PhD Scholarship in Bioinformatics and Data analysis - DTU Bioengineering

We are looking for a highly motivated computational student for a 3-year PhD position, to join the group of Associate Professor Kedar Natarajan from the 1 June 2024 or soon thereafter.

Our group investigates mechanisms underlying cell-fate decisions in stem cells (ES/iPS) and differentiation to cell types of the central nervous system (CNS). To achieve this, we develop and use experimental single-cell methods including transcriptomics, ATAC-seq, multi-omics and spatial transcriptomics, and also develop computational approaches for large-scale analysis of next-generation sequencing data.

Our science and team is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary, and welcomes new members with competences in relevant fields.

More details can be found at group page (http://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/Kedar-Natarajan)

Responsibilities and qualifications

You will be driving computational analysis of single-cell genomics (scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq) and bulk datasets (RNA, ATAC, ChIP-seq) for projects aimed at understanding molecular mechanisms driving ES/iPS differentiation. Alongside setting up workflows/pipelines, you will also be involved in development of computational methods and datasets (transcriptomics, spatial analysis) for ongoing lab projects.

The candidate should have a two-year master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biostatistics or in a related quantitative field (e.g. Mathematics, Physics, Statistics), with documented experience in analysing and interpreting bulk and single-cell sequencing datasets. Prior experience with big-data integration and software development is desirable. As a part of a multidisciplinary team and research environment, the candidate is expected to be passionate about science, hardworking, learning oriented and work proactively within the group and with collaborators. 

Profile

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic researcher with following competences:

Essential experience and skills:

• Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biostatistics or in a related quantitative field (e.g. Mathematics, Physics, Statistics)
• Proficiency with programming languages (Python or R) and documented experience analysing bulk NGS datasets (RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq etc.,) and single-cell datasets (scRNA-seq, scATAC), and working on computing cluster.  
• Proficiency in written and spoken English and ability to work in collaborative environment

Desirable experience and skills:

• Prior experience with analysis pipelines on computing cluster (Nextflow, Snakemake) for NGS applications.
• Prior experience in developing computational methods and/or software development.

You 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.

You will be primarily based at DTU Bioengineering, and interact locally with other bioinformatics colleagues and groups at Bioengineering and DTU Health Technology, as well as our national, international partners. A collaborative mindset is expected as well as a proven ability to work in teams and communicate scientific research through presentations and submitted manuscripts. Working independently and charting research direction are valued. If you are highly driven, you will have opportunities to write grants for further strengthening research opportunities and participate in the broader collaborations.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates 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 DTU's rules for the PhD education

.

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Kedar Natarajan together with relevant project partners.

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.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here

.

Further information

May be obtained from Assoc. Prof. Kedar Natarajan (kenanadtu.dk)

You can read more about the lab at http://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/Kedar-Natarajan and DTU Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/english

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

. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar

” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure 

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 18 March 2024

(23:59 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:

• Motivation letter of application, describing your relevant competences and how you will fit the group (max. 2 pages).
• CV containing education, prior research experience and skills relevant for the position.
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• List of publications
• Contact information for 3 referees

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 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, 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.