Computational biologist for microbial natural product manufacturing project

The Yeast Natural Products group at DTU Biosustain is seeking a skilled computational biologist to join the group’s translational project on manufacturing plant natural products in yeast.

At DTU Biosustain we develop the next generation of biosustainable technologies using synthetic biology. We create novel methods and technologies as a foundation for development of new environment-friendly products, better and less energy consuming manufacturing processes, new medical treatments, climate-friendly farming, etc. In other words, we try to solve some of the biggest challenges in the history of humankind, and you will get the chance to add your mark to this.

The Yeast Natural Products group is focusing on refactoring plant biosynthetic pathways for natural products manufacturing in yeast. The competencies in our laboratory, led by Prof. Jay D. Keasling and Dr. Jie Zhang, focus on the use of synthetic biology to engineer microbes for production of difficult to source bioactives. To strengthen our team’s translational R&D activities, and further advance our visions for delivery of new supply chains for bioactive natural products we seek a computational biologist with a focus on:

• Plant genome and transcriptome de novo assembly
• Differential gene expression analysis and biosynthetic gene mining
• Metabolomics multivariate analysis
• Integrative analysis of multi-omics datasets
• Gene & protein sequence and structural analysis

Job description
The candidate will be responsible for all aspects related to data management and analysis. The candidate will closely collaborate with a team of about 10 researchers with expertise in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, protein engineering, analytical chemistry and bio-process engineering. Key responsibilities will include:

• QC, process and annotate omics data 
• Setup data analysis pipeline
• Perform integrated multivariate analysis
• Maintain database infrastructure
• Assist in structure-guided protein engineering
• Disseminate results to team

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:

• Proactive attitude, enthusiasm, responsibility, flexibility, team spirit and collaboration skills
• Strong skills in R & Python programming
• Solid omics data analysis background
• Experience with parallel computing
• Proven track-record of data management skills
• Strong communication skills in English

The Yeast Natural Products group – your new team
Our environment is characterized by openness, knowledge sharing and helpfulness. We offer an exciting, collaborative, hard-working, and entrepreneurial team, focusing on translational research and innovation with both societal and environmental impacts. The position offers a unique possibility of being a part of a team working on a truly translational project involving close collaboration with business developers and entrepreneurial experts. We place emphasis on a high level of professionalism in our team, so skills development and knowledge-transfer are integral parts of our agile well-resourced organization.

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 project’s main location is at the BioInnovation Institute in central Copenhagen. We can offer the opportunity of remote work days.

Please note that the contract will end by 2022 December, so we hope you can join us as soon as possible.

Application and contact
Please submit your online application no later than 30 September 2021. Applications must be submitted in English as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration including CV, cover letter, diploma, list of publications including patents, if you have such.

If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Jie Zhang ([email protected] ) or Lea Gram Hansen ([email protected] ). If necessary, we will set up a phone/Zoom call to ensure your understanding of the job and your many opportunities.

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 vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 12,900 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.