PhD scholarship in metabolic engineering of Pseudomonas putida - DTU Biosustain

PhD scholarship in engineering environmental bacteria for degradation of emerging contaminants.
Are you passionate about synthetic metabolism and novel chemistries in living cells? Do you want to contribute to solving global problems with synthetic biology? The Systems Environmental Microbiology (SEM) group at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain) seeks a talented Metabolic Engineer for a 3-year, fully-funded PhD project. In this role, you’ll play a crucial part in engineering bacteria for degradation of emerging contaminants.

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. Man-made chemicals such as pharmaceuticals, chemical building blocks, plastics and personal care products have transformed human lives. However, many of these compounds are not biodegradable and thus are not cleared in wastewaters. This situation leads to accumulation of these contaminants in aquatic systems, where they negatively impact a variety of organisms. This project is dedicated to devising innovative biosolutions to this pressing ecological issue, not only curtailing the release of pollutants to nature but also repurposing these substances as precursors for the synthesis of value-added products.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will be expected to engineer and evolve the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida for degradation of emerging contaminants. This role involves the application of metabolic engineering to establish and enhance heterologous degradation pathways, coupled with both rational design and adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) strategies. The candidate will be involved in and manage the full spectrum of the engineering process, starting from in silico identification of appropriate degradation pathways and gene variants to the construction of degradation modules, followed by the verification of their performance in the host organism. A strong foundation and previous knowledge in biochemistry, metabolic and genetic engineering is essential for this position. Experience with ALE in chemostats to expedite degradation processes is advantageous, as is a fundamental understanding of process engineering and evolutionary principles.

During the project, you are expected to supervise Bachelor and Master students, work in tandem with colleagues and coordinate with collaboration partners, therefore we expect a high degree of independent project management, self-organization and strong social skills. You are also 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 the scientific project.
• 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 February 2025 or by mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. 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 8 October 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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