Technical University of Denmark (DTU) announces a PhD Scholarship in Microbial Chemotaxis and Root-Microbe Interactions. The scholarship is open for the academic session 2026/2027.

Eligibility for the PhD scholarship at DTU Bioengineering requires applicants to hold a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent in microbiology, microbial ecology, biotechnology, environmental biology, environmental engineering, or a related field.

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading international technical university known for excellence in engineering, technology, and innovation. Consistently ranked among Europe’s top universities, DTU focuses on research-driven education, strong industry collaboration, and solutions to global challenges across sustainability, energy, digital technologies, and life sciences.

• University or Organization: Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
• Department: Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering), Section for Microbial and Chemical Ecology (MCE)
• Course Level: PhD
• Award: Full scholarship including salary (based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations; approximate monthly salary ~DKK 34,000 including pension, as per standard DTU PhD terms), for a duration of 3 years
• Access Mode: Online
• Number of Awards: 1
• Nationality: International (all interested candidates, irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion, or ethnic background, are encouraged to apply)
• The award can be taken in Denmark 

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: Open to applicants from all countries
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in Microbial Chemotaxis, Root-Microbe Interactions, Microbial Ecology, Chemical Ecology, and related fields within Biotechnology and Biomedicine
• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet all the following criteria:
• Hold a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent in microbiology, microbial ecology, biotechnology, environmental biology, environmental engineering, or a related field
• Experience with molecular microbiology techniques (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing workflows)
• Familiarity with or strong interest in microfluidics; experience with flow cytometry or quantitative image-based data analysis is desirable
• Knowledge of or willingness to develop microbial bioinformatics skills
• Structured approach to experimental work, confidence in handling quantitative data, ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary group
• Good communication skills in written and spoken English
• Applicants may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree but cannot start before receiving it

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online as one PDF file no later than 15 February 2026 (23:59 Danish time) via the “Apply now” link on the official DTU job portal. The file must include:

• Cover letter motivating the application
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English, including official description of grading scale)
• 1–2 page research statement summarizing motivation and relevant background in microbial chemotaxis, molecular methods, and soil microbial ecology
• Minimum one reference contact

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Benefits

• 3-year fully funded position with competitive salary and pension contributions
• Enrollment in DTU’s PhD program with access to state-of-the-art facilities in environmental genomics, chemical analytics, and microbial cultivation
• Opportunity for international collaboration, including a research visit to Dr. Jean-Baptiste Raina
• Supervision of BSc/MSc students and contributions to interdisciplinary work packages
• Rewarding role in a vibrant, international environment at a leading technical university focused on innovation and sustainable development
• Support for relocation if applying from abroad (including seminars on moving to Denmark)

Apply Now