PhD Scholarship in Marine Enzymatic Research - DTU Aqua
The microbial community of the world's oceans represents a large and underutilized resource for versatile and robust enzymes with potential technological applications. Despite high pressure, low temperature, and high salinity, marine microbes efficiently utilize lignin-derived molecules as source of energy, nutrients, and carbon. Aromatic carbon, such as lignin-derived organic matter, initially persists but is eventually degraded by photochemistry and microbial enzymes.
This project seeks to translate metagenomic information to enzymatic function and biogeochemical impacts in marine carbon cycling. The goal is to discover, produce, and characterize enzymes involved in conversion of persistent dissolved organic matter in the ocean, in order to understand the features of the enzymes as well as the organic matter persistence.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Your tasks will be to:
- Use bioinformatic tools to mine metagenomic datasets for enzyme-specific sequences (oxidoreductases and/or hydrolases)
- Use bioengineering methods to recombinantly produce enzymes
- Conduct laboratory experiments to characterize enzyme kinetics and degradation products
- Identify key processes that regulate enzyme performance and role in carbon cycling in marine waters.
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 within natural sciences, in particular, bioinformatics, microbial ecology or molecular biology (cloning). We expect you to have experience in designing and conducting laboratory experiments and to have good programming skills (R, Python, or Matlab), particularly regarding bioinformatic tools. In addition, you are expected to have insight into plant biomass composition, chemistry and analytics, some practical experience with enzyme bioinformatics, and hands-on experience in cloning for recombinant enzyme production will be well suited for the role. Preferably, candidates also have practical experience in conducting enzyme assay measurements and/or organic matter characterization. Strong communication skills in English, both written and oral, are important, along with the ability to conduct research independently and solve problems effectively. Good collaborative skills and a strong interest in participating in an interdisciplinary and international research environment are also highly valued.
Approval and Enrolment The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval. The candidate will be enrolled in the PhD school of DTU Aqua and be associated with the Greenland Institute for Natural Resources. 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.
The PhD will be based at DTU Aqua and co-supervised by scientists at Chalmers University of Technology (Gothenburg, Sweden) and DTU Bioengineering.
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 expected starting date is 1 January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Colin Stedmon, Institute of Aquatic Resources, Section of Ocean and Arctic (costavilajohnsmithmichael@thomas-daniels.dkaqua.dtu.dkmosley-velez.dkdickson-cain.dk).
You can read more about DTU Aqua, at www.aqua.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 November 2025 (23:59 Danish time) . Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
- A draft project description: 1-2 pages with a concise proposal on the research idea that you would like to explore, including relevance, motivation, the theoretical framework and preliminary suggestion of methodology
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.
About DTU Aqua
DTU Aqua – National Institute of Aquatic Resources – works for well-functioning oceans, rivers, and lakes where biodiversity can thrive. Our research, advisory service, and education contribute to the development of a sustainable blue bioeconomy, robust aquatic ecosystems, and reduced effects of climate change. We have a large national and international network and cooperate with research partners, public authorities, industry, and NGOs. We have state-of-the-art research facilities and Denmark’s only ocean- and arctic-going research vessel. The Institute has 360 employees, one-half being scientific staff, including about 50 PhD students. More than 35 nationalities are represented at the Institute, and we support an equal gender distribution. We are located in Lyngby, Hirtshals, Nykøbing Mors, and Silkeborg and have regular activities in Greenland. Learn more on aqua.dtu.dk .
The Section for Oceans and Arctic in DTU Aqua covers a wide research spectrum from oceanography, population ecology, observation technology and the Arctic. The research into oceanography integrates biological, physical and chemical parameters’ interactions in the ocean, ranging from individual plankton to regional seas. We focus on understanding the key processes that govern the structure and function of pelagic food webs, as well as climate and ecosystem interactions. The research in population ecology establishes how processes affecting individuals shape populations and ecosystems.
***The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering)** is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.The PhD candidate will be associated with the Protein and Enzyme Technology Section at DTU Bioengineering, which notably features a comprehensive pipeline of enzyme biotechnology, encompassing bioinformatics, recombinant protein production, and advanced enzyme characterization techniques.*
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.
Chalmers** **University of Technology
Located in Gothenburg (Sweden), Chalmers specializes in engineering, science, and architecture. It is known for its strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration with industry. Its 3,200 employees conduct cutting-edge research and offer high-quality education to over 10,000 students.