Do you want to break new ground and push the boundaries of what is scientifically possible? If you have a master’s degree in microbiology, biotechnology, chemical engineering or related areas and you want to work with cutting-edge technologies, this is a job for you to thrive.
At DTU Center of Biosustainability, we aim to achieve the goal of a sustainable future by creating novel chemicals, materials 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.
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. Our team consists of ~15 people, including PhD level scientists, research assistants, students and a technician (lab manager).
The team includes both experimental biologists and computational biologists who work hand-in-hand We follow a unique workflow that allows us to generate and convert data into practical knowledge used for the design of microbial production strains. We are looking for a motivated research assistant to support projects for the production of sustainable chemicals, new bioactive compounds for agricultural applications, and food supplements.
Your primary tasks include:
Run batch, fed-batch fermentation using reactors like ambr250 systems
Medium optimization, sample extraction related to fermentation
Run small-scale cultivation and screens (deepwell)
Manage large data sets, results and registries using our common informatics platforms
Your new workplace is DTU’s main campus in Kgs. Lyngby, Copenhagen. You will be trained by our collaborators specialized in fermentations (High Density physiology team) and will continue to work closely with them on tasks related to our projects.
MSc degree in biology, biotechnology, chemical engineering or related areas
We are looking for a candidate that thrives on turning exciting challenges into solutions based on curiosity and an open mind for entering new paths when necessary. You can naturally drive things forward on your own; equally important is that you like to create results based on knowledge sharing and positive teamwork – we simply cannot succeed if we do not pool our shared knowledge.
A qualified candidate should have:
- An MSc degree in biology, microbiology, biotechnology or related areas.
- Excellent collaboration & communication skills (English)
The following experiences are also preferred:
- Running, controlling, and maintaining batch, fed-batch and chemostat cultivations
- Experience with bacteria or yeast cultivations from 96-well plates to liter-scale cultivations
- Experience in running high throughput bioreactor platforms (for e.g., ambr250)
- Familiar with Bioprocess design principles and its application in bioprocess development
- Scale-up and scale-down strategies of high-cell-density microbial fermentations
- Experience with software programs for data analysis and modelling (python or R)
- Ability to work simultaneously on different projects with good planning/organisation skills
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 position is for 1 year. The starting date as early as possible and will be agreed upon with the candidate.
Further information
If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Lei Yang at leiya@biosustain.dtu.dk or Emre Özdemir at emoz@biosustain.dtu.dk. If necessary, we will set up an additional phone call to ensure your understanding of the job and your many opportunities.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 9 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 incl. list of publications
- Academic Diplomas (MSc)
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. Learn more at 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 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.