DTU Tenure Track Researcher in Development of Novel Protein Production Processes – DTU Chemical Engineering

The Process and Systems Engineering Center (PROSYS) at the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering is seeking to hire a highly motivated and skilled researcher to develop next-generation protein manufacturing solutions through integrated continuous processes using non-conventional hosts.
The Process and Systems Engineering Center (PROSYS) at the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is seeking to hire a highly motivated and skilled researcher to develop next-generation protein manufacturing solutions through integrated continuous processes using non-conventional hosts.

The center has a dedicated focus on fermentation-based processes through a combination of experimental work and process modelling. Our research encompasses the development of innovative bioprocesses, sensor technologies and enhanced control strategies, all while deepening our understanding of microbial processes’ governing principles. Collaboration, both through academic and industrial partnerships, is of a key importance at PROSYS. The researcher position will specifically focus on developing and advancing perfusion-based upstream processes, while also integrating suitable downstream steps to advance continuous bioprocessing. Such processes can be used both for biopharmaceutical production and lower value proteins for feed and food applications.

Responsibilities and qualifications

As part of our research team, you will work with DTU’s experts to make significant contributions to novel protein production including both upstream and downstream processes. Particular emphasis will be placed on small-scale systems to test digital twins and novel control strategies.

Your tasks will include:

• Implementing tools and technologies critical to the design and configuration of yeast perfusion processes, such as cell retention techniques and sensors.
• Evaluating the impact of perfusion-specific parameters on cell viability, specific productivity, and product quality during prolonged operations, and implementing suitable changes.
• Leading activities toward the development of integrated systems, processes, and control strategies.
• Disseminating your research findings in journals and at national and international conferences
• Strengthening our international collaboration with academic and industrial partners
• Administering and coordinating projects at the center
• Contributing to fundraising in the group
• Supervising BSc and MSc students and co-supervising PhD students on different projects

You must contribute to the teaching of courses. DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages, and in time are expected to master both.

As formal qualification you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in Chemical and/or Biochemical Engineering or equivalent, as well as academic qualifications equivalent to those obtained by holding a position as a researcher or postdoc for at least two years. You have experience in various international projects with different stakeholders.

As an ideal candidate, you should also:

• Possess significant experience in experimental work, both hands-on and in supervision role, across upstream and downstream process development for producing recombinant proteins.
• Demonstrate a strong background in executing proof-of-concept projects, including the ability to build new systems and adapt existing equipment for new configurations.
• Have solid background working with alternative hosts, such as K.phaffii, for recombinant protein production.
• Be experienced in techniques such as flow cytometry and various protein quantification methods, as well as in evaluating the quality of produced proteins.
• Have experience with software packages such as Lucullus PIMS (Process Information Management System) and UNICORN software
• Have experience in the supervision of undergraduate, graduate and PhD students, as well as technical staff
• Have excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Have the ability to work independently and participate creatively in collaborative projects with academia or industry
• Be prepared to travel in relation to the job

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Research experience
• Experience and quality of teaching
• Research vision and potential
• International impact and experience
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills

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.

Starting date is the 1 July 2025. The position is full-time position.

The position is part of DTU’s Tenure Track program. Read more about the program and the recruitment process

here.

You can read more about career paths at DTU

here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Professor John Woodley, tel.: +45 5350 3747, email:

jw@kt.dtu.dk.

You can read more about DTU Chemical Engineering at

www.kt.dtu.dk/english.

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 8 April 2025 (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)
• Vision for teaching and research for the tenure track period
• CV including employment history, list of publications, H-index and ORCID (see

http://orcid.org/)

• Teaching portfolio including documentation of teaching experience
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)

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. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering is a leading Department focused among many other fields on the development of new pharmaceutical processes (modelling, experimental and incorporating scale-up). The Department has around 250 employees. There are excellent facilities available for experimental work in the laboratory, as well as pilot plant. The Department has excellent analytical facilities.

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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