Are you interested in sustainability, the development of green extraction technologies for a better tomorrow, and building a strong foundation for a successful research career? 

The DTU National Food Institute, at the Technical University of Denmark, is seeking highly motivated applicants for a Strategic Alliance PhD scholarship focused on the designing and modelling of switchable deep eutectic solvents for the extraction of bioactive compounds from seaweed. The project is part of the strategic collaboration between DTU and the Technical University of Munich (TUM). You will join the research group Bioactives Analysis and Applications, and as part of the prestigious Alliance PhD program, you will collaborate with the Technical University of Munich (Germany). If you're ready to push the boundaries of green innovation and contribute to a healthier planet, we invite you to apply and become part of a dynamic research team at the forefront of sustainable extraction technologies. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
The primary goal of this PhD project is to develop and model a novel class of responsive-switchable Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) systems for the efficient extraction of bioactive compounds from seaweed. The goal is to advance sustainable separation technologies through green solvent design and process intensification. As part of the Alliance PhD programme, you will also spend 3–6 months at the Technical University of Munich (Germany), gaining international research experience and expanding your collaborative network.

As part of your research, you will: 

• Design responsive-switchable DES and external stimuli.
• Measure and model the solubility of bioactive compounds in switchable DES systems.
• Investigate and model phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of these systems.
• Develop an optimized extraction process for bioactive compounds from seaweed.
• Analyse and characterize the extracted compounds for their bioactivity and techno-functional properties.
• Support student supervision and contribute to teaching at BSc and MSc levels.
• Present your research at national and international scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with a PhD student at the Technical University of Munich working on a related project.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) in (Bio-)Chemical Engineering, Food Technology, Physical Chemistry, or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Furthermore, the ideal candidate has:

• A strong background in chemical thermodynamics and phase equilibria.
• Experience with thermodynamic modeling using gE models, equations of state (EoS), or machine learning approaches.
• Hands-on experience in extracting bioactive compounds from biomass.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
• A structured and analytical approach to work and problem-solving
• It would be an advantage to have experience with analysis equipment, e.g., HPLC, and LC-MS
• Good collaboration and communication skills (written and oral English)

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 . 

Assessment
The assessment of applicants will be made by an academic committee composed of supervisors from DTU National Food Institute and TUM. The assessment will be based on the qualification requirements listed above, as well as the grades from MSc/BSc 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.

Expected starting date is 1st March 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

You can read more about career 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 Associate Professor Adane Tilahun Getachew on atige@food.dtu.dk , Professor Charlotte Jacobsen on chja@food.dtu.dk  

You can read more about DTU National Food Institute at https://www.food.dtu.dk/english/  

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 29 October 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
• It is important that you document in your Curriculum vitae that you fulfil the eligibility requirements mentioned above 

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 National Food Institute
DTU National Food Institute conducts research into and disseminates - through advice, innovation and teaching - sustainable and value-creating solutions in the area of food and health for the benefit of society. The vision is to make a difference by generating future prosperity through research into food and health. The institute works to prevent disease and promote health, develop new and better food products for a growing population and create sustainable technological solutions, including biosolutions. The institute’s tasks are carried out in interdisciplinary collaboration within e.g. nutrition, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, epidemiology, modelling, and technology. This is achieved through a strong academic environment of international top class with correspondingly skilled researchers and employees. The Institute employs approximately 350 staff members.

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.

olving, 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.