If you are a microbiologist and want to combine excellent academic research with applied solutions towards a more sustainable and healthy planet, this is your opportunity: You will be advancing current metagenomic data generation and analysis workflows for unprecedented resolution and accuracy in a scientifically excellent and collaborative environment.
You will work in an inspiring intersector and interdisciplinary setting bridging between academia and industry, microbiology, genetics, analytical chemistry, bioinformatics, food science and gastronomic innovation.
You will be working both at the University as well as at MATR Food, which will give you insights beyond academia and hands-on experience working in a startup and with industrial fermentations. The tight collaboration will provide the opportunity for you to build a strong network both in academia and industry including multiple companies involved in this project and beyond in the Copenhagen Food Hub.
The food system is the single most important lever of environmental damage and human diseases. MATRs product is addressing these challenges by upcycling food that would otherwise be wasted, creating attractive alternatives to environmentally costly animal-derived products and doing so without compromising on deliciousness or human health. The project will improve the robustness of the production at MATR foods and therefore you will be working on a direct and applied solution to the problems in our food system.
Responsibilities and qualifications
In this project you will be advancing scientific methodologies on generating and analyzing metagenomic data and integrating it with additional data sets including metabolomics, texture data and sensory analysis data. Based on the established methodologies and frameworks your work will contribute to understand the origin, diversity and succession of microbial communities in a fermented food product, the impact of different processes on the microbial communities and the relationship between substrate, microorganisms, metabolites, flavors and textures.
As part of the project you will be:
- working in a highly motivated and fast moving team of supportive and collaborative scientists and industrial collaborators with high team spirit
- bringing strong work ethics and the ability to work well-organised and independently
- building on your knowledge on metagenomic data generation and analysis
- advancing current metagenomic methodologies and data integration frameworks
- supervising master and/or bachelor students
- communicating and balancing research activities between DTU and MATR Foods
- building on your preexisting interest and enthusiasm for food fermentation and flavor creation
As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).
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 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.
The period of employment is 2.5 years. The starting date is the 01.04.2023. The position is a full-time position.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from http://www.savingtheworldwithscience.com/ and https://matrfoods.com/ as well as by reaching out to msom@biosustain.dtu.dk or lejj@biosustain.dtu.dk
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than6 February 2023 (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:
- Application (cover letter)
- CV
- Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
- List of publications
- A letter of recommendation
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.
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.
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 13,400 students and 5,800 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.