If you have a master’s degree in biology, microbiology, biotechnology, or related areas and you want to contribute to a sustainable future using biotechnology, this is a job for you to thrive. At DTU Center of Biosustainability, we develop advanced technologies to produce food and chemicals using microbial cell factories. You will have the opportunity to join top scientists from all over the world and make a personal impact in solving some critical challenges the world is facing.
Responsibilities and qualifications
A transformation from traditional livestock farming to plant- or fermentation-based processes is estimated to make an important contribution to limiting global warming. In this project, you will engineer microbial hosts such as Bacillus to produce polymeric proteins for future food applications. You will work on host genome editing for improved secretion and functional characterization of the produced proteins.
The specific tasks will include:
- Studying the available literature in the field and formulating own scientific hypotheses and questions
- Conducting scientific experiments and analyzing data
- Writing peer-reviewed scientific publications
- Actively interacting and collaborating with other partners involved in the project
- Completing courses and training required for being awarded the PhD degree
You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.
Assessment
A successful applicant is expected to have most of the following qualifications:
- An MSc degree in biology, microbiology, biotechnology, biomedicine, food or related areas.
- Strong motivation for learning, solving problems and driving the project forward
- Open-minded and creative thinking
- Preferably experienced in molecular biology, such as bacteria genome editing and plasmid cloning.
- Strong communication skills in oral and written English.
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 appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.
The guaranteed PhD funding is for 36 months.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Dr. Lei Yang: leiya@biosustain.dtu.dk or Prof. Ivan Mijakovic: ivmi@biosustain.dtu.dk
You can read more about the hiring department at https://www.biosustain.dtu.dk/
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.
Application
Please submit your online application no later than 4 May 2022 (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:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter). This should include a concise description of your motivation for getting a PhD degree: why do you want it, and what do you expect from your PhD project in terms of scientific and education goals and your own career development.
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
- Reference letters
- Publications (if any)
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability
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 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 12,900 students and 6,000 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.
