Postdoc in Directed Enzyme Evolution of C1 metabolism - DTU Biosustain

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to engineer multiple enzymes in vivo using state-of-the-art approaches in directed evolution. You will contribute to implementing genetic systems for improved C1 metabolism in yeast, making a positive impact on planetary health.
The Center for Biosustainability (CFB) at DTU (Denmark) and the FEMSA Biotechnology Center (CBF) at Tecnológico (TEC) de Monterrey (Mexico) have launched a joint research program to foster a bilateral strategic partnership to promote innovative projects in biosustainability (Joint CFB-CBF research program).

The Computational Protein Engineering (CPE) group at DTU Biosustain and the Molecular and Systems Bioengineering (MSB) group at TEC campus Guadalajara (Jalisco) are offering one postdoctoral position as part of this Joint CFB-CBF program in the area of in vivo enzyme evolution in yeast for C1 metabolism. The candidate will be hired at DTU but It is required that the candidate makes at least a six month stay in the Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Jalisco, Mexico.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We are looking for a colleague who is independent, will thrive within an interdisciplinary environment at two world-class research centres in Denmark and Mexico (short-term research visit at TEC for 6 months), and is highly motivated to develop novel biosustainable solutions using cutting-edge research approaches.

Responsibilities:

• Engineer yeast strains to assimilate C1 feedstocks.
• Perform genome mining to identify enzyme candidates using bioinformatic approaches.
• Characterize enzyme variants using biophysical and biochemical methods.
• Generate and analyze large enzyme mutant datasets using in vivo directed evolution tools and next-generation sequencing.
• Implement adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) campaigns using automation.
• Report your research results in peer-review scientific publications and international conferences.
• Collaborate within the CPE and MSB research groups and across DTU and TEC network.

Qualifications:

• PhD in biotechnology, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, biophysics, or related area.
• Experience with yeast genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.
• Basic programming skills in Python or similar languages.
• Excellent written and oral English proficiency.
• Excellent communication skills for working within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work independently.

Preferred qualifications (not mandatory):

• A strong publication record in peer-review scientific journals.
• Experience with grant and patent writing as well as teaching.
• Experience with protein and metabolic engineering.
• Experience with directed evolution and adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE).
• Interest in learning automation, robotics, and machine learning to improve protein function.
• Interest in entrepreneurship to make a positive impact on planetary and human health.

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 years. The preferred starting date is July 1st, 2024, or according to our mutual agreement. The position is full time.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from:

Dr. Carlos Acevedo-Rocha (CAR): [email protected]

Dr. J. Donato García-García (JDGG): [email protected]

Google Scholar profiles:

CAR: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=yZDS88IAAAAJ

JDGG: https://scholar.google.com.mx/citations?user=I2SY3y8AAAAJ

More information about the organizations:

DTU Biosustain and the Computational Protein Engineering group:

https://www.biosustain.dtu.dk/research/research-groups/computational-protein-engineering-carlos-acevedo-rocha

TEC de Monterrey and the Molecular and Systems Bioengineering (MSB) group:

https://research.tec.mx/vivo-tec/display/PID_479677

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 5 May 2024 (23:59 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

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.

DTU Biosustain is an interdisciplinary research center that develops new knowledge and technology to support the production of biochemicals, natural products and microbial foods using fermentation processes based on microbial hosts or enzymatic processes.

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 13,500 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.

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