DTU - Technical University of Denmark

Professor in Protein Design - DTU Bioengineering

DTU - Technical University of Denmark  •  Kingdom of Denmark (Onsite)  •  9 days ago
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Job Description

Join us in shaping the future of Protein Design

At the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), we are driving a new era in protein science—one where generative artificial intelligence, highthroughput automation, and advanced experimental biotechnology come together to transform how biologics are conceived and developed. By integrating datadriven modelling with stateoftheart wetlab infrastructure, DTU is creating a research, innovation, and education environment designed to accelerate the discovery and optimization of nextgeneration proteinbased biosolutions and therapeutics.

To further this ambition, we are seeking to appoint a Professor in Protein Design. The position will enhance DTU Bioengineering’s international leadership across computational protein engineering, biologics development, and translational biotechnology. We are looking for an exceptional scientific leader who can build a research and teaching portfolio where generative modelling, mechanistic insight, and experimental validation work seamlessly together—enabling rapid progression from computational idea to clinically or industrially relevant proteinbased solutions.

The professorship will be central in shaping an integrated pipeline spanning foundational machine learning, automated molecular design, experimental screening, and pathways to realworld application. The successful candidate will help position DTU at the forefront of dataenabled protein design, foster strong academic, industrial, and clinical partnerships, and educate the next generation of scientists capable of bridging computational and experimental disciplines.

The position is placed within the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, an international research environment recognized for excellence in protein engineering, biologics development, systems biology, synthetic biology, and biomedical technology. The Department offers stateoftheart infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaborations, and a strategic focus on translating scientific discoveries into impactful societal solutions.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As Professor, you will provide strategic scientific leadership within AI-guided protein design and translational biotechnology. You will build bridges between computational modelling, automated laboratory workflows, and therapeutic development.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Leading and developing internationally recognised research in AI-driven protein design
  • Establishing large interdisciplinary research and innovation initiatives spanning computation, biotechnology, and translational medicine
  • Securing competitive national and international research and innovation funding
  • Supervising and mentoring PhD students, postdocs, and early-career faculty
  • Teaching and developing courses within AI for biotechnology, protein design, and data-driven life sciences
  • Strengthening collaboration with hospitals, industry, and innovation ecosystems
  • Contributing to departmental strategy, leadership, and academic service

We are looking for a candidate who has:

  • A strong international research profile within protein design, computational biology, or related fields
  • A demonstrated track record of high-impact publications
  • Proven success in attracting competitive research funding
  • Documented experienced with Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Experience supervising PhD students and postdoctoral researchers
  • Documented university teaching experience
  • Strong collaborative skills and experience working across disciplines

It will be considered an advantage if you have:

  • Experience leading large interdisciplinary research centres or consortia
  • Experience translating research into clinical or industrial applications
  • Experience collaborating with biotech or pharmaceutical companies
  • Experience with research infrastructure development and laboratory automation

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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Bjarke Bak Christen, tel.: +45 30 66 42 33.

You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.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

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 10 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:

  • Application (cover letter) addressed to the President
  • Vision for teaching and research
  • CV including employment history, list of publications indicating scientific highlights, H-index and ORCID (see http://orcid.org/)
  • Teaching portfolio including documentation of teaching experience
  • Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)

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. 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.

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, evolving, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.

DTU - Technical University of Denmark

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