About the opportunity
This 3-year fully-funded PhD position is part of BRIGHT’s Microbial Foods mission at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The project focuses on developing computational tools and multi-modal AI/ML systems to predict the nutritional value, digestibility, and bioavailability of alternative proteins and microbial foods. You will work within an interdisciplinary research team, combining protein language model embeddings with nutritional composition, proteomics, and metabolomics data. The computational model will be tested, refined, and validated against in vitro digestion and clinical trial data, ultimately culminating in an open-source tool for redesigning microbial foods.
Funding and benefits
- Fully-funded 3-year employment contract based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
- Opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in an international environment at a leading technical university
- Collaboration with local, national, and international scientific networks
- Option to join monthly free seminars regarding relocation to Denmark and practical support
Who can apply?
- Hold a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or an equivalent academic level in bioinformatics, computational biology, machine learning, computer science, food science, or a related area
- Advanced programming experience in Python
- Experience with machine learning, including deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch
- Excellent English proficiency in written and oral form
- Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree but cannot begin before receiving it
Required documents
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma in English, including an official description of the grading scale
- One letter of reference with the referee's email and phone number
When to apply
- Application deadline is 30 November 2026 at 23:59 Danish time
- Preferred starting date is 1 April 2027 or according to mutual agreement
How to apply
- Open the online application link via the official Oracle Recruiting platform
- Fill out the online application form
- Combine all required application materials into a single PDF file in English
- Submit the complete online application before the deadline
Additional information
- The position is full-time and based at DTU in Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- As DTU works with research in critical technology subject to special security and export control rules, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates
- Inquiries can be directed to Carlos Acevedo-Rocha at cargac@dtu.dk
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Strong background in Python programming and deep learning frameworks like PyTorch combined with an interest in biological or food sciences
- A desire to bridge computational modelling with real-world food system challenges and sustainability
- Eagerness to publish peer-reviewed research, engage in public dissemination, and collaborate across an interdisciplinary team
What should you think carefully about?
- Relocation to Denmark is required for the duration of the 3-year PhD contract
- The role is fully computational, so applicants seeking wet-lab experimental work should note the focus is on predictive modelling and data curation
- Applicants must secure their master's degree before officially commencing the position
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position offers a structured pathway into academic research or computational biotechnology, allowing you to build specialized expertise in AI-driven nutrition modelling and open-source software development while earning a European PhD degree.
Our take
This PhD opportunity is well-suited for candidates with strong computational and machine learning skills who want to apply AI to sustainable food systems. Those who prefer experimental laboratory work or do not wish to relocate to Denmark may find it less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
