Prof. Ivan Mijakovic advertises four PhD positions in his group at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Bioresearch Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT). These PhD positions are part of the BUG-ID Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Training Network (DN), funded by the European Commission. BUG-ID consortium has a mission to improve infection diagnostics. All BUG-ID PhD students will be trained in an interdisciplinary environment and experience a collaboration among academia, healthcare and the private sector.

This call advertises four PhD projects at DTU within the BUG-ID network (DCs 2, 3, 12, 13):

• DC2: Infection biomarker discovery in chronic wound models
• DC3: Infection biomarker monitoring in environmental samples
• DC12: Optimizing bioreceptor function in interaction with graphene
• DC13: Structural engineering of bioreceptors for graphene

Responsibilities and qualifications
The candidates hired for this position will lead one of four DTU projects (DC2, DC3, DC12 or DC13) with expected synergies between DC2-DC3 (in vitro models, proteomics methodology) and DC12-DC13 (receptor modelling and engineering). The students will also collaborate with consortium partners that functionalise engineered receptors on graphene-based detection chips.

The project specific tasks include:

• DC2: Infection biomarker discovery in chronic wound models. Establishing in vitro models of chronic wound infection, by exploring both 3D cultures of epithelial cells on collagen-based scaffolds, and commercially available ex vivo skin models. Focus will be on major wound pathogens S. aureus and P. aeruginosa growing alone and in co-culture in wound models. Development of MS proteomics approaches for detection of pathogen surface proteins and secreted proteins. Characterization of the infection timeline and other parameters that can help in diagnostics, such as changes in pH, temperature, ROS levels as well as cellular responses (e.g. interleukins). Topics and methods (not prerequisites): Microbial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interaction assays; Biofilm models; Proteomics & LC-MS/MS. 
   
• DC3: Infection biomarker monitoring in environmental samples.  Establishing a pipeline for MS-proteomics-based detection of infection biomarkers of pathogens found in environmental isolates from water processing and air-cooling devices. Focus on pathogens from the Legionella  genus, and the detection of pathogen surface proteins and secreted proteins. Establishment of biofilm models on plastic surfaces that mimic the environmental conditions of isolates.  Topics and methods (not prerequisites): Microbial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interaction assays; Biofilm models; Proteomics & LC-MS/MS. 
   
• DC12: Optimizing bioreceptor function in interaction with graphene. Based on modelling/prediction of interaction of receptor molecules (antibodies, aptamers, dCas9) with graphene/oxo-graphene, propose, implement and test stabilizing mutations/linkers to preserve binding after surface attachment. Topics and methods (not prerequisites): Molecular dynamics (MD) and Density Functional Theory (DFT); Protein engineering; Aptamer design/optimisation; Molecular biology; Graphene.
   
• DC13: Structural engineering of bioreceptors for graphene. Engineer antibodies/nanobodies, aptamers and dCas9 to retain target binding after immobilization on graphene/oxo-graphene. Validate engineered molecules in binding assays and after conjugation with nanomaterials. Topics and methods (not prerequisites): Protein engineering; Aptamer design/optimisation; Molecular biology; Binding assays (e.g. BiaCore, Western/far-Western blotting), Graphene.

All students are tasked with:

• Studying the available literature in the field and formulating own scientific hypotheses and questions
• Conducting scientific experiments and analysing data
• Writing peer reviewed scientific publications
• Actively interacting and collaborating with other partners in the consortium
• Participating in consortium outreach activities 
• Completing courses and training required for being awarded the PhD degree

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.

Applicable for all scholarships
 Applicants are required to undertake transnational mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up their appointment. At the time of recruitment by the host beneficiary, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the date of appointment.

Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English is a requirement.

A master’s degree project carried out in a proteomics, microbiology and/or molecular biology laboratory will be considered as an advantage. Prior experience with the topics and methods listed above is likewise an advantage, but not a prerequisite.

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates 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
Submitted applications will be reviewed by the members of the Mijakovic lab. Top applicants will be invited to online interviews (target date early February 2026), where among other items, fluency in English will be assessed.

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. 

Furthermore, the PhD salary will be based on the Marie S. Curie compensation scheme conditions and according to the grant agreement. The period of employment is 3 years. Based on seniority the candidate will receive a minimum of DKK 29.691,75 [AP2] (base salary) and 1551,00 (PhD supplement). In addition, DTU will also pay pension consisting of 18,07%. Finally, it is possible to apply for family allowance.

Tentative start date is August 2026 (according to mutual agreement).

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 Prof. Ivan Mijakovic: ivmi@biosustain.dtu.dk  

You can read more about the hiring department at https://www.biosustain.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 31 January 2026 (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). This should include a concise description of your motivation for getting a PhD degree: why do you want it, and what do you expect from your PhD project in terms of scientific and education goals and your own career development.
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

Please indicate which project you are applying for (title from the above list of PhD projects  or individual research projects).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 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 Novo Nordisk Foundation Bioresearch Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT)  
Recent progress in our ability to read and write genomic code, combined with advances in automation, analytics and data science, has fundamentally changed the scope and ambition of harnessing the potential of biological systems. Big data approaches and analysis of biological systems are key research instruments at the Center. BRIGHT utilizes these advances for microbial cell factory design to foster sustainable lifestyles in relation to three application areas: Sustainable Chemicals, Natural Products, and Microbial Foods. 

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.