Job Description

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRiGHT) at Technical University of Denmark invites applications for a position as Professor in Biocatalysis and Structural Biology for Sustainable Biosolutions.

BRiGHT is a research centre with the overall mission of contributing to research, development, and innovation within discovery and engineering of novel biosynthesis routes and exploration of compounds suitable for a sustainable bioproduction and industrial applications.

Your research leadership is of utmost importance, and therefore you are an empathetic role model that fosters and nurtures inspiring environments, e.g. by inclusion and openness. We strive for a decent work-life balance.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The position involves research, publication, innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization and scientific dissemination at highest international level, as well as teaching, supervision, training and mentoring. Translational activities play a key role so experience in driving innovation processes within biocatalysis in the context of sustainability is of significant importance.

In addition, assignments will include:

• Research leadership to strengthen and develop the research field
• Day-to-day management of the research group operations including scientific guidance and mentoring of group members
• Development of the specific research area
• Facilitation and driving of technology transfer and spin-off activities
• External collaboration, e.g. with other research institutions, relevant industry and European consortia
• Guidance and supervision of assistant professors, researchers and PhD students
• Academic assessment work
• Supervision of PhD students and postdocs
• Teaching at graduate and undergraduate courses at the Technical University of Denmark related to the professorship’s field of expertise

Furthermore, the professor is expected to

• coordinate the activities of the research group with the other scientific groups and core facilities
• facilitate collaboration with colleagues internally and at other DTU departments, e.g., in terms of joined research proposals, sharing of research infrastructures/technologies, and supervision of students.
• Use sustainability as a guide for research direction.

This professorship is expected to significantly contribute to developing novel enzymatic processes and products enabling the green transition and integrating quantitative sustainability assessment. Recent advances in the field of enzymology and structural biology provide the enabling technologies necessary to bring enzymatic reactions to an economically feasible and practical stage for both bulk and fine chemicals, as well as other compounds and materials made of proteins.

Innovative approaches on how to establish these enzymatic processes are therefore needed towards biosynthesis of industrial and novel chemicals. Likewise, establishing a modus operandi for integrating quantitative sustainability assessment in early-stage research and technology development will be a focus of the position. The professorship is expected to play a significant role in the new NNF initiative, BRIGHT. By developing sustainable enzymatic biosolutions to agricultural technology, microbial foods, sustainable protein production and food ingredients, the professor will contribute with research, supervision, and innovation within these fields.

Emphasis is placed on applicants having the potential to continue to develop the research area and have documented original scientific production at international level. The qualification requirements are:

• A PhD degree in biochemistry, bioengineering or similar field
• Relevant postdoctoral/group leader experience; experience in managing a research group covering topics like natural products, computational biology, and enzyme engineering
• A high level of original scientific production at international level that has contributed to the further development of the subject area in question.
• High productivity and profiling
• Experience in integrating sustainability assessment into molecular research
• Experience in driving innovation processes in the context of sustainability and biosolutions
• Significant input that contributes to the development of the subject area, including identification and cultivation of new fields of research
• Initiative and impact vis-à-vis sponsors, recipients, and partners
• Appreciable contribution to research-based programs.

Consideration will also be given to:

• the ability to collaborate with major international partners within and outside of BRiGHT
• a well-established network within the relevant research community and internationally leading research groups
• experience in managing diverse research operations, including track record of attracting talented PhD and postdoc researchers
• documented research experience and research leadership
• experience in working with experimental and computational staff

You are expected to take a lead role in teaching at the BEng, BSc, MSc and PhD levels.

DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages, and in time are expected to master both.

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Documented experience and quality of teaching and curriculum development
• Research impact and experience, funding track record and research vision
• International impact and experience
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills

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

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Executive Advisor Dina P. Nielsen dpet@dtu.dk .

You can read more about BRiGHT at BRIGHT

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 14 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:

• Application (cover letter) addressed to the President
• CV including employment history, list of publications indicating scientific highlights, H-index and ORCID (see http://orcid.org/)
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)
• Research proposal and vision
• Innovation, entrepreneurship and collaborations portfolio: overview and experience as well future vision
• Teaching portfolio documentation of teaching experience, and the teaching philosophy

You can learn more about the recruitment process here

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.

BRIGHT is an international research centre of excellence developing and scaling bioprocesses for sustainable production of chemicals as well as protein-based products. The centre’s activities are a mix of basic, applied and translational research, complemented by an emphasis on business development and partnerships to facilitate commercialization of new products, processes and associated technologies. BRIGHT offers state-of-the-art research facilities and offering a unique platform providing excellent talent development and career opportunities.

Building on the 15 years of the previous Center for Biosustainability, BRIGHT is based upon a long-term grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation to DTU, started in 2025, inaugurated in 2026 and has about 200 employees.

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.