Ren Wei

The Department of Green Technology at the University of Southern Denmark is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for the Biotechnology Section to join a newly established group working with Associate Professor Ren Wei. The project sits within CATAMPLAS, a Horizon Europe EIC Pathfinder collaboration focused on developing next-generation catalytic protein scaffolds, including engineered functional amyloids, for the enzymatic degradation of synthetic polymers. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of protein engineering, biocatalysis, and polymer degradation, contributing to research on catalytic protein scaffold design and on the interaction between enzymes and polymer substrates. The project combines rational, semi-rational, and computational protein design with recombinant expression and purification of challenging proteins, including self-assembling and aggregation-prone targets. It also involves developing and applying screening assays for enzymatic polymer breakdown and using biophysical analysis to understand enzyme–substrate interfaces and catalytic function. The postdoc will be embedded in an interdisciplinary and internationally connected research environment with collaborations spanning protein engineering, enzymology, structural and biophysical characterization, microbial synthetic biology, biomaterials, polymer science, and industrial biotechnology. The position is based in BIOTECH within the Faculty of Engineering at SDU, a department described as highly interdisciplinary and equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories. The advertised role also includes responsibilities such as presenting results, publishing in high-impact journals, contributing to laboratory workflows, and supporting the daily life of the research group. The work is framed as part of a high-profile European consortium, offering extensive opportunities for international and industrial exchange through CATAMPLAS.