A PhD position is available at the Center for Bioprocess Engineering at the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), with starting date as soon as possible this year. The PhD project is part of a DANIDA supported collaborative research project concerning research capacity building and technology implementation for Seaweed Biorefinery Development in Ghana, between DTU, Denmark, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana, and The Water Research Institute (WRI), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Ghana.

Project description
The core goal of the present PhD project is to discover, characterize, and produce novel enzymes for local seaweed processing in Ghana. The research will target enzyme discovery for innovative, selective processing of seaweed hydrocolloids and engineering technology for local small scale enzyme production in Ghana for seaweed biorefining. The PhD student will be enrolled at DTU, Lyngby, Denmark, and the experimental work will take place both at DTU, Denmark and at KNUST and WRI, Ghana. The overall objective of the overarching Seaweed Biorefinery Project in Ghana is to establish local capacity for green economic growth via seaweed product manufacturing.

Qualifications
The successful candidate should have a master's degree in chemical engineering or biotechnology or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree.

The preferred applicant has an excellent academic track record with relevant theoretical and practical research experience within enzymatic biorefining technology, enzyme engineering and preferably deep knowledge of carbohydrate chemistry. You have to be able to work independently, think creatively, and be motivated towards combining fundamental scientific research with innovative hands-on collaborative work in Ghana. Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken are required.

Approval and Enrolment
The PhD application is subject to academic approval and further scholarship approval by the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, DTU. The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Chemical Engineering degree PhD Programme of DTU. For information about the organization of the PhD studies at DTU and the general requirements for admission, please see here DTU PhD Guide and here Admission. 

We offer
We offer an intellectually stimulating, international research environment and participation in a sustainable entrepreneurship effort for green growth in Africa. The Center for Bioprocess Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, DTU, targets development of new biocatalytic conversion concepts for sustainable biorefining routes and bioproducts design based on generic research and ingenious chemical engineering (bioeng.kt.dtu.dk).

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years. The main place of work will be at the Center for Bioprocess Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, DTU, Lyngby, Denmark and with extended work stays in Ghana.

Application
To apply, please read the full job advertisement at www.career.dtu.dk

Application deadline: 10 October 2014.

We plan to call for interviews around 15 October 2014.

DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,700 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,000 students are educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.

Apply here: http://www.dtu.dk/english/career//job?id=8302ef6d-1e06-404b-b24a-1bd5bb0b6832