PhD scholarship in Next-Gen Microbial Vitamin Biofortification for Plant-Based Applications - part of a MSCA Doctoral Network on micronutrients in sustainable and nutritious diet - DTU Food

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.

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.

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.

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.