics, and ecological interactions shape the flavour, texture, functionality, and stability of fermented foods, while also examining the origins of fermentation microorganisms and their co-evolution with human societies and food cultures. Using fermented foods as model systems, we address fundamental questions about microbial ecology, evolution, and host–microbe interactions, including how microbes interact with one another and communicate with humans through the production and perception of flavour.

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.

Are you interested in traditional food fermentation practices? Do you love coffee? Do you want to know how the microbial ecology of coffee fermentation contributes to its unique flavours? Do you want to know where the microorganisms in traditional coffee fermentation originate from?

Then join us in the Fermentation Cultures group at DTU BRIGHT, where we study fermented foods as living biocultural systems at the intersection of microbial life and human culture. Combining microbiology, mycology, ecology, evolution and genomics, we investigate the origins and evolution of food microorganisms, their interactions within fermented food ecosystems, and the genetic and ecological drivers of flavour, texture, and functionality. By using fermented food communities as model systems, we address fundamental questions in ecology and evolution while developing novel starter cultures, fermentation processes, and food innovations that support the green transition and more sustainable, healthy, and resilient food systems.

In this specific project we aim to study traditional coffee fermentation and the microbial ecology underlaying the flavour formation. We ask where the microorganisms come from and how the communities assemble and interact and how these interactions result in flavours that can be perceived by humans. To study this we will combine ethnographic research and systems biology also in collaboration with multiple local coffee production partners and Universities as well as the University of Cambridge and Prof. Kiran Patil, working on metabolic models of microbial communities.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As a PhD candidate, you will take a leading role in driving the scientific progress of the project. You will be responsible for planning, designing, and executing experiments, coordinating activities with collaborators within the group as well as external partners, and ensuring the timely progression of the research.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Deep scientific understanding of the field and all relevant literature
• Ethnographic research
• Designing and execution of experiments on characterising the ferments metagenomics, metabolomics, sensory analysis
• Bioinformatic analysis, data integration and statistical analysis
• Visualizing results and communicating findings to diverse scientific audiences
• Publishing research findings in international journals
• Planning and executing potential public engagement and outreach activities
• Presenting your work at international conferences and scientific meetings
• Collaborating closely with researchers across disciplines and contributing to an open, collaborative research culture

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious candidate who thrives in a dynamic research environment and is excited by the opportunity to work transdisciplinary at the intersection of ethnography, gastronomic craft and microbiology.

The ideal candidate has:

• Some experience in microbiology
• Experience or interest in ethnographic research
• Some experience in generating and analysing metagenomic and metabolomic data
• A strong interest in microbial ecology and evolution as well as flavour as a form of chemical communication

In addition, you:

• Demonstrate a high level of motivation, curiosity, and scientific integrity
• Are able to work independently and take ownership of your research
• Take a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and solving problems
• Learn quickly and adapt effectively to new methods and challenges
• Have strong communication skills, including scientific writing and oral presentations in English
• Enjoy working in collaborative and interdisciplinary teams
• Be comfortable in an interdisciplinary environment, where different types of knowledge co-exist
• Are open to and interested in different cultures
• Are organized, structured, and committed to maintaining high-quality documentation and reproducible research practices
• Be patient, charitable, curious and playful - key qualities for interdisciplinary work

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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

The preferred start date is 01.01.2027.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information please contact group leader and senior researcher Leonie Johanna Jahn at lejj@dtu.dk

You can read more about BRIGHT below, and at www.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 27 August 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 identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, color, religion, neurodiversity, national origin 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 Fermentation Cultures group
The Fermentation Cultures group investigates fermented foods as complex microbial ecosystems and as a foundation for developing sustainable foods for the green transition. By combining traditional fermentation practices with ecological and evolutionary perspectives, we draw on both traditional and scientific knowledge to create novel fermented foods and food processes. Our research explores how microbial diversity, genetics, and ecological interactions shape the flavour, texture, functionality, and stability of fermented foods, while also examining the origins of fermentation microorganisms and their co-evolution with human societies and food cultures. Using fermented foods as model systems, we address fundamental questions about microbial ecology, evolution, and host–microbe interactions, including how microbes interact with one another and communicate with humans through the production and perception of flavour.

