Professor in Phenotype Selection and Stability

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet

Lyngby-Taarbæk, 1 stilling

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain)) at the Technical University of Denmark invites applications for a position as professor to lead the Phenotype and Stability Group. The scientific focus is on development and implementation of new approaches and technologies for accelerating cell factory development and stabilizing favorable production phenotypes.



DTU Biosustain is a research center with the overall mission of contributing to research, development and innovation within the following scientific areas:

•Discovery of novel biosynthesis routes and exploration of compounds suitable for a sustainable bioproduction

•Reduce the costs and time of designing and manufacturing industrially oriented cell factories.



The Phenotype Selection and Stability Group at DTU Biosustain currently consist of 18-20 researchers. The group develops synthetic networks that sense intracellular metabolites and control cellular processes. These systems are deployed to discover novel genes and pathways as well as to optimize cell factories for increased chemical production. The work has been focused on developing proof-of-concept for these principles; however, the technology will gradually be deployed towards the development of commercially relevant cell factories.



In addition to this work the group conduct genome wide studies on the factors influencing phenotypic stability in E. coli with special emphasize on understanding the pathways by which cells expressing heterologous pathways or specific enzymatic activities can destabilize high yielding production phenotypes in order to construct more robust production strains.



Responsibilities and tasks

The research shall cover one or more of the areas indicated below:

•Application of synthetic selection systems for genome wide screens of novel microbial phenotypes

•Development of genome engineering approaches for generation of combinatorial genome wide libraries.

•Microbial processing of and tolerance towards microbial inhibitors with a focus on antibiotics and chemical value products

•Evolution of tolerance phenotypes including understanding of cross sensitivity and resistance in shaping tolerance evolution.

•Functional metagenomics for discovery of new microbial phenotypes, including transporters and resistance/tolerance genes



The position covers research, innovation activities, publication and scientific dissemination:

•Research - including the obligation regarding publication/scientific dissemination

•Developing and managing the Phenotype and Stability including scientific guidance and mentoring of group members

•Secure execution of technical and scientific progress of the group in accordance with the overall vision/goals of DTU Biosustain

•Integration of group activities with the activities of other DTU Biosustain scientific sections

•Facilitation of technology transfer and spin-off activities

•Participate in training of entrepreneurial postdocs and PhD students working on scientific and translational research projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for supervising PhD students and is expected to be involved in some other teaching activities related to bachelor and master level students.

•Facilitate collaborations with colleagues internally at DTU Biosustain and at other DTU department’s e.g., in terms of joined research proposals, sharing of research infrastructures/technologies, and supervision of students.



Qualifications

The qualification requirements correspond with those for ordinary professorships within the positions main tasks.



The qualification requirements are:

•Research at a high international level including significant publication track record

•Industrial experience relevant to synthetic and systems biology

•Experience in managing a research group spanning from molecular biology to phenotyping

•Experience in cutting edge methods in synthetic and systems biology including genome engineering, next generation sequencing and similar approaches.



Assessment

In the assessment of the candidate’s consideration will be given to

•scientific production at international level, research potential and ability to lead and develop a research team

•the ability to promote and utilize research results

•experience with innovation activities

•an all-round experience basis, including international experience

•the ability to contribute to the development of the Department’s internal and external cooperation

•track record in attracting funding to the research area

•visions within the research and innovation area

•track record for commercialisation of research results, including protection of intellectual property

•track record for fostering collaboration with industry



For the specific position consideration will also be given to:

•Experience in translating academic research findings into commercial opportunities

•Ability to collaborate with major international partners within and outside of DTU Biosustain in order to enhance group capabilities

•Experience in managing diverse research operations, including track record of attracting talented PhD and postdoc researchers

•Documented research experience and research leadership

•Ability to attract top tier funding



Salary and terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union.



Further information

Further information may be obtained from Chief Operating Officer, Bo Skjold Larsen, +45 2365 3022.



You can read more about DTU Biosustain at <a href='javascript:openLinkWindow("http://www.biosustain.dtu.dk")' "="" data-cke-saved-href='javascript:openLinkWindow("http://www.biosustain.dtu.dk")'>http://www.biosustain.dtu.dk



Application procedure:

Please submit your online application no later than 30 October 2015.



Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:

•Application (cover letter) addressed to the President

•CV

•Diploma (MSc/PhD – an official translation into English)

•List of publications indicating scientific highlights

•A plan for future research



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



DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,300 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.