Postdoc in Advanced Enzyme Technology for New Green Processes – DTU Bioengineering

 The Enzyme Technology group at DTU Bioengineering is looking for a highly qualified candidate for a 4-year career postdoc position within the field of advanced enzyme technology. The research is focused on the development of novel enzyme-based processes for CO2 conversion and biorefining of plant material. The postdoc position will be part of our research efforts focusing on introducing new biocatalysis technology, including use of advanced protein engineering techniques, to accomplish efficient enzymatic CO2 conversion and plant biomass refining for production of recyclable materials. The scientific targets include provision of an understanding of enzyme function linking protein structural features to reaction selectivity, conversion efficiency, and robustness.

If you are seeking to establish your career as a top-level scientist whose results can help build a sustainable future and have a broad and lasting scientific impact, this postdoc position is for you!

Responsibilities and qualifications
The postdoc position involves work on the pipeline from enzyme discovery, over enzyme expression, purification, and kinetics characterization, as well as protein engineering and other new ways of stabilizing enzymes for long term use. The work also involves advanced structure-function analysis. The job entails close collaboration with peers within the research group as well as with national and international research partners. The position will include research management responsibilities and options for research leadership training.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). The PhD degree must be in biotechnology, biochemistry, enzyme technology, or another discipline relevant for the required research. In addition, specific required qualifications are:

• Documented theoretical and practical experience in cloning, heterologous protein expression in prokaryotic hosts, enzyme protein purification and characterization
• Documented experience in biochemical characterization of enzymes
• Documented theoretical and practical experience in protein engineering (molecular biology)
• Innovative, independent research capability and good problem-solving skills
• A track record of publications within enzyme catalysis technology, with at least one first-author paper, in internationally recognized, peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken)
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, exceptional reliability, and a teamwork mentality.

In addition, the optimal candidate has practical experience in one or more of the following fields:

• Enzyme discovery and high-throughput screening methods
• Enzyme immobilization

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 4 years. Starting date September 01, 2023

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Professor Anne S. Meyer at DTU, asme@dtu.dk

You can read more about the Department at www.bioengineering.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.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 22 June 2023 (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)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of peer-reviewed publications

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.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science industry and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

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.