About the opportunity
This 3-year full-time PhD position is a collaboration between the Sustainable Food Innovation Group and the Microbial Foods Group at the Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The position forms part of BRIGHT’s Mission 2 research programme, which aims to build an AI-powered framework for the rational design of microbial foods focusing on consumer acceptance, health, sustainability, and scalability. The successful candidate will map different types and modes of scale within microbial food innovation, identify associated research challenges, investigate unviable traditional production practices, and explore how scalar multiplicity can support green transitions.
Salary and benefits
- Fully-funded 3-year PhD scholarship position based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
- Allowance agreed upon with the relevant union
- Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research environment at a leading technical university globally
- Access to monthly free seminars on relocation and startup support in Denmark
Who can apply?
- Hold a two-year Master’s degree (120 ECTS points) in geography, science & technology studies, food systems, climate science, or a related discipline, or an equivalent academic level
- Fluent in spoken and written English
- Literacy in common IT systems
- Basic knowledge about food science, food microbiology, fermentation, food systems, and sustainability issues is ideal
- Some experience making traditional and/or novel fermentations is ideal
Required documents
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma in English including official description of grading scale
- One letter of reference with referee's email and phone number
When to apply
- Application deadline is 13 September 2026 at 23:59 Danish time
- Start date is 01-01-2027 or according to mutual agreement
How to apply
- Prepare all required application materials in English combined into one single PDF file
- Open the official application link and fill out the online application form
- Attach the PDF file containing the cover letter, CV, transcripts, diploma, and reference letter
Additional information
- Applicants may apply prior to obtaining their Master's degree but cannot begin before having received it
- Assessments will be conducted by Senior Researcher Joshua Evans (primary supervisor) and Researcher Tiffany Mak (co-supervisor)
- Open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates due to special rules for security and export control regarding critical technology research at DTU
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…
- Scholars with a Master's degree in geography, science & technology studies, food systems, or climate science.
- Applicants with a strong interest in the intersection of AI, sustainability, and microbial food scaling strategies.
- Individuals who enjoy interdisciplinary work and mapping complex research challenges in contemporary biotechnology.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is on-site in Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark, necessitating relocation for non-local candidates.
- Like other BRIGHT positions, this role may be subject to security and export control background checks.
- Candidates should be comfortable with the academic rigor of a three-year, full-time PhD scholarship.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This scholarship offers a unique chance to investigate the scalar challenges of sustainable food transitions. It is well-suited for a candidate aiming to bridge the gap between technical food innovation and social science perspectives, providing a platform to influence future food systems through rigorous, interdisciplinary research.
Our take
Candidates with a background in science and technology studies or food systems who are interested in the socio-technical aspects of scaling microbial foods should strongly consider this PhD opportunity.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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