Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
- What is the COMENZE Project?
- Host Institutions
- Fully Funded Benefits
- Eligibility Criteria
- How to Apply (Deadline: May 15, 2025)
- Required Documents
- Selection Process
- Timeline
- Available Research Projects
- Tips for a Strong Application
- Why Apply?
- Final Call to Action
The COMENZE project is offering 10 fully funded PhD positions in enzyme engineering and bio-based polymers across top European institutions. This prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network program seeks talented researchers to develop sustainable, biodegradable, and recyclable polymers using cutting-edge enzyme technology.
If you hold a Master’s degree in biochemistry, computational biology, chemistry, biotechnology or related fields, this is your chance to contribute to green chemistry innovation while earning a competitive salary and working across Europe.
In this article, we’ll cover:
✔ Eligibility & Application Requirements
✔ Available Research Projects
✔ Funding & Benefits
✔ Selection Process & Timeline
✔ Tips for a Strong Application
What is the COMENZE Project?
COMENZE is a Horizon Europe-funded doctoral network focused on enzyme engineering for sustainable polymer development. The project brings together academic and industrial partners to train the next generation of scientists in green chemistry, enzymology, and computational biology.
Host Institutions
- Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Poland
- Each PhD candidate will work at one of the participating universities and collaborate with industry partners.
Fully Funded Benefits
Successful candidates will receive:
✔ Living allowance: €3,400/month (adjusted by country coefficient)
✔ Mobility allowance: €600/month
✔ Family allowance (if applicable)
✔ Full-time 36-month contract
✔ Enrollment in a PhD program
✔ International research & networking opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
- Master’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry, biotechnology, computational biology, or related fields
- No residency restriction: Must not have lived in the recruiting country for >12 months in the last 3 years
- Strong motivation for sustainable polymer research
- Experience in enzymology, protein engineering, or computational biology (preferred)
- Teamwork & communication skills
How to Apply (Deadline: May 15, 2025)
Required Documents
- CV (highlighting research experience)
- Motivation letter (explain your interest in the project)
- MSc degree certificate (or proof of pending graduation)
- Two recommendation letters
Selection Process
- Phase 1 – Admissibility Check (May 2025)
- Phase 2 – Application Review (June 2025)
- Evaluated on:
- Academic excellence (50%)
- Research experience (20%)
- Motivation (20%)
- Recommendations (10%)
- Top 6 candidates per project proceed to interviews
- Evaluated on:
- Phase 3 – Online Interview (Late June 2025)
- 8-10 min presentation + Q&A
- Evaluated on:
- Academic background (50%)
- Communication skills (25%)
- Motivation (25%)
Timeline
- Application deadline: May 15, 2025
- Interviews: June 2025
- Results announced: Mid-July 2025
- Start date: September/October 2025
Available Research Projects
| Project | Focus | Location |
|---|---|---|
| P5 | Engineering oxidative enzymes for lignin monomer functionalization | Netherlands |
| IRP6 | New oxidative enzymes for polymer building blocks | Portugal |
| IRP7 | Enhancing solvent stability in lignin-depolymerizing enzymes | Germany |
| IRP8 | Developing polyamide-binding peptides | Germany |
| IRP9 | Designing polyamide fusion enzymes | Italy |
| IRP10 | Engineering oxidoreductases for polymer building blocks | Netherlands |
| Other | Enzyme affinity enhancement, transaminase discovery, computational tools | Poland & Spain |
Tips for a Strong Application
- Tailor your motivation letter to the specific project(s).
- Highlight relevant lab skills (enzyme assays, protein engineering, bioinformatics).
- Secure strong recommendation letters from academic supervisors.
- Prepare a concise research presentation for the interview.
- Apply early—competition is high!
Why Apply?
- Work with leading European researchers
- Contribute to sustainable polymer innovation
- Competitive salary & international mobility
- Boost your career in academia or industry
Final Call to Action
📅 Deadline: May 15, 2025
🌍 Open to all nationalities
🔗 Apply now: COMENZE Official Website
Waqas Khan is a dedicated writer and blogger who has been crafting compelling content since 2012. Specializing in science and technology topics, he has built a reputation for translating complex technical concepts into reader-friendly articles. His work demonstrates a deep understanding of emerging technologies and scientific advancements, making him a reliable voice in the digital content space.
