PhD scholarship in Enzyme Engineering - DTU Biosustain

We are looking for a doctoral student to engineer enzymes using state-of-the-art experimental and computational approaches. If you want to combine biotechnology and artificial intelligence for making a positive impact to planetary health, this is your chance.
The Computational Protein Engineering (CPE) group at The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain) is developing novel methods to engineer proteins more effectively using state-of-the-art experimental and computational approaches. Our mission is to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to the most pressing issues facing our societies in terms of bioproduction and bioremediation.

To support this goal, we are looking for a colleague who is independent, who thrives within an interdisciplinary environment at a world-class research centre, and who is highly motivated to move the area of enzyme engineering to the next level, while having a positive impact on our world.

When joining our group, you get the opportunity to use the latest algorithms in machine learning for improving protein function, for instance, enzyme activity, selectivity, or stability, etc. We currently work with enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of natural products and biochemicals.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Responsibilities:

• Improve enzyme properties using high-throughput assays such as microfluidics
• Purify and characterize enzyme variants using biophysical and biochemical approaches.
• Develop and optimize biocatalytic reactions with the improved enzymes
• Report your research results in peer-review scientific publications and international conferences.
• Collaborate within the CPE research group, across DTU and with our international network.
• Teach and supervise MSc and BSc students as well as research assistants.

Qualifications:

• MSc in biotechnology, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, biophysics, or related area.
• Experience with molecular biology and protein engineering.
• Experience with assay development and microfluidics.
• Excellent English proficiency in written and oral form.
• Excellent communication skills for working within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work independently.

Preferred qualifications but not mandatory:

• Experience with bioinformatics including NGS (Nanopore, Illumina, PacBio).
• Experience with automation and coding in Python or other programing languages.
• Experience with protein software tools like Rosetta, AlphaFold2, PyMOL, Chimera, etc.
• Interest in advanced computational methods to improve and understand protein function.
• Interest in entrepreneurship to make a positive impact on planetary and human health.

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.

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.

The preferred starting date is January 1st, 2025, 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 Carlos Acevedo-Rocha, [email protected], +459351 0848.

Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=yZDS88IAAAAJ

More information about DTU Biosustain: 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. 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 17 September 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.

DTU Biosustain is an interdisciplinary research centre 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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