PhD scholarship in Forecasting Bioplastic Degradability with Machine Learning - DTU Sustain

Join DTU Sustain in pioneering sustainable solutions through our PhD position in Forecasting Bioplastic Degradability with Machine Learning. You will develop innovative models to predict and enhance the degradability of bioplastics, contributing to global environmental sustainability
Are you passionate about creating a sustainable future and pioneering in the fields of bioplastics and machine learning? At DTU Sustain, we are offering a unique opportunity to delve into pioneering research that bridges between environmental science, polymer chemistry and advanced data analytics. This PhD position is a chance to make a tangible impact on global environmental challenges related to plastic pollution and a circular plastic economy.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your activities will revolve around the development of a framework to predict the degradability of bioplastics by integrating machine-learning techniques with experimental datasets on bioplastic degradability. You will work to establish links between polymer features and degradability through mapping of existing data, laboratory testing and data augmentation.

Your main goal will be to develop predictive models for assessing the degradability of bioplastics, facilitating a transition to more sustainable materials. More specifically, you will:

• Engage in interdisciplinary research combining polymer chemistry, environmental science, and data science.
• Conduct laboratory experiments to e.g. determine the degradability of bioplastics under relevant conditions.
• Develop and validate machine learning models to predict degradation behaviors of bioplastics under scenarios relevant to various environmental and industrial conditions.
• Collaborate with academic partners to refine bioplastic formulations.
• Publish and present your research in scientific journals and conferences.

Qualifications:

• A master's degree in a relevant field such as computational science, polymer chemistry, materials science, or environmental science (ideally a combination of one or more of these).
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for being a dynamic and integrated member of a multidisciplinary team.

It is seen as a great advantage if the candidate has:

• Demonstrated application of machine learning in chemistry or polymer science.
• Hands-on experience in laboratory experiments related to environmental science or polymer chemistry.
• Proven success in working across disciplines and effectively navigating interdisciplinary collaboration.
• A proactive, positive attitude and demonstrated ability to take initiative in academic or professional settings.
• Experience managing research projects and laboratory activities.
• Exceptional team-working skills, thriving in diverse, inclusive research environments.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

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.

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
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is as soon as possible (according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Nanna B. Hartmann (nibh@dtu.dk) (main supervisor, DTU Sustain), Anders Egede Daugaard (adt@kt.dtu.dk) (co-supervisor, DTU Chemical Engineering) or Hiba Nassar (hibna@dtu.dk) (co-supervisor, DTU Compute).

You can read more about DTU Sustain at www.sustain.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. 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 25 May 2025 (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
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

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 Sustain is one of the largest university departments specializing in environmental and resource engineering in Europe. We are working to develop new environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies, methods and solutions, and to disseminate this knowledge to society and future generations of engineers.

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.

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