Job Description

Do you want to make a positive environmental and societal impact on textile dyeing? And do you want to contribute to a meaningful green innovation with real potential? Then this position could be for you, and you could become part of our interdisciplinary team behind a novel discovery: light turns the natural precursor indican into indigo directly on the yarn, without sodium hydrosulfite or caustic soda.

We are looking for a special consultant to lead the next phase of Green Indigo, moving from strategy to execution. Our prototype is moving from first dye runs toward industrial conditions. The task now is to validate the technology commercially with industry and to prepare the first industrial pilots with denim mills. The role suits a strategic, commercially minded leader with extensive experience in leadership, business development, marketing, sales and sustainability-driven B2B communication.

As special consultant, you will lead the transition from lab results to industrial validation. You will work closely with the inventor, the research team and external partners in industry and engineering.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Lead the commercial validation of the technology as the prototype moves toward industrial test conditions
• Translate prototype results into requirements and plans for industrial pilots with denim mills
• Build and manage partnerships with mills, equipment manufacturers, engineering and LED partners
• Coordinate stakeholders across research, industry and brands
• Secure external funding for the project through grant and accelerator applications
• Communicate results to industry and brands, including at international trade fairs
• Prepare the commercialisation route together with DTU’s innovation and IP functions

We expect that you have:

• Senior experience in business leadership, marketing, business development and commercial strategy
• Experience working with global B2B brands on sustainability
• Experience leading partner and stakeholder processes in complex international settings
• The ability to combine strategic planning, communication and execution
• A drive to thrive in cross-functional work with researchers, industry and brands
• The ability to turn ambition into action and create clarity in complex projects
• Knowledge of the textile or denim value chain is an advantage
• Contacts in the global indigo community

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for academic staff employed in technical-administrative positions at DTU (AC TAP): https://www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The period of employment is 12 months, and it is a full-time position. The starting date is 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Application and contact

Please submit your online application no later than Wednesday, 14 October 2026. Open the “Apply now” link, fill out the form and attach your motivated application, CV and exam certificates.

Further information may be obtained from Prof. Katrine Qvortrup, DTU Chemistry.

You can read more about DTU Chemistry at www.kemi.dtu.dk/english/.

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 – 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.