Downstream Engineer to World-Class Pilot Plant

Become a downstream specialist in a world of highly exciting projects

If you have a background in downstream engineering and are looking for an opportunity to broaden your skills, this job could be the right fit for you. You will work hands-on with a wide range of downstream technologies and unit operations, contributing to the development and scale-up of new bioprocesses for research teams, start-ups, and industrial partners.

You will join the Pre-Pilot Plant, which is part of the BRiGHT Biofoundry. The Biofoundry brings together expertise and technologies across the biomanufacturing value chain, supporting the development of new biological solutions from early-stage research towards industrial application.

The Pre-Pilot Plant plays a key role in this journey by bridging the gap between laboratory-scale research and industrial production. We develop, optimize, and scale up fermentation and downstream processes across a broad range of projects. This gives you the opportunity to work with different products, processes, and technologies while building broad practical experience in downstream processing. You can read more about the Pre-Pilot Plant here.

Develop and scale-up downstream processes
As a Downstream Engineer, you will work closely with our Fermentation Engineers on a wide variety of projects for BRiGHT research teams, start-ups, and industrial partners. Your work will range from planning and performing laboratory experiments to developing and scaling-up downstream processes in the Pre-Pilot Plant.

You will have a high degree of responsibility for planning and carrying out your own experimental work, while working closely with the rest of the team. You will interpret results, discuss findings and next steps with colleagues and project partners, and document your work using our digital tools.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up downstream processes
• Plan and execute downstream experiments for the recovery and purification of proteins and small molecules
• Work with a broad range of downstream unit operations and technologies
• Collect, interpret, and communicate experimental results
• Document experimental work and results using our digital tools
• Collaborate with colleagues, research teams, and external partners throughout the projects

You will join an international team of nine colleagues with expertise in fermentation and downstream processing. We work closely together, share knowledge and experience, and support each other across projects.

A collaborative and curious downstream engineer
We are looking for someone who enjoys trying new approaches, learning new technologies, and working hands-on with equipment in the lab and pilot plant. At the same time, you work in a structured and responsible way, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and thorough documentation.

You will be part of a collaborative team, so we value someone who enjoys working with others, sharing knowledge, and giving and receiving feedback. Many of our projects involve developing processes that have not been tried at this scale before, so curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to learn from experimental results are important.

We expect you to have:

• A Master's or PhD degree in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, biotechnology, or a related field
• Experience with downstream processing
• Experience with at least one of the following unit operations: centrifugation, filtration, liquid-liquid extraction, chromatography or freeze-drying
• An interest in developing your skills across a broad range of downstream technologies

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for academic staff employed in technical-administrative positions at DTU (AC TAP): https://www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The preferred start date is 01.01.2027 or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Application and contact
Please submit your online application no later than 7 October 2026. Open the “Apply now” link, fill out the form and attach your motivated application, CV and exam certificates.

If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Pilot Plant Manager Ann Dorrit Enevoldsen at aden@dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

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.

About BRIGHT – The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) is a major initiative based at DTU that aims to accelerate the development of biosolutions and strengthen the bio-based economy. BRIGHT serves as a hub for academic and industrial partners working together to unlock the potential of bioproduction. BRIGHT focuses on three main areas: Sustainable materials (Developing bio-based alternatives to fossil-derived materials), Microbial foods (Innovating food production through microbial technologies), and Microorganisms for net-zero agriculture (Creating solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture). The goal is to develop and scale innovative biosolutions within these areas, ultimately creating sustainable and competitive alternatives to fossil-based products and processes that can make significant contributions to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.