PhD scholarship in Biogas to Protein Conversion using Microalgae-Bacteria Consortia

If you are establishing your career as a scientist and are motivated to work at the interface of microbiology, biotechnology, and sustainable process development, this PhD position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to innovation‑driven research with real‑world impact. At DTU Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, you will be part of a dynamic research environment addressing key challenges in sustainable bio‑based technologies.

The PhD position is embedded in multi-partners collaborative project at BioCon Center at DTU department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, with focus on sustainable bioconversion platforms for the transformation of biogas-derived carbon into amino acid–enriched biomass, through the rational design and optimization of microalgae–bacteria consortia, metabolic pathway regulation, nutrient partitioning, and bioreactor performance. The project aims to bridge fundamental understanding of microbial processes with application‑oriented research, contributing to improved robustness, efficiency, and scalability of bio‑based conversion technologies relevant for the green transition.

You will join an innovative, collaborative, international and multidisciplinary team. The group works on both fundamental understanding but also development and validation of new technologies based on the use of microorganisms as tools to valorize organic waste and wastewater into useful bioproducts, biofuels, and bioenergy. One of our important values is cooperation, and we believe that we can achieve world-class results together.

You will be involved in strengthening the Bioconversions group competences within mixed cultures design, bioprocess modelling, upscaling, and valorization. You will work with nearby colleagues, and with both academic and industrial partners in Denmark as well as abroad.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your primary tasks will be to:

• Design and carry out experiments on microbial consortia for SCP production from biogas
• Study bacteria–microalgae interactions and optimize fermentation performance and yield
• Be involved in the co-supervision of MSc and BSc students.
• Present research findings in scientific papers, conferences, project meetings, public domain, and other outreach activities

You should have the following qualifications:

• MSc degree in areas such as Chemical Engineering/ Biotechnology/Microbiology/ Biochemical engineering/ Life sciences, or other relevant to this position
• Proven ability to work in microbial consortia/microalgae–bacteria consortia, gas fermentation, and knowledge about biogas systems or waste-to-resource technologies
• Experience in genome-scale metabolic modeling and flux balance analysis is an advantage
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Publish high impact articles
• Able to work both independently and in a team
• Collaborative international experience

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. Starting date is 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 Dimitar Borisov Karakashev (dbka@kt.dtu.dk) and Sonia Mohamadnia (sonmoha@kt.dtu.dk), DTU Chemical and Biochemical Engineering.

You can read more about DTU Chemical Engineering at https://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 30 June 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.