Are you a budding scientist eager to build a strong foundation for a successful research career?
The DTU National Food Institute invites applications for a PhD scholarship focused on the optimization of bioactive compound extraction from various seaweeds for the development of fortified foods. This PhD position aims to (i
) identify suitable seaweed species for high-yield protein extraction, (ii
) develop and optimize extraction techniques using enzymes in combination with non-thermal technologies such as ultrasound, ohmic heating, and pulsed electric fields, (iii) evaluate the techno-functional properties of the extracted compounds, (iv
) scale-up the optimized extraction process for potential industrial application. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable food innovation while advancing your scientific career at a leading research institution.
You will join two research groups at the DTU National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark: “Food Production Engineering” and “Bioactives – Analysis and Application”. As part of this prestigious Alliance PhD program, you will collaborate closely with Queensland University in Australia and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.
Responsibilities and qualifications
As part of the Alliance PhD program, the candidate is required to spend one year at the University of Queensland (Australia). The three-year PhD is structured as follows: 18 months at DTU, including collaboration with the University of Copenhagen, followed by 12 months at the University of Queensland, and concluding with 6 months back at DTU. During the stay in Australia, the candidate’s salary will be paid by the University of Queensland in accordance with Australian PhD funding regulations.
As part of your research, you will:
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
.
Assessment
The assessment will take into account the following criteria:
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 http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Federico Casanova on feca@food.dtu.dk
, Associate Professor Ditte Baun Hermund on dbala@food.dtu.dk
, Professor Lilia Ahrné on lilia@food.ku.dk
and Senior Scientist Alberto Baldelli on a.baldelli@uq.edu.au
.
Read more about DTU National Food Institute
.
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 14 July 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:
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.