About the MSCA project
MICROSUNSET is a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) funded by the European Union in which we have 12 open positions for Doctoral Candidates (DCs). We aim to create a network of early-stage researchers equipped with knowledge and skills - including entrepreneurship – to develop and support implementation strategies that address micronutrient deficiencies in Europe as diets shift toward more plant-based foods. For MICROSUNSET we will recruit 12 highly talented DCs whose collective research will focus on bio-accessibility and bioavailability of micronutrients, and strategies to produce and process plant-based foods with enhanced concentration of micronutrients as an integrative part of sustainable and healthy diets. Development of analytical methods, digestion models, dietary modelling, and conducting consumer surveys will form part of the Doctoral Network’s tasks.
The 12 PhD candidates will be based across seven different universities in Europe: four in Denmark (three at the Technical University of Denmark and one at the University of Copenhagen), two in Germany (Technical University of Munich), one in the Netherlands (Wageningen University), one in Ireland (University College Cork), two in the United Kingdom (University of Newcastle upon Tyne), and two in Finland (University of Helsinki).
To train the DCs as the next generation of micronutrient researchers in our international and interdisciplinary program, MICROSUNSET brings together experts from several disciplines as supervisors, forming a consortium of seven beneficiaries (see above) and fourteen associated partners including six from industry and two start-ups. More information may be found on MICROSUNSET
.
To be eligible for a MICROSUNSET PhD-position
, you must not have lived, studied, or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 36 months, and must not already hold a doctoral degree.
About the PhD-position
Are you interested in becoming part of MICROSUNSET and building a strong foundation for a successful research career?
Are you passionate about microbiology and its role in improving the nutritional quality of food?
The DTU National Food Institute at the Technical University of Denmark is seeking a highly motivated applicant for a PhD scholarship focused on the use of microbiological approaches to enhance the nutritional value of plant-based foods. You will join the Research Group for Microbial Food Biotechnology, which specializes in applying microbial solutions to improve food quality, functionality, and safety. The results generated in our projects contribute to the development of nutritious and safe diets and support sustainable food innovation.
PhD Project
The primary objective of the PhD project is to identify, develop, and apply beneficial microorganisms (QPS) capable of enhancing essential vitamins (B2, B12, and K2) in plant-based foods.
Key tasks include:
- Screening microbial candidates from the NFICC collection at DTU Food using in-silico and in-vitro approaches to identify strains with high vitamin-producing potential.
- Strain improvement using non-GMO methods such as droplet microfluidics and adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE).
- Development of fermented plant-based products, including oat- and legume-based yogurts, using selected microbial strains.
- Collaborative research and training, including research stays at Wageningen University (WUR) and Novonesis, providing insight into industrial processes and bridging academic research with practical applications.
This project offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the interface of microbiology, food technology, and bioengineering, contributing to innovative solutions for the nutritional challenges in plant-based diets.
Throughout the project, you will collaborate with other Doctoral Candidates (DCs) in the MICROSUNSET consortium to contribute to generating evidence-based knowledge about micronutrient content, intake, digestibility and bioavailability from plant-based diets.
Part of the PhD-study is planned to take place as an external stay
at Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The primary goal of this PhD project is to identify and develop strains using non-GMO techniques such as droplet microfluidics and adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) bacteria capable of producing essential vitamins for plant-based diets.
As part of your research, you will
- Enrol
in DTU National Food Institute’s doctoral school and comply with its doctoral training requirements
- Participate actively
in the MICROSUNSET training (12 ETCS), dissemination, communication and exploitation activities.
- Conduct high-quality research
under supervision of a diverse scientific team
- Publish and present
research results in international conference proceedings and peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Prepare and defend a doctoral thesis
in the field of micronutrients and sustainable food products.
- Support student supervision
and contribute to teaching
at BSc and MSc levels.
You must hold a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) in Food Technology or a similar degree at the equivalent academic level.
Furthermore, the ideal candidate has:
- Completed a relevant master’s program.
- Strong interest in microbiology, fermentation, and functional foods.
- Hands-on experience in identification, selection, and non-GMO optimization of bacterial strains.
- Practical experience with analytical equipment and microfluidics platforms.
- Strong interest in and understanding of bioinformatics.
- Good communication skills in English, both written and oral.
- Experience with international collaboration and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
- A structured and analytical approach to work and problem-solving.
- Experience with research dissemination – e.g. scientific publications and/or conference contributions.
Other professional and personal qualifications relevant for the PhD project will also be taken into consideration.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education
Assessment
Assessment of the candidates will be conducted by an assessment committee which follows the MICROSUNSET recruitment set-up and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, promoting an inclusive, merit-based, transparent, and unbiased recruitment process. After an eligibility check assessment will be based on the qualification requirements listed above, as well as the grades from MSc/BSc education. A two-step procedure for applicant selection will be undertaken, involving evaluation of the application and at least one interview.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and appointment terms
Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the requirements from the European Commission related to the MSCA programme and the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.
The EU MSCA grant received by DTU consists of a monthly gross salary 6,035 EUR. Please notice that the monthly salary you will receive will be lower than the above amounts, as these shall cover all costs related to your employment, such as monthly salary, future salary raises, pension, paid holidays, compulsory taxes, and labour market contributions. Depending on seniority, the monthly gross salary (before taxes) starts at approximately 4,300 EUR plus pension.
The selected candidate will be employed full-time by DTU National Food Institute within the MSCA-DN MICROSUNSET, and the period of employment is 3 years.
The start date is 1 August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here
.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher, Claus Heiner Bang-Berthelsen on claban@food.dtu.dk
You can read more about DTU National Food Institute at www.food.dtu.dk/english
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark
. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar
” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 April 2026 (23:59 Danish time)
.
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file
containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file
. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae incl. education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- A certified copy of the original Master of Science diploma (A Master’s degree (or equivalent) is not necessary at the time of application, but will be required at the date of recruitment
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
Furthermore, it is important that you document in your CV that you fulfil the eligibility requirements mentioned in the first paragraph of the announcement. If possible, also include a reference or recommendations letter.
Note the requirement regarding mobility in the paragraph “About the MSCA-project”.
You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
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 National Food Institute
DTU National Food Institute conducts research into and disseminates - through advice, innovation and teaching - sustainable and value-creating solutions in the area of food and health for the benefit of society. The vision is to make a difference by generating future prosperity through research into food and health. The institute works to prevent disease and promote health, develop new and better food products for a growing population and create sustainable technological solutions, including biosolutions. The institute’s tasks are carried out in interdisciplinary collaboration within e.g. nutrition, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, epidemiology, modelling, and technology. This is achieved through a strong academic environment of international top class with correspondingly skilled researchers and employees. The Institute employs approximately 390 staff members.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.
