Post-doc scholarship in enzymatic conversion of red blood cell antigens to the universal type blood group O

A two-year Postdoc position is available in the Protein Glycoscience and Biotechnology group, Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology section at the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine. A major focus of our group, headed by Prof. Maher Abou Hachem, is to perform impactful and pioneering work on understanding the molecular basis of glycan utilisation by key members of the human gut microbiota and to develop biotechnological applications for enzymes from this ecological niche.

The research project is a close collaboration with Prof. Martin L. Olsson (Lund University, Lund, Sweden), a clinical investigator focusing on molecular aspects if blood groups, who will be the main host of the post-doc, and Prof. Jens Preben Morth from DTU-Bioengineering whose major focus is on structural biology. The overall aim of the project is the discovery, engineering and application of enzymes for the conversion of red blood cell (RBC) antigens to the universal group O. This will involve selection and molecular characterization of enzyme candidates and analyses of their activity on red blood cells and the evaluation of their potential impact on the profiles of glycans that decorate cell surface glyco-conjugates, and thereby how they affect blood group typing and pre-transfusion crossmatch compatibility.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We are seeking a hard-working and talented post-doc with a documented record of excellence.
The post-doc will be responsible for analyses of the modification of cell surface antigens by enzyme candidates and for the development of enzymatic conversion protocols.

Key tasks:

  • Optimize enzymatic conversion processes for red blood cell conversion
  • Perform and develop blood group typing by sensitive methods like gel column agglutination, flow cytometry and other non-standard typing methods
  • Crossmatch (compatibility) analysis of converted red blood cells
  • Work together with the multidisciplinary team to write applications, abstracts and scientific articles

Candidate should have a PhD within glycobiology or laboratory medicine. Ideal candidate profile:

  • Background in clinical blood banking or experimental transfusion medicine
  • Documented knowledge about and ability to work with carbohydrate blood groups
  • Scientific track record in glycobiology or related fields, including relevant methodological experience of glycan blood group antigens and related genes and enzymes
  • A track record of original publications of impact to the field in question

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 two years starting from 15th August 2021 and the postdoc will be largely allocated to the laboratory of Prof. Martin L. Olsson (Lund University, Lund, Sweden).

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Maher Abou Hachem (maha@bio.dtu.dk) or Prof. Martin L. Olsson (martin_l.olsson@med.lu.se)

You can read more about the involved Departments: Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (https://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/english) at DTU and the Transfusion Medicine unit (www.med.lu.se/transfusion-medicine) at the Department of Laboratory Medicine at LU.

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 4 June 2021 (Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, 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)
  • List of publications
  • Other documentation relevant for the position

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Apply for this job

 

Apply no later than 4 June 2021
Apply for the job at DTU Bioengineering by completing the following form.

 

Apply online

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