PhD scholarship in metabolic engineering of Pseudomonas putida - DTU Biosustain

PhD scholarship in genome engineering of environmental bacteria for creation of a robust cell factory for new to Nature chemicals.
Are you passionate about synthetic metabolism and novel chemistries in living cells? Do you thrive on solving complex biological puzzles? The Systems Environmental Microbiology (SEM) group at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain) seeks a talented Microbial Genome and Metabolic Engineer for a 3-year, fully funded PhD project. In this role, you’ll play a crucial part in optimizing bacterial workhorses for biotechnological applications and production of new-to-Nature chemicals.

Background
At DTU Biosustain, the candidate will work in an international and diverse team and is expected to contribute creatively with new ideas and develop their project as well as collaborate with colleagues to find synergies and execute collaborations.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The genome of bacteria has been shaped under constant environmental selection pressure to assure survival under the encountered conditions. This evolution lead to a complex genetic architecture, rich in genetic elements needed for optimal fitness in the hosts natural habitat. However, many of these functions are superfluous or even detrimental in laboratory or industrial conditions. To optimize workhorses for biotechnological processes, genome reduction of the bacterial chassis presents a big lever.

In contrast, engineered production pathways in general impose a burden on the cells as they relocate resources from biomass to product synthesis. Thus, they are evolutionary disadvantageous and counter-selected for during cultivation, leading to reduction of productivity. This can be omitted through coupling the production of the desired product to growth via metabolic engineering.

To the end of genome reduction, your task is to identifying and quantifying the impact of genetic elements on the fitness in various conditions through application of modeling and in silico analysis. On the same token, metabolic modeling will be used to render production pathways essential for the hosting cell. This requires you to have a deep understanding of microbial physiology and metabolism and to communicate your insight to colleagues. Experience in the area of bioinformatics is appreciated, but not mandatory. As the project involves a high degree of collaboration, team work and project coordination with colleagues is essential.

Subsequently, you will employ different tools for genome engineering to manifest the predicted genome alterations. Previous work on genome and metabolic engineering in environmental bacteria is regarded highly advantageous, especially employing homologous recombination and CRISPR/Cas based technologies. For genetic and phenotypic characterization of the engineered strains, several techniques will be applied, such as WGS, growth assays and small scale fermentation. Your experience with microbial cultivation and analysis thereof is considered essential.

During the project, you are expected to supervise Bachelor and Master students, work with in tandem with colleagues and coordinate with collaboration partners, therefore we expect a high degree of project management, self-organization and strong social skills.

Lastly, you are expected to communicate scientific findings in international conferences as well as in high-impact scientific journals.

The candidate 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.

Key Selection Criteria

• Hands-on experience in Synthetic Biology and Genetic Engineering is mandatory.
• Knowledge about cell metabolism and physiology, especially in environmental bacteria.
• Enthusiastic and self-driven, independent thinking and strong social skills.
• Team player capabilities.
• Passionate about science and dedicated to scientific projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

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
The assessment of the applicants will be made according to the qualification requirements stated above.

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 allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years starting the 1st of August 2024 or soonest thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Dr. Pablo Iván Nikel ([email protected]) or Dr. Daniel C. Volke ([email protected]).

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 27 June 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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications 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 (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.

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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