PhD scholarship on Protein-based Rare Earth Element Recovery - DTU Chemical Engineering

Are you passionate about sustainable technologies and innovative bioprocesses? 

Join the Bioprocess Science and Engineering group at DTU Chemical Engineering and help us develop protein-based methods to recover rare earth elements from bio-mining streams and e-waste.

The Bioprocess Science and Engineering (BSE) group at DTU Chemical Engineering is amongst other activities developing novel bio-based methods (using protein and enzymes) to recover valuable compounds and elements from dilute solutions. The group is embedded in the PROSYS research center, part of DTU Chemical Engineering. Key to this work is a test case involving the protein-based recovery of rare earth elements as found in liquid bio-mining streams or e-waste. To support this goal, we are looking for a colleague who is independent, who thrives within an interdisciplinary environment, and who is highly motivated to move the area of bio-recovery to the next level. We currently working on bio-recovery in close collaboration with the University of Queensland in Australia.

This PhD project is part of a UQ-DTU joint scholarship, funding one student at UQ and one at DTU. The two teams are expected to work closely throughout the project. It will focus on:            

• Expression, characterization and application of proteins suitable for REE recovery, available from UQ.
• Techno-economic evaluation of process options for REE recovery using proteins.
• Testing protein for immobilization.
• Testing of reactors for operation with real solutions.
• Modelling suitable reactors and evaluating options for scale-up. 

Responsibilities:

• Combine protein and process engineering supported by modelling as described above
• Participate in workshops and exchanges with the UQ team
• Collaborate within the BSE research group and our local, national and international networks
• Report your research results in peer-review scientific publications and international conferences
• Disseminate your results through public engagement and social media
• Teach and supervise MSc and BSc students as well as research assistants

Qualifications:

• MSc in biotechnology, (bio)chemical engineering, or related area
• Excellent English proficiency in written and oral form
• Excellent communication and social skills for working within an interdisciplinary research team
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work independently
• Ability to convert experimental data into useful functioning models

Preferred qualifications but not mandatory:

• Interest in reactor design, scale-up and pilot operation of bioprocesses

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. 

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 preferred starting date is 1 March 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from John Woodley: jw@kt.dtu.dk. 

More information about DTU Chemical Engineering: www.kt.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 s