PhD scholarship (Marie Skłodowska-Curie) in Molecular Biology and Bioreceptor Engineering for Biosensors - BRIGHT

Are you interested in applying your molecular biology skills to develop new technologies for infection diagnostics? We are looking for a motivated PhD student with a strong background in experimental molecular biology to develop and engineer biological recognition molecules for next-generation biosensors.

The position is part of the EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network BUG-ID, which aims to improve infection diagnostics by combining molecular biology, biotechnology and nanotechnology. Your project will initially focus on the identification of nucleic acid aptamers targeting microbial biomarkers, with opportunities to explore alternative receptor technologies, including protein-based receptors.

You will join the research group of Prof. Ivan Mijakovic at BRIGHT and work in an interdisciplinary, international network connecting academia, healthcare and industry. Through collaborations with BUG-ID partners, you will gain experience in biomolecular engineering, receptor characterisation and the development of graphene-based biosensors.

Responsibilities and qualifications
 The overall focus of the PhD project will be to develop and engineer biological recognition molecules for the detection of microbial biomarkers in graphene-based biosensors. Initially, the candidate will establish and apply aptamer selection methods (SELEX) to identify receptors targeting selected microbial biomarkers. Subsequently, the candidate will characterise and optimise these receptors and explore alternative recognition technologies, including protein-based receptors, in collaboration with other BUG-ID partners.

The candidate's primary tasks will include:

• Study the relevant scientific literature and formulate research hypotheses and questions.
• Establish and apply SELEX methods for aptamer selection against microbial biomarkers.
• Design, engineer and experimentally characterise biological recognition molecules, including aptamers and protein-based receptors.
• Conduct scientific experiments, analyse data and publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Actively collaborate with BUG-ID consortium partners on receptor modelling, engineering and integration into graphene-based biosensors.
• Participate in consortium training, outreach activities and courses required for obtaining the PhD degree.

The candidate should have:

• A strong practical background in experimental molecular biology, including PCR, DNA manipulation and molecular cloning.
• Experience with nucleic acid biochemistry, recombinant protein production or related experimental techniques.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to independently plan and troubleshoot experiments.
• Good written and spoken English and an interest in interdisciplinary research.

Experience with aptamer selection (SELEX), protein engineering or biochemical binding assays will be considered an advantage.

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.

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.

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
Submitted applications will be reviewed by the members of the Mijakovic lab. Top applicants will be invited to an online interview (target date early January 2027), 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. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The PhD salary will be based on the Marie S. Curie compensation scheme conditions and according to the grant agreement.  Based on seniority the candidate will receive a minimum of DKK 30.264,08 (base salary) and 1580,90 (PhD supplement). In addition, DTU will also pay pension consisting of 18,07%. Finally, it is possible to apply for family allowance. 

The period of employment is 3 years. The position is a full-time position. Tentative start date is 1st February 2027 (according to mutual agreement).

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

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://bright.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 29 November 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

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.

About BRIGHT – The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) is a major initiative based at DTU that aims to accelerate the development of biosolutions and strengthen the bio-based economy. BRIGHT serves as a hub for academic and industrial partners working together to unlock the potential of bioproduction. BRIGHT focuses on three main areas: Sustainable materials (Developing bio-based alternatives to fossil-derived materials), Microbial foods (Innovating food production through microbial technologies), and Microorganisms for net-zero agriculture (Creating solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture). The goal is to develop and scale innovative biosolutions within these areas, ultimately creating sustainable and competitive alternatives to fossil-based products and processes that can make significant contributions to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.