Are you ready to transform the future of biologics with AI?

Are you passionate about understanding to drive AI research in interplay between AI-Protein design, automation, and cutting-edge data science? And would you like to be part of a newly formed research collaboration between DTU and Novo Nordisk? Then you could be our new Postdoc. Read on to learn more!

About the PhD program
Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Novo Nordisk have initiated a strategic partnership and created a joint cross-disciplinary research program aimed to tackle one of the life science industry’s biggest challenges: Closed-Loop Design and Optimization of Biologics. 

The research program will build on the recent advances in protein design, automation, and multi-parameter optimization and create a closed loop pipeline able to rapidly design binders to any target and optimized for developability. 

The program is rooted in DALSA (DTU’s Arena for Life Science Automation), a new interdisciplinary center at DTU dedicated to merging life sciences, automation, and data-driven innovation to revolutionize research and development. 

The program combines the expertise of five DTU departments (Construct, Bioengineering, Compute, Electro, and Health Technology) and involves supervisors from both DTU and Novo Nordisk.

What you can expect 
As a PhD, you will be at the heart of a vibrant and collaborative research environment that includes:

• Fellow Postdocs, PhD students and master’s students working on related projects.
• Expert supervisors and mentors from DTU and Novo Nordisk. The main supervisor is affiliated with DTU Bioengineering, while the co-supervisor is based at Novo Nordisk. This supervisor team ensures the highest level of academic expertise to support both the project and the program.
• Opportunities to participate in conferences, symposia, and networking events to share and enhance your research.

Your role will be pivotal in driving AI innovation and contributing to a transformative approach to biologics development.

About the position
The purpose of this project is to optimize the process of binder design through closed-loop optimization, emphasizing the efficient achievement of high-affinity and specific binders. This approach directly contributes to streamlining the binder design process to meet real-life challenges effectively. This PhD will focus on driving AI research and coordinating the computational activities in a large closed-loop collaboration that includes computational, biotechnological and automation activities, requiring a solid understanding of the different areas involved in the collaboration. In particular, the following open questions will be addressed:

• What is a sequence-structure-function representation space for molecules in the context of closed-loop optimization, that supports an efficient AI foundational exploration of the molecular space.
• How can we bias the generative models towards desirable molecular properties
• How can we integrate generative AI models and different molecular predictors in an efficient closed loop paradigm, to optimize the fitness as well as the information gain in each cycle.

Responsibilities

• Propose AI models for an integrated approach for binder design, using an optimal molecular representation (including data procurement) and integrating generative model and binding oracles.
• Propose an algorithm to bias the generative models towards desirable properties, such as expression and developability.
• Propose and validate optimization tools for performing (Bayesian) design of experiments.
• System validation and iterative refinement based on empirical data.
• Test and refine the closed-loop system on new molecular scaffolds.
• Contributing to cross-disciplinary education by providing case studies on computational and empirical method integration.

Qualifications
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.

We are looking for qualifications in:

• Cross-disciplinary research collaboration
• Machine Learning modeling and optimization
• Generative AI modeling (closed-loop AI tools, or related AI-tools)
• Design of molecular binders
• Interest in mentoring MSc students and helping coordinate with the other postdocs/PhDs across the initiative

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.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information  
The postdoc will be hired at DTU Compute which harbors a strong international machine learning and artificial intelligence environment. In addition, the PI is an ELLIS member. 

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Line Clemmensen, DTU Compute, lkhc@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. 

About the Novo Nordisk departments where the project will be anchored:

Antibody Design Department
Antibody Design Department is part of the Digital Science and Innovation (DSI) area of Research & Early Development at Novo Nordisk, located in Maaloev (Denmark) and London (UK). We use innovative computational tools and techniques to design novel antibodies and VHHs. Our team works collaboratively across various departments, within and outside Research and Early Development, to deliver safe and effective antibody therapies to patients. We value a diverse and inclusive culture, where our team members can thrive and grow. Our team consists of passionate, goal-oriented individuals who take pride in their work and are committed to making a difference in patients' lives.

Automation & Process Optimization
Automation & Process Optimization Department is part of the Digital Science and Innovation (DSI) area, which supports the digital transformation across all our therapy areas in Research & Early Development (R&ED) at Novo Nordisk . Automation & Process Optimization Department is located in Maaloev (Denmark). We work in multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with all areas across R&ED to leverage scientific knowledge, partner with our IT organization to ensure access to the most advanced technology platforms and tools and engage in drug development projects across the value chain. Using Bayesian Optimization / Modern Design of Experiment, we build the data-foundation to enable true hybrid development between humans and advanced learning algorithms such as Generative AI.

Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company with a 100-year legacy of driving change to defeat serious chronic diseases. Building on our strong legacy within diabetes, we are growing massively and expanding our commitment, reaching millions around the world and impacting more than 40 million patient lives daily. All of this has made us one of the 20 most valuable companies in the world by market cap. Our success relies on the joint potential and collaboration of our more than 63,000 employees around the world. We recognise the importance of the unique skills and perspectives our people bring to the table, and we work continuously to bring out the best in them.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 18 June 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 Compute
DTU Compute – Department of 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 .

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.