A consortium at seven host institutes (Wageningen Universiteit, Universidade do Minho, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Austrian Centre for Industrial Biotechnology, Imperial College London, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca and Chalmers Tekniska Högskola) together with fifteen associated partners, ranging from start-up to large biotechnology companies and renowned research institutes aims to understand how yeast cells die under industrial process conditions and use this knowledge to improve biomanufacturing. 

Different yeast species play a vital role in industrial biotechnology for the sustainable production of a wide range of products, for example ethanol as a biofuel or protein ingredients for alternatives to animal-based products. However, also the lifespan of these yeast cells is finite and their death negatively impacts processes: for example with regards to process duration or product quality. Therefore we developed an approach that integrates the disciplines of fundamental cell and molecular biology, systems and synthetic biology with bioprocess and metabolic engineering to improve both our understanding of these cell death processes as well as the survival and performance of different yeast species in industrial bioprocesses. 

The UPSYDE consortium offers 13 PhD projects among all involved institutions, each of the individual doctoral projects will focus on a different aspect, and each PhD will receive a strongly interdisciplinary training alongside performing exciting research. This includes secondments at at least two other partners in the consortium. 

DTU will host 2 of the PhD positions (referred as DC8 and DC9 in the UPSYDE consortium).

Responsibilities and qualifications
To be eligible for the positions, both host-institute specific (see below) and general conditions apply. These general conditions include:

• Not be in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment; 
• Comply with the mobility rule: no residence or main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months before their recruitment date), this includes the country of the institution for which the main activity was performed.

DC8 - Detection of cell death in Debaryomyces hansenii and its genetic factors

Within this project, the doctoral candidate is expected to develop the methodology to detect “death” phenotypes in the non-conventional yeast D. hansenii , as well as identify novel genetic factors involved in such. The overall goal is to design and implement a variety of engineering strategies in order to obtain a more robust D. hansenii chasis for a more efficient recombinant protein production in industrial bioprocesses.

Academic secondment: ACIB (Austria)

Industrial secondment: Mycolever (Germany)

Responsibilities and qualifications for DC8

• Experience with yeast physiology and advanced molecular biology.
• Experience with HT-screening devices and bioreactors.
• Bioinformatics knowledge (e.g. proteomics, RNAseq, genomics)

DC9: Enhanced sustainable production by reducing substrate-induced cell death

Within this project, the doctoral candidate is expected to identify which cell death modes are triggered by process conditions and/or which are triggered depending on the substrate utilized during the fermentation, with a special focus on waste/side-stream utilization as feedstock in bioprocesses. The overall goal is to identify links between specific substrate utilization and culture conditions with programmed cell death, using D. hansenii and S. cerevisiae as model organisms, and follow up design engineering strategies to prolong the yeast lifespan in industrial bioprocesses.

Academic secondment: University Milano-Bicocca (Italy)

Industrial secondment: Cosun (The Netherlands)

Responsibilities and qualifications for DC9

• Experience with yeast physiology and advanced molecular biology
• Experience with fermentation technology and microbial cultivations using bioreactors at different scales (micro-fermentors + lab-scale fermentors + pilot fermentors)
• Bioinformatics knowledge (e.g. proteomics, RNAseq, genomics)

For both positions, 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 of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor José Luis Martinez Ruiz.

The selection procedure will be open, transparent, merit-based and in line with the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers . All the network institutions are equal opportunity employers and seek a workforce diverse in age, culture, nationality and gender. Candidates that fit best for the different projects will be selected according to the following steps:

1. Eligibility check. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility based on the criteria listed above under the ‘Eligibility criteria’ section.
2. Pre-selection of candidates. Eligible candidates will be ranked based on the submitted documents and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an online interview. Those not shortlisted will be informed of the result of their application.
3. After the online interviews, candidates will be offered a position or will be informed about the rejection decision.

Selected candidates will have 7 days to accept the position.

Selection criteria

1. Adequacy of the candidate’s education to the position.
2. Relevant postgraduate work experience.
3. Motivation of the candidate for the position.
4. Effective communication and interpersonal skills (English proficiency).

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 .

Further information  

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor José Luis Martinez Ruiz jlmr@dtu.dk .

You can read more about the department at DTU Bioengineering .

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 26 March 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)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

Please indicate which project you are applying for  (DC8 or DC9).

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 Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering)  is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

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.