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.

Are you wondering why life looks as is does and what the fundamental drivers of evolution are? Are you fascinated by the magical world of filamentous fungi? Do you enjoy fermented foods and would like to contribute to more sustainable food systems?

Then this PhD might allow you to combine all of these interests into a single PhD in the Fermentation Cultures group where we are studying fermented foods as living biocultural systems at the intersection of microbial life and human culture by combining microbiology, mycology, ecology, evolution and genomics to investigate the origins and evolution of food microorganisms, their interactions within fermented food ecosystems, and the genetic and ecological drivers of flavour, texture, and functionality. By using fermented food communities as model systems, we address fundamental questions in ecology and evolution while developing novel starter cultures, fermentation processes, and food innovations that support the green transition and more sustainable, healthy, and resilient food systems.

While evolutionary theory has long been built on the idea that genetic variation arises randomly and is then shaped by natural selection, emerging evidence suggests that mutation rates, spectra, and genomic instability may be influenced by the environment, potentially via epigenetic mechanisms. This project will test this concept directly by investigating whether epigenetic states can bias where, when, and how mutations arise in the genome in response to the environment.

Using Aspergillus flavus and its domesticated relative Aspergillus oryzae as a powerful model system, you will combine targeted genetic engineering with adaptive laboratory evolution and integrated multi-omics to link epigenetic regulation, genome dynamics, and evolutionary outcomes at unprecedented resolution. A key part of the project will be the generation and analysis of selected knockout mutants to establish causal mechanistic links between epigenetic state and adaptive genetic change.

Beyond advancing fundamental evolutionary theory, this work also explores the potential to guide the domestication of A. flavus into safe and functional starter cultures with novel properties for food fermentation applications.

This is a highly interdisciplinary project in an ambitious and collaborative research environment at DTU BRIGHT with external research stays at the University of Macau and the Southern University of Science and Technology in China, where you will develop cutting-edge expertise across molecular mycology, evolution, and systems-level biology while contributing to both conceptual breakthroughs and applied innovation.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As a PhD candidate, you will take a leading role in driving the scientific progress of the project. You will be responsible for planning, designing, and executing experiments, coordinating activities with collaborators within the group as well as external partners, and ensuring the timely progression of the research.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing and conducting experiments in fungal genetic engineering, adaptive laboratory evolution, and multi-omics analyses
• Generating, processing, and analyzing experimental data
• Visualizing results and communicating findings to diverse scientific audiences
• Publishing research findings in high-impact international journals
• Presenting your work at international conferences and scientific meetings
• Collaborating closely with researchers across disciplines and contributing to an open, collaborative research culture

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious candidate who thrives in a dynamic research environment and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to both fundamental biological discovery and applied innovation.

The ideal candidate has:

• Hands-on experience in mycology (required)
• Experience with fungal genetic engineering (preferred)
• Experience generating genomic and transcriptomic data from fungi (preferred)
• Experience generating and analying metabolomics data (preferred)
• A strong interest in fungal biology, evolutionary theory, ecology and evolution, and food innovation

In addition, you:

• Demonstrate a high level of motivation, curiosity, and scientific integrity
• Are able to work independently and take ownership of your research
• Take a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and solving problems
• Learn quickly and adapt effectively to new methods and challenges
• Have strong communication skills, including scientific writing and oral presentations in English
• Enjoy working in collaborative and interdisciplinary teams
• Are organized, structured, and committed to maintaining high-quality documentation and reproducible research practices
• Are curious and enthusiastic and playful

This position is particularly suited for candidates who aspire to become independent scientists and are eager to develop a broad and modern research toolkit spanning mycology, genetic engineering, adaptive laboratory evolution and multi-omics data generation.

