The Synthetic Biology Tools for Yeast section at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (CfB), at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), is seeking a research assistant for a development project focusing on sustainable production and stable delivery of bioactive plant natural products in microorganisms by deployment of advanced synthetic biology and metabolic engineering techniques.
Focus and scope
To support our team’s translational R&D activities, and further advance our visions for delivery of new supply chains for bioactive natural products, we seek a research assistant with a focus on:
- Molecular cloning and strain construction
- Media preparation
- Cultivation of microorganisms
- Analytical sample preparation
- Support ad hoc lab duties
Responsibilities and tasks
First and foremost, as a research assistant in our team, you will work closely with our scientist to support, expand and implement synthetic biology technologies, including advanced genome engineering, HTP screening, and data-driven machine learning, for efficient engineering microbes to produce valuable bioactives. Moreover, in your daily work you will maintain and facilitate efficient workflows with a focus on media preparation, cultivations, and molecular biology for strain engineering and genotyping, and will be expected to closely collaborate with a team of 5-10 researchers with expertise within strain engineering, biochemistry, pathway discovery, and synthetic biology.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will:
- have a strong motivation to support our mission to engineer biology for societal and environmental impact
- thrive to work in the lab and help colleagues
- have solid organizational skills and take pride in your work
- be eager to trouble-shoot random tasks arising in a start-up
- be able to navigate and adapt to changes in a fast-paced environment
- have 1+ year experience in molecular biology, particular CRISPR-based strain engineering, gene assembly, DNA preps, transformation
- hold a MSc degree in a biology-related field or equivalent experience
- have decent oral and written skills in English
- have a proactive attitude and good communication skills
We offer
We offer an exciting, collaborative, hard-working, and entrepreneurial team focusing on translational research and innovation with both societal and environmental impacts. The position offers a unique possibility of being a part of a team working on a truly translational project involving close collaboration with BDs and entrepreneurial experts. We place emphasis on a high level of professionalism in our team, so skills development and knowledge-transfer are integral parts of our agile well-resourced organization.
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 an academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The contract is for 1 year. Expected starting date: January 2021 or soonest possible hereafter
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Dr. Jie Zhang (jzha@biosustain.dtu.dk). You can read more about DTU Biosustain at https://www.biosustain.dtu.dk/.
The main location for this job is at the BioInnovation Institute, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 København N. Read more about BioInnovation Institute at https://bioinnovationinstitute.com/faculty/
Application
Please submit your online application no later than 30 November 2020 (Danish time).
Apply at http://www.career.dtu.dk/
Open the “Apply online” link, fill out the form and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file most include:
- our motivated application (Cover letter)
- CV, incl. 1-2 reference
- Diplomas (MSc)
- List of publications and patents
Applications and enclosures 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.
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.
