PhD Scholarship in Sustainable Bioplastics Research - DTU Sustain
Are you passionate about tackling the impact of plastic consumption, and advancing chemical safety? At the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), we are offering a fully funded PhD position focused on understanding and mitigating the environmental and health impacts of depolymerization of plastic waste, and production of new state-of-the-art bioplastics. This research sits at the cutting edge of sustainable materials design, chemical hazard assessment and microplastic pollution .
This PhD opportunity is part of the EU-funded UPCYCLE project, which aims to transform non-recyclable mixed plastic waste into biodegradable and recyclable materials for packaging. Building on the success of the H2020 UPLIFT project, UPCYCLE focuses on scaling up innovative plastic biorefineries and eco-polymers using AI-driven process intensification, safe-and-sustainable-by-design principles, and smart polymer formulation. The project brings together leading academic and industrial partners to create a circular, economically viable future for packaging.
Through SSbD assessment in collaboration with the consortium, experimental work and risk modeling, you will help uncover the hotspots in the production chains and investigate the potential risk of microplastic release from bioplastic formulations. Your research will directly support the transformation of the plastic/bioplastic sector toward safer, more sustainable practices, while equipping you with advanced interdisciplinary skills and international research experience.
Responsibilities and qualifications
As a PhD candidate, your work will support the adaptation the EU's SSbD methodology to the specific challenges posed by new innovative depolymerization processes, and bioplastic materials. This will involve close collaboration with both academic researchers and industry experts across Europe.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Contributing to the development of an SSbD strategy in collaboration with the consortium.
- Carry out early SSbD screening with focus on hazard assessment of the new developed materials, and chemicals used in their production
- Perform prospective Life Cycle Assessment (pLCA) to evaluate environmental impacts across the value chain, identifying hotspots and guiding sustainable material and process choices.
- Evaluate safety in processing, use, and End-of-Life, by assessing human and environmental safety during production and application phases. This will involve toxicological testing (e.g., cytotoxicity, mutagenicity) and evaluating microplastic release and ecotoxicity using standardized and novel methods (in collaboration with a PostDoc in the project).
- Collaborating with fellow researchers across the UPLIFT network, including those focused on digital twins at DTU Chemical Engineering-
As a PhD candidate, your work will adapt the EU's SSbD methodology to the specific challenges posed by polymeric materials and processes. This will involve close collaboration with both academic researchers and industry experts across Europe.
We consider the following qualifications advantageous:
- Familiarity with SSbD, LCA, or sustainability criteria applied to consumer products.
- Prior experience in EU-funded or other international research collaborations.
- Practical experience with waste materials, and experience in laboratory work related to microplastics and/or chemical risk assessment is a large plus.
- A proactive and independent work style.
- A collegial and open mindset, with a genuine interest in contributing to a positive, inclusive, and knowledge-sharing research environment.
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 as soon as possible. The position is a full-time position.
You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Anders Damgaard (johnmooreadamcaroltate@lamb-shaw.dkwong.dkdtu.dkthomas.dk ) (main-supervisor), and Nanna B. Hartmann (cartermichaelnibhdelacruzlisajacob22@dtu.dksullivan-torres.dkgarcia.dk ) (co-supervisor, DTU Sustain),
You can read more about DTU Sustain at www.sustain.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 September 2025 (23:59 Danish time) .
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
***DTU Sustain - Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering**
- is one of the largest university departments specializing in environmental and resource engineering in Europe. The department conducts research, development & scientific advice and provides educational programs and service to society. We are working to develop new environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies, methods and solutions, and to disseminate this knowledge to society and future generations of engineers. The Department has approximately 300 staff from more than 30 nationalities.*
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.