Postdoc in Quantitative Physiology of Glycerol Utilising Yeasts

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet

Lyngby-Taarbæk, 1 stilling

The position is open within the Section for Eukaryotic Biotechnology, one of 5 research sections at the Department of Systems Biology.



The Section for Eukaryotic Biotechnology is dedicated to the exploitation of biodiversity as a source of new compounds and, through understanding cell biology and physiology, use systems and synthetic biology to design advanced cell factories. The profile of the section comprises research groups with competences in mycology, molecular biology, metabolomics, bioinformatics and fermentation technology.



The project is funded by the ERA-Industrial Biotechnology Project IPCRES (Integrated Process and Cell Refactoring Systems for Enhanced Industrial Biotechnology). The project comprises 8 academic and industrial partners from Denmark, Germany, Spain, Portugal, UK and The Netherlands. The aim of the project is to port pathways into yeasts for the production of value added compounds from glycerol. Genetically engineered yeasts will be characterised with high throughput micro-scale process techniques and at lab scale. Transcriptomic and metabolomic data will be combined with process insights to dictate refactoring of both pathways and host cell factories. These steps will be repeated for second-iteration cells, driving better performance. A key part of the project will involve metabolic flux analysis based on radiolabeled substrates.



Responsibilities and tasks

The successful candidate will work within the group Fungal Physiology and Biotechnology. The main aim of the group is to quantify the cellular performance of fungal organisms in submerged cultivation using omics approaches and data integration. The candidate will work closely with other scientists in the group and across the section, with backgrounds in molecular biology, fermentation technology and bioinformatics. The day-to-day work will be performed in close collaboration with the group leader, one postdoc and one PhD student who form the IPCRES project team at DTU.



It is expected that the successful candidate can:

•Co-ordinate and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team

•Work independently and assist in management of the research activities within the group.

•Design and implement experimental strategies

•Participate actively in project meetings and communicate own research results

•Participate actively in defining project strategy and group activities



Qualifications

Candidates should have a PhD degree or equivalent.



Further qualifications

The candidate must have:

•A theoretical background in fungal physiology

•A strong practical background in submerged cultivation of yeast, both at micro- and lab-scale with batch and continuous modes of cultivation

•Experience with metabolic flux analysis based on radiolabeled substrates

•Considerable practical experience with controlled and automated lab-scale fermenters

•Experience with data handling and quantitative physiology of yeasts

•Experience with sample handling and preparation for metabolomics and transcriptomics

•Good writing and communication skills



We offer

We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.



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.



The period of employment is 18 months, with the possibility of extension.



The place of employment is DTU Lyngby Campus.



Further information

Further information may be obtained from Mhairi Workman, mwo@bio.dtu.dk, tel.: +45 4525 2700.



You can read more about the research group on <a href='javascript:openLinkWindow("http://www.bio.dtu.dk/english/Research/Research-groups/Fungal-Physiology-and-biotechnology")' "="" data-cke-saved-href='javascript:openLinkWindow("http://www.bio.dtu.dk/english/Research/Research-groups/Fungal-Physiology-and-biotechnology")'>http://www.bio.dtu.dk/english/Research/Research-groups/Fungal-Physiology-and-biotechnology



Application procedure:

Please submit your online application no later than 1 December 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)

•CV

•Diploma

•List of publications



Applications and enclosures 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 Systems Biology represents a large concentration of academic biotechnological research in Denmark, including protein and enzyme chemistry, food biochemistry, bioinformatics, systems biology, molecular biology, fermentation technology, physiology and genetics of industrial microorganisms and medical microbiology. The department hosts senior and junior faculty members and post-doctoral fellows, PhD students and technical/administrative personnel, around 230 in total. In addition to bachelor, master and PhD education, collaborative research and innovation together with national and international universities and industries is given high priority at the department.



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.