PhD scholarship in Unlocking Seaweed Proteins: Green Extraction for Next-Gen Food Applications - DTU National Food

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: 

• Identify seaweeds resources and outline their potential as a source of proteins
• Develop and optimize extraction techniques using enzymes in combination with non-thermal technologies such as ultrasound, ohmic heating, and pulsed electric fields
• Analyze the biochemical, physicochemical, and techno-functional properties of the extracted material using state-of-the-art facilities. 
• Scale up the extraction methods using the advanced facilities available at the University of Queensland.
• Work closely together with lab technicians who carry out analysis for characterization. 
• Participate in the supervision of students and contribute to teaching activities at both the BSc and MSc levels.
• Present and disseminate research findings at both national and international scientific conferences.

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:

• Willingness and ability to spend one year in Australia as part of the Alliance PhD program is mandatory.
• Experience with process technology and extraction techniques.
• Strong knowledge of protein science and its application in food systems.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to food and protein characterization.
• Skills in statistical analysis; experience with multivariate data analysis is considered an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English.
• Flexibility, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently.
• Team-oriented mindset with a strong interest in collaboration across disciplines and institutions.
• A holistic understanding of food systems and their connection to societal needs.
• Genuine motivation for sustainability and contributing to the green transition in the food sector.

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.