PHD Stipend in Bioprocess Engineering
Do you want to develop continuous bioprocesses with fungi growing on residual biomaterials and other alternative carbon sources? And do you see yourself as a teamplayer who is strong in collaboration? If yes, we look forward to reading your application to our PhD Stipend.
At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a Ph.D. stipend is available within the general study program. The Ph.D. stipend is open for appointment from 01.09.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for 3 years, and the workplace is in Esbjerg, section of chemical and bioengineering.
Your work tasks
The work task include the development of continuous bioprocesses with fungi in tailor-made bioreactors for the production of biomass, proteins and secondary metabolites. Therefore, the work includes the development and application of a monitoring and control strategy, the optimization of the seed culture under consideration of morphology control, the development of a suitable co-feeding profile including solid and liquid feed material, the analysis of morphology, metabolites and other process performance-related parameters. The tasks also include modifications of the bioreactor design to achieve an optimal titer and productivity. They include chemical characterization of the substrate material and its degradation during bioprocessing. Furthermore, tasks include the application of image recognition tools, statistical analyses and the mechanistic description of carbon substrate conversion and growth on solid material. The tasks also include process-related life cycle analyses for the description of the carbon footprint and comparison with other process variants described in scientific literature.
It is expected that the candidate will contribute to group work supervision within the problem-based learning approach within bioengineering related courses. These tasks include lab-scale microbial cultivations and their analyses in shake-flasks and bioreactors at various cultivation modes. It is further expected that the candidate supports the cooperation with other institutions as foreseen in the research project.
Your competencies
The candidate should have interest and experience in microbial cultivation, particularly with uni- or multicellular fungi, ideally in lab-scale bioreactors in fed-batch and continuous mode, analysis of main carbon metabolites and purification of intracellularly accumulating secondary metabolites or proteins. The candidate should have experience in cultivation data analysis and cell physiology related results’ interpretation. A master's degree in bioengineering, chemical engineering with a focus on microbial bioprocesses, or a closely related field is an advantage. Excellent oral and written English language skills are a requirement, the applicant must be interested in working in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.
About the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience
At the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience (BIO), our high-level research spans from basic to applied within both natural sciences and engineering. With approx. 150 employees, 75 PhD students, and 775 bachelor and master’s students at our campuses in Aalborg (main campus) and Esbjerg, we are a vital research and educational institution when it comes to creating new basic knowledge as well as contributing to solving the world’s challenges within biology, chemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, environmental science, and chemical engineering.
We continuously improve our department as an attractive place of work and study. We offer flexible hours, social activities throughout the year both at the department level and in each Section. We are inclusive and have respect for individuals, communities, and cultures. Our work culture is founded on openness, curiosity, transparency, and involvement. Come join us!
Read more about the department here; Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience - en.bio.aau.dk - Aalborg University
How to apply
Your application must include the following:
- Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Diplomas (bachelor and master's degree diploma)
- Other relevant documents
The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.
Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.
Further information
We recommend that you save a copy of the job posting, as it will be removed once the application deadline has passed.
The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.
The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.
Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science
Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).
Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).
Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.
Please note in your application that you found the job at Jobindex