Are you interested in influencing the future of sustainable food innovation in Europe? This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of food biotechnology, regulation, and innovation. You will develop expertise in understanding European regulatory frameworks, conducting risk assessment, and implementing emerging food technologies while collaborating closely with researchers, food safety authorities, and other stakeholders. Through your research and communication of the results, you will help explore how regulation can support both responsible innovation and sustainable development in the food sector.

Research on Biotechnology Regulation and Innovation
Your research will investigate and explore how regulatory frameworks influence the development, implementation, and safety assessment of emerging food biotechnologies. By combining regulatory science, risk assessment, and food biotechnology innovation studies, the project addresses some of the key challenges facing the future of food systems in Europe. You will engage closely with researchers, authorities, regulators and other stakeholders, gaining first-hand insight into the complex world of evidence-based decision making. Although this PhD project does not include laboratory research, it offers a unique opportunity to develop expertise that is increasingly in demand across the European biotechnology sector. The project is expected to include a research stay abroad at a leading scientific advice and risk assessment institution such as EFSA or comparable institution in other EU Member States.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Analyse EU regulations and risk assessment frameworks
• Engage with authorities, regulators, risk assessors and other stakeholders
• Investigate opportunities and barriers for biotechnology innovation
• Develop scientific and popular science publications
• Contribute to recommendations for future evidence-based policy development

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Holds a two-year MSc degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent in food science, food technology, biotechnology, public policy, science and technology studies, or a related field.
• Has a strong interest in food biotechnology and its regulatory and societal dimensions.
• Is able to work independently and drive a research project forward.
• Is eager to engage with people and to build diverse professional networks
• Enjoys translating complex topics to different audiences and communicating the outcomes.
• Demonstrates strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

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 candidates will be made by Assistant Professor Robin Dorau and Senior Scientific Officer Agnieszka Podolska-Charlery.

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 period of employment is 3 years.

Starting date is 1 January 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Assistant Professor Robin Dorau (rdor@food.dtu.dk) or Senior Scientific Officer Agnieszka Podolska-Charlery (agpo@food.dtu.dk).

You can read more about DTU National Food Institute at www.food.dtu.dk/english

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 23 September 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

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.

DTU National Food Institute
DTU National Food Institute conducts research into and disseminates - through advice, innovation and teaching - sustainable and value-creating solutions in the area of food and health for the benefit of society. The vision is to make a difference by generating future prosperity through research into food and health. The institute works to prevent disease and promote health, develop new and better food products for a growing population and create sustainable technological solutions, including biosolutions. The institute’s tasks are carried out in interdisciplinary collaboration within e.g. nutrition, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, epidemiology, modelling, and technology. This is achieved through a strong academic environment of international top class with correspondingly skilled researchers and employees. The Institute employs approximately 390 staff members.

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.