Do you want to break new ground and push the boundaries of what is scientifically possible?
If you have a PhD in metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, microbiology or related areas and you want to work with cutting-edge technologies and be at the very front of the new scientific revolution, this is a job for you to thrive.
At DTU Center of Biosustainability, we aim to achieve the goal of sustainable future by creating novel chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals and food using microbial cells. You will contribute to the development of new knowledge and technologies to support the transformation from conventional, petroleum-based production to a sustainable bio-based industry. You will have the opportunity to join top scientists from all over the world and make a personal impact in solving some of the most critical challenges the world is facing.
Innovative workflows for building cell factories using state-of-the-art platforms
Your focus is to drive projects by utilizing our newly built Biofoundry that provides state-of-the-art automation platforms, as well as our cutting-edge Informatics infrastructure. With the foundation of high-quality big data generation and analysis, we aim to demonstrate next-generation ‘Design-Build-Test-Learn’ workflows to build microbial cell factories with superior efficiency and predictability, which cannot be achieved otherwise.
More specifically, you will use organisms including E. coli, Streptomyces, yeast and Lactobacillus, etc. as host strains. In collaboration with a computational biologist, you will lead the design of multiple projects and coordinate with Biofoundry colleagues to finish the projects. Each DBTL cycle typically lasts 2-3 months. Your primary tasks include:
- Handle strategic project planning and progress tracking together with research groups
- Work closely with computational biologists in data analysis and decide new targets for the next DBTL cycle
- Design and execute genome editing or plasmids construction tasks
- Run small scale tests and screens before implementing at larger scale in the Biofoundry
- Work with Biofoundry colleagues to complete high-throughput strain construction and screening tasks
- Develop improved genome engineering methods and implement into the Biofoundry
- Work together with pre-pilot plant scientists on process design and scale-up
- Manage large data sets, results and registries using our common informatics platforms
- Presenting plans and results in group-meetings and other seminars
PhD in molecular microbiology, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, or related
We are looking for a visionary profile that thrives on turning exciting challenges into solutions based on curiosity and an open mind for entering new paths when necessary. As a Scientist, you can naturally drive things forward on your own. Equally important is it that you like to create results based on knowledge sharing and positive teamwork – we can simply not succeed if we do not pool our shared knowledge.
As you will manage projects and coordinate with multidisciplinary groups, you must also bring overview and planning skills backed by excellent communication ability in written and spoken English. Additionally, your CV comprises:
- A PhD in metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, molecular microbiology, or related areas
- Preferably some years’ experience from cell factory development – preferred but not mandatory for applying
- Solid skills in molecular biology and physiology of gram-positive bacteria such as Lactobacillus –preferred but not mandatory for applying
- Good understanding of genome-scale modeling, multi-OMICS data analysis and data-driven modeling – advantageous but not mandatory for applying
The Strain Design Group – your new team
You will join a top-class science team under construction, meaning you will get the opportunity to influence our ways of working as well as our environment. When completed, our team will consist 5 experimental biologists and 5 computational biologists who work hands in hands. We follow a unique workflow that allows us to generate and convert data into practical knowledge used for the design of microbial production strains. Our projects focus on production of sustainable chemicals, new bioactive compounds and microbial foods through fermentation.
Salary and terms of employment
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.
Your new workplace is DTU’s main campus in Kgs. Lyngby, Copenhagen.
Application and contact
Applications must be submitted in English no later than 15 February 2021 (Danish time) as one PDF file containing all materials including CV, cover letter, diploma and list of publications.
Apply at www.career.dtu.dk
If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Lei Yang at leiya@biosustain.dtu.dk. If necessary, we will set up an additional phone call to ensure your understanding of the job and your many opportunities.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain)
Recent progress in our ability to read and write genomic code, combined with advances in automation, analytics and data science, has fundamentally changed the scope and ambition of harnessing the potential of biological systems. Big data approaches and analysis of biological systems are key research instruments at the Center. DTU Biosustain utilizes these advances for microbial cell factory design to foster sustainable lifestyles in relation to three application areas: Sustainable Chemicals, Natural Products, and Microbial Foods. Learn more at https://www.biosustain.dtu.dk/
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 vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 12,000 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. Our main campus is in Kgs. Lyngby north of Copenhagen and we have campuses in Roskilde and Ballerup and in Sisimiut in Greenland.
