Are you driven by the potential of AI in enzyme engineering? Do you want to design novel enzymes from scratch using cutting-edge generative models and validate their function in the lab? Join a collaborative PhD project at DTU Bioengineering focused on the de novo design of Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZymes).

About the position
The PhD project is part of a 4-year project at DTU Bioengineering aiming to design novel Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZymes) de novo  (from scratch). Using state-of-the-art AI-based protein design tools, the project integrates computational design with in vitro  screening and characterization to generate and validate novel enzymes with tailored specificities. Under the joint supervision of Assoc. Prof. Birgitte Zeuner and Assoc. Prof. Timothy P. Jenkins, the PhD will join a vibrant, multidisciplinary team working across computation, biochemistry, and enzymology to push the boundaries of next-generation enzyme design.

Responsibilities and qualifications

You must be well organized, structured, self-driven and enjoy interacting and collaborating with colleagues including PhD students, postdocs, and you are expected to take part in supervision of BSc and MSc students. In the project you should:

• Design and implement enzyme libraries using generative AI tools such as RFdiffusion2 or BoltzDesign.
• Perform molecular dynamics simulations to assess enzyme-substrate interactions.
• Clone and express top candidates using high-throughput cell-free and bacterial systems.
• Perform structural and biophysical characterisation of designed enzymes
• Perform functional characterisation of enzyme activity.
• Publish results in high-impact journals and present findings at scientific conferences.
• Engage in interdisciplinary training to build expertise in both computational and experimental techniques.

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 in a relevant field, such as bioinformatics, biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related discipline.

You must have:

• Expertise in either computational protein design or wet lab techniques, with a willingness to learn the complementary skill set.
• Experience in collaborative research environments.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• A proactive attitude towards learning and applying new skills.

It would further be beneficial if you have some of the following skills:

• Hands-on experience with protein expression systems such as bacteria, yeast, or cell-free systems.
• Basic knowledge of protein purification techniques (e.g., affinity chromatography, size exclusion chromatography).
• Familiarity with enzyme kinetics and assay development.
• Exposure to computational tools like RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN, or AlphaFold3.
• Interest in automation and high-throughput experimental techniques.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.

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 with a starting date as soon as possible.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Assoc. Prof. Timothy P. Jenkins (tpaje@dtu.dk ) or Assoc. Prof. Birgitte Zeuner (bzeu@dtu.dk ).

You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.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 22 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.

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.

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.