Postdoc in Biomass Valorisation for Application in Textiles

If you are motivated to guide innovation by developing new biobased processes able to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future, this is the perfect position for you. 

We are looking for a Postdoc with experience in the areas of Biomass Fractionation and Fermentation to start the activities from the 1st of February 2027. The candidate will work on a project focused on the production of biobased molecules from lignocellulosic biomass for application in textiles.

The successful applicant will be working within the Section of Synthetic Biology at the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) in the research group “Biomass Conversion and Bioprocess Technology” (BCBT group). With this position, we want to expand our research in biomass valorization and sustainable biobased processes to promote a green transition and support the UN Sustainable Development goals.

You will work with a team of scientists including PhD and MSc students in close collaboration with academic collaborators. Your primary tasks will be to:

• develop research activities in the areas of biomass characterization and fractionation (including hydrothermal and enzymatic processes), fermentation, separation/ purification, product formulation and application in textiles;
• familiarize her/himself with relevant background literature and disseminate the acquired knowledge to the project team and other group members through seminars;
• write scientific reports and present her/his results at national/international scientific conferences;
• supervise MSc and BSc students.

To apply for this position, you must have:

• A PhD degree in engineering, biotechnology, or equivalent.
• Previous experience in the areas of biomass fractionation and fermentation.
• Ability to work independently, responsibility to perform research and meet deadlines.
• Previous experience with the supervision of students.
• Previous experience with research focused on textiles will be a plus.
• Talent for scientific writing and to give presentations. 
• Excellent skills to communicate (written and spoken) in English.

The assessment of the applicants will be made by the head of BCBT group, Prof. Solange I. Mussatto.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

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 terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures. 

The period of employment is 2,5 years. Starting date is 1 February 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 about this position may be obtained from Prof Solange I. Mussatto, e-mail: smussatto@dtu.dk. Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.

You can read more about the BCBT group at www.bcbtgroup.com.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 31 October 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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 

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 fields 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 in healthcare systems that are transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs of the life sciences and biotech industries and contribute to innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research institutions and industry partners. DTU Bioengineering has approximately 400 employees, of whom two-thirds are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU's Lyngby Campus.

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.