Fermentation Engineer to world-class pilot plant - DTU Biosustain

If you have solid fermentation knowledge and a hands-on mindset, this job could be everything you dream of. You will unfold your skills at our state-of-the-art pilot plant. You will get the opportunity to work with exciting projects from DTU as well as start-ups with a biosustainable agenda. You will naturally get a thorough introduction in order to establish you as the team’s primary fermentation specialist.

At DTU Biosustain we develop the next generation (bio) technology using synthetic biology techniques. 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 mankind, and you will get the chance to add your personal mark to this.

Broadsided responsibility across lab work and hands-on work in the pilot plant
Yours and the team’s overall focus is to bring science projects to a higher technological readiness level and as a key part of this prove the potential for large-scale production. The projects have great variety all the way from small molecules to proteins – we can bring new products and solutions from a few milliliters to 100 L scale using our RoboLector, Sartorius ambr®250 high throughput and our larger 30 L and 100 L bioreactors.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Lead the transfer of cell factories and bioprocesses through internal gate milestones
• Formulate strategies and developing robust bioprocesses for up-scaling
• Plan and run batch, fed-batch, repeated batch cultivations ideally for both bacteria and yeast, anaerobic and aerobic on pilot scale (up to 150L)
• Interpret data obtained during and after fermentation processes and develop KPIs
• Document work in cloud-based informatics platforms (LIMS) including analysis and interpretation of the results and discoveries
• Collaborate with chemical and process engineers to develop downstream separation and purification processes

You will join a small team of two technicians and the Pilot Plant Manager. The plan is to grow the team to six (you included) within the next months. Everything we do is based on collaboration with a wide group of people counting scientists, strain engineers, economic modeling team, third party vendors, technology providers and more. Read more about the plant here .

Solid experience within microbial fermentation including scale up
As you will be part of a small team with large and broad responsibilities, it is essential that you like to work hands-on and contribute to all kinds of tasks, also if it means help cleaning up. You must thrive on being part of a TEAM and have the communications and interpersonal skills that is necessary to establish a good dialogue and collaboration with many different partners.

Additionally, your CV comprises:

• As minimum a MSc in biotechnology, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biology or related
• Solid experience within microbial fermentation either from your PhD or job in the industry
• Specific knowledge of process development and especially scale up
• Knowledge of large-scale equipment (30-150L bioreactors or larger)

Further information
If you would like additional information, you are very welcome to contact Pilot Plant Manager, Ann Dorrit Enevoldsen at +45 9351 0827.

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

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.

Starting date is July 1st 2023 or as soon as possible.

Application procedure
Please submit your online application no later thanSunday, 16 April 2023 (Danish time). Open the “Apply now” link, fill out the form and attach your motivated application, CV and exam certificates. 

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.