A PhD position is available in the Process and Systems Engineering Center (PROSYS) at DTU Chemical Engineering in the frame of our ongoing industrial collaboration with Novonesis A/S. 

At PROSYS, we have dedicated our work towards the creation of more sustainable future processes. Our philosophy is that experimentation and modelling are both of prime importance and should preferably complement each other in our research projects.  By combining systematic model-based methods and tools (PSE) with experimental validation of novel production processes, our objective is to address the necessary process technology and engineering required to develop and implement sustainable industrial production processes of the future.

As a PhD student on this project, you will be based a PROSYS at DTU Chemical Engineering and will work in close collaboration with the Pilot Plant at Novonesis.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Primary separation is a critical first step in downstream processing, where the target protein is separated from the biomass to establish the foundation for the following purification steps. Therefore, the efficiency of the primary separation strongly influences overall process performance. The PhD project aims at improving primary separation by identifying and investigating key biomass parameters that impact both separation efficiency and centrifuge operation. These parameters will be integrated in the development of a centrifuge model that supports prediction of discharge time, identification of process limitations, and determination of optimal and expected flow conditions.

Your primary tasks will be to: 

• Study and summarize the available literature on primary separation processes
• Design and perform experiments on primary separation at lab and pilot scale
• Develop mathematical models for primary separation processes
• Apply model predictions / optimization for determination of optimal separation conditions
• Disseminate your results through internal presentations, conference participation and the writing of scientific papers

Ideally, you have an  education in chemical and/or biochemical engineering, combining a good process understanding with an interest in separation processes and mathematical modelling.

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 allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 3 years. The employment is expected to start 1 September 2026 or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position. 

The workplace is DTU Lyngby Campus. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Helena Junicke (heljun@kt.dtu.dk ) or Professor Krist V. Gernaey (kvg@kt.dtu.dk ), both at DTU Chemical Engineering. 

You can read more about DTU Chemical Engineering at 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 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 2 June 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 Chemical Engineering at DTU is a leader in innovative teaching and research, built on core technical subjects and engineering scientific disciplines. The teaching and research cover separation processes, (bio)reaction engineering, dynamics and process regulation, process and facility planning, unit operations, heat transmission, fluid mechanics and applied thermodynamics. The Department enjoys very close relations with international partners, and especially a wide range of industrial companies. 

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.