Researcher in enzymatic plastic depolymerization

Job title: Researcher in enzymatic plastic depolymerization

Company: Aalborg Universitet


Job description: Do you want to work with biotechnological plastic recycling? And do you see yourself as a team player who is strong in collaboration? If yes, we look forward to reading your application to our position as Researcher.
At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a 3-year position as Researcher in enzymatic plastic depolymerization is open for appointment from 1st of September 2025, or soon hereafter.Your work tasks
The Researcher position will focus on scaling up processes for the enzymatic depolymerization of polyesters, as part of a novel Horizon Europe Innovation Action project dedicated to the bio-upcycling of plastic waste. The project involves 19 partners from all over Europe and will develop scalable bioprocesses for the recycling of mixed plastic waste and multilayers, by integrating microbial and chemo-enzymatic depolymerization, following a biorefinery approach. Through eco-design we will develop new eco-polymers that are easier to recycle, thus contributing to a more sustainable plastic sector. We have already tested the best technology at TRL 6 and will now proceed with further optimization and scale-up.
You will be developing and scaling up a robust expression and secretion platform to test large amounts of enzymes. You will be applying protein/genetic engineering to increase the activity and expression levels of polyester hydrolases, which will be expressed and secreted, both in E.coli and Pichia pastoris. You will also test the effect of enzyme immobilization, using different hydrophobic binding domains and MOFs. A postdoc will also be hired in the AAU Team, to develop microbial bioupcycling processes.
You are expected to have practical experience with various molecular biology and protein engineering techniques, including the use of bioinfomatic tools. We expect you to run controlled experiments for plastic depolymerization (quantified by HPLC, NMR, DSC, and enzymatic assays), site-directed mutagenesis, transformation and cloning, lab-scale enzyme purification, enzyme immobilization tests, characterization of enzyme activity, etc.
Expertise on running bioreactors, as well as documented skills in scientific dissemination of results are also required.
Limited teaching within your area can be expected, in the form of student supervision.Your Competencies
Competences of the successful applicant:

• Research experience in enzymatic polyester depolymerization
• Experience with proteins expression and secretion in different hosts
• Experience with protein immobilization techniques
• Experience in analytical methods (HPLC, GC, NMR, UV, MS, etc.),
• Complex problem-solving skills and critical thinking
• Ability to work in an international team
• Inter- and multidisciplinary thinking
• High motivation
• Ability to conduct work in a structured and systematic manner and with a high degree of independence
• An integrative and cooperative personality with excellent communication and social skills
• Fluency in English – written and oral

Qualification requirements
Appointment as Researcher requires academic qualifications at PhD level.
A PhD in Enzymology, Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, or a related field, along with international postdoctoral research experience, is preferred but not required.
The research potential of each applicant will be emphasized in the overall assessment.Who we are
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;How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (master’s degree diploma and PhD diploma)
• List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of five publications.
• Documentation of teaching qualifications. Depending on which faculty you are applying for employment, please see

or . If this is not enclosed, the applicant must enclose the reasons for this . * Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc.

• Additional qualifications in relation to the position
• References/recommendations

You can read more about the requirements for your application .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
Read more about our recruitment processThe appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process .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.Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the and and .Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with andAalborg University – Knowledge for the worldAalborg 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. Type of employment: temporary position | Contract type: full time | Number of positions: 1 | Full-time equivalent: 37 | City: Aalborg | County: Nordjylland | Country: Denmark | Reference number: 2025/155 | Contact: Cristiano Varrone , HR Support , | Published: 2025-05-22 | Last application date: 2025-06-06

Expected salary:

Location: Aalborg, Nordjylland

Job date: Sat, 24 May 2025 02:35:45 GMT

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