Computational Biologist for Biofoundry - DTU Biosustain

Are you a highly motivated scientist with an interest in computational approaches to strain design backed by experience in microbial molecular biology? Would like to join our group and help us realize challenging cell factory projects at The Novo Nordisk Foundation for Center for Biosustainability (CfB)?

Then we have an interesting opportunity for you: We are looking for a colleague in the Computational Design and Analytics (CDA) team, a part of CfB Biofoundry, where we build cell factories for the various application areas of the center. 

Responsibilities and qualifications

As a Computational Biologist at Biofoundry, you may be involved in various projects. Your responsibilities will include design through modeling, strain characterization via omics data analysis, and other computational tasks such as sequence optimization, data extraction, and DNAseq analysis. You will work closely with experimental scientists and other teams to ensure the success of our projects. We also anticipate that you will lead a publication related to the transcriptional regulatory network of Streptomyces

. Adherence to reproducible practices and meeting project timelines are essential for this role.

Specific tasks include:

• Computational modeling of metabolism to predict strain phenotype and generate strain designs with desired behavior.
• Generation of bioparts designs for low and high throughput implementation.
• Statistical analysis of internal and public datasets (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics).
• Processing, visualization of NGS and other high throughput data.
• Contribution to development of computational methods, tools, workflows and standard operating procedures.
• Communication of results with international collaborators.

Qualifications and assessment criteria:

• A PhD degree in bioinformatics, bioengineering or equivalent.
• 1+ years of experience working in a research organization.
• Intermediate Python/Pandas skills. Experience interfacing databases and R scripting will be an advantage but not required.
• Familiarity with machine learning, statistical and numerical analysis methods as applicable to strain design problems is a distinct advantage.
• Familiarity with methods for computational modeling of metabolism, including constraint-based and kinetic modeling.
• Experience and/or motivation for building skills within workflow management and standard software engineering practices (eg. snakemake, nextflow, version control, testing, documentation).
• Ability to communicate technical information to audiences at various levels and from various backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

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 position is a full-time position for 1 year. The starting date is 01.11.24 or according to mutual agreement.

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.

Application and contact

Please submit your online application no later than 5 August 2024. 

Open the “Apply now” link, fill out the form and attach your cover letter, CV, Academic diplomas (BSc/MSc/PhD – in English) and list of publications. 

If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Head of CDA team - Emre Özdemir (emozbiosustain.dtu.dk).

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. Learn more at biosustain.dtu.dk

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.