The Yeast Natural Products group at DTU Biosustain is seeking a Research Assistant to join the group’s project on refactoring natural products in yeast.
At DTU Biosustain we develop the next generation of biosustainable technologies using synthetic biology. We create novel methods and technologies as a foundation for development of new environment-friendly products, better and less energy consuming manufacturing processes, new medical treatments, climate-friendly farming, etc. In other words, we try to solve some of the biggest challenges in the history of humankind, and you will get the chance to add your mark to this.
The Yeast Natural Products group is focusing on refactoring plant biosynthetic pathways for natural products manufacturing in yeast. The competencies in our laboratory, led by Prof. Jay D. Keasling, focus on the use synthetic biology to engineer microbes to produce scarce bioactive compounds. To strengthen our team’s translational R&D activities, and further advance our visions for delivery of new sustainable 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 qualifications
The candidate will closely collaborate with a team of about 10 researchers with expertise in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, biochemistry, bioprocess engineering and computational biology. The candidate will be supporting general research activities for strain construction and testing.
The ideal candidate will have
- a MSc degree in a biology-related field or equivalent experience,
- (>)1 year experience in molecular biology, particular CRISPR-based strain engineering, gene assembly, DNA preps, transformation
- a strong motivation to support our mission to engineer biology for societal and environmental impact
- eager to trouble-shoot random tasks arising and thrive to help colleagues
- a solid organizational skills and take pride in your work
- a proactive attitude and good communication skills
The Yeast Natural Products group – your new team
We offer an exciting, collaborative, hard working, focusing on translational research and innovation with both societal and environmental impacts. 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.
Our environment (especially in non–Corona times) is characterized by openness, knowledge sharing and helpfulness. Now, we are looking forward to be able to be physically together like before – and to make you a part of the team, naturally.
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.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Please note that the employment period will be for 1 year.
Further information
If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Dr. Jie Zhang (jzha@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
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 7 May 2021 (Danish time).
Apply at www.career.dtu.dk
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", 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)
- List of publications including patents, if you have such.
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 vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 12,900 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.