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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

The preferred start date is 01.11.2026.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information please contact group leader and senior researcher Leonie Johanna Jahn at lejj@dtu.dk

You can read more about BRIGHT below, and at www.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 27 August 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 identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, color, religion, neurodiversity, national origin 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 Fermentation Cultures group
The Fermentation Cultures group investigates fermented foods as complex microbial ecosystems and as a foundation for developing sustainable foods for the green transition. By combining traditional fermentation practices with ecological and evolutionary perspectives, we draw on both traditional and scientific knowledge to create novel fermented foods and food processes. Our research explores how microbial diversity, genetics, and ecological interactions shape the flavour, texture, functionality, and stability of fermented foods, while also examining the origins of fermentation microorganisms and their co-evolution with human societies and food cultures. Using fermented foods as model systems, we address fundamental questions about microbial ecology, evolution, and host–microbe interactions, including how microbes interact with one another and communicate with humans through the production and perception of flavour.

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.

Do you want to do research on causal-informed machine learning methods for climate modelling?

If you are establishing a career as a researcher in machine learning and are motivated to work with the latest generative models for climate modelling, we can offer you a strong foundation. We seek a highly motivated and talented PhD student to join our group at DTU Compute, offering a fully funded PhD scholarship (3-year employment) in a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment.

The position is part of the research project “IcyAlert - Intelligent Climate Early Warning Alert for Arctic Ice-Free Summers”, funded under the NNF Grand AI Challenge programme.

You will become part of an enthusiastic team working closely with collaborators at DMI (Danish Meteorological Institute) and RMI (Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium) to advance neural network-based methods for climate modelling.

About IcyAlert
The goal of the IcyAlert project is to provide robust predictions of Arctic ice-free summers at multi-seasonal time scales and their potential climate impacts under various warming scenarios, supporting sustainable climate solutions. Arctic summer sea ice extent has declined by nearly 13% per decade since 1979, accompanied by a 90% reduction of older ice. These changes pose increasing risks to ecosystems, food security, navigation, etc.

By combining dynamical models, satellite data, causal analysis, and explainable AI, IcyAlert will identify critical thresholds, enhance prediction accuracy, and generate automated alerts for seasonal Arctic and extratropical climate events. Using Gefion in the project will be essential for analysing complex datasets and training advanced large-scale predictive models. This interdisciplinary initiative brings together experts in AI, climate modelling, and causal analysis to enhance preparedness for an ice-free Arctic.

Responsibilities and qualifications
This PhD project will focus on developing causal-informed machine learning (ML) methods to perform Arctic sea-ice predictions at multi-seasonal timescale. You will work with datasets such as CMIP6, ERA5 and CERRA2. There will be three subprojects: 1) quantify causal links between winter climate drivers (November-April) and summer Arctic sea ice area (May-October), 2) develop causal-informed AI/ML models for ice-free Arctic predictor, 3) generate probabilistic predictions of ice-free conditions from 2030 to 2050.

You should have the following required skills:

• Have a strong background/interest in causal modelling (Math/Physics/Computer Science background).
• Demonstrated experience in machine learning, including some exposure to graph modelling and diffusion models.
• Experience with implementing machine learning methods in Python using Pytorch or Flax.
• Familiarity with managing larger code bases and training models on HPC systems.
• Familiarity with climate modelling is a big plus.
• High level of motivation and creative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English.

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 applicants will be made by Associate Professor Tommy Sonne Alstrøm and colleagues in the IcyAlert project.

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 November (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Tommy Sonne Alstrøm, tsal@dtu.dk.

You can read more about DTU Compute at www.compute.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 9 August 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

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.

DTU Compute
DTU Compute – Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science – is an internationally recognised academic environment with over 400 employees and 10 research sections. We broadly cover digital technologies within mathematics, data science, computer science, and computer engineering, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, internet of things (IoT), chip design, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, social networks, fairness, and data ethics. Our research is rooted in basic research and centres on mathematical models of the physical and virtual world, as a basis for the analysis, design, and implementation of complex systems. We focus on ensuring that our research results contribute to creating a better society by supporting areas such as health, green transition, energy supply, and life science. We collaborate with universities, public and private organisations, and companies in Denmark and abroad, and through DTU’s startup ecosystem, we encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. We have a strong ethical, human, and sustainable approach that ensures integrity in our work. Therefore, we strive for and take responsibility for driving the democratisation of digital technologies, so that everyone has the opportunity to actively participate in the development, and we ensure a continued open, democratic, and inclusive society for the benefit of all. At DTU Compute, we value diversity, inclusion, and a flexible work-life balance. Read more about us at www.compute.dtu.dk.

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.