Two PhD scholarships in biocatalysis with industrial collaboration

We are searching for two PhD students to join the Enzyme Engineering and Structural Biology research group (EE&SB) of DTU Biosustain. EE&SB focuses on the study, engineering, and application, of enzymes to synthesize industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and nutraceuticals. The PhD projects will be collaborations with River Stone Biotech, a small synthetic biology biotech company in Copenhagen.

The PhD projects will be in the field of agrotechnology and employ disciplines within enzyme discovery, enzyme engineering, structural biology, and plant technology.

Responsibilities and qualifications
If you are interested in using enzymes to increase our society’s sustainability, perhaps you are our new PhD student. As a PhD student in EE&SB you will

• • Have the opportunity to define your project within our frame to fit your own research interests
  • Teach and supervise younger students
  • Go to international conferences to promote your work
  • Be an active member of EE&SB and contribute to many ongoing projects
  • Develop intellectual property and business cases

Candidates 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 in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Protein Chemistry or closely related disciplines.

We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated, self-driven and have demonstrated excellence in their previous work. Other qualities of the successful candidate include:

• • high degree of responsibility for the quality and progress of their projects
  • academic curiosity and creative thinking
  • good communication skills in both written and spoken English
  • a good team player

The successful candidate has some of the following skills and experiences:

• • Strong knowledge in biochemistry, enzymology and molecular biology
  • Prior experience in working with enzymes and enzymatic assays
  • Good laboratory skills
  • Prior experience in working with microbial systems
  • Strong skills within data analyses and representation
  • Bioinformatic skills related to proteins/enzyme discovery

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 the DTU PhD Guide.

Assessment
Candidates with experience in enzymology, scientific publishing, or patents will be given priority.

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 workplace is DTU Campus in Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Ditte Hededam Welner, diwel@biosustain.dtu.dk, +45935 13498

You can read more about

• • DTU Biosustain at www.biosustain.dtu.dk
  • Enzyme Engineering & Structural Biology at www.biosustain.dtu.dk/research/research-groups/enzyme-engineering-and-structural-biology
  • River Stone Biotech at www.riverstonebio.com

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application
Please submit your online application no later than 10 December 2021 (Danish time).

Apply at www.career.dtu.dk

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:

• • A one-page letter motivating the application (cover letter)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
  • Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here)

All suitable candidates are encouraged to send their application as soon as possible as the applications will be evaluated continuously, although decisions will only be taken after the deadline.

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 vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 12,900 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.