Postdoc in animal models to study host-microbiota interactions - DTU Biosustain

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability invites applicants for a post doctorial associate position in the Bacterial Synthetic Biology section led by Professor Morten Sommer at the Technical University of Denmark.

Advances in synthetic biology have provided the means to modify probiotic and commensal microbes to enhance their natural abilities and for drug delivery applications. We have different projects in our group using genetically engineered microbes to deliver therapeutics in situ . The focus of the present position is to evaluate the efficacy of microbiome therapies in animal models (mice and rats).  

The project relates to a center grant obtained by the group to use synthetic biology to develop engineered bacterial therapeutics. The center comprises multiple groups spanning preclinical to clinical research and has as a goal to test these novel synthetic biology interventions in animal models and human clinical trials. 

The principal supervisors will be Prof. Morten Otto Alexander Sommer in the Bacterial Synthetic Biology group under the Microbial Food section at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your main experimental task will revolve around setting up and carrying out in vivo experiments using animal models to evaluate the efficacy of novel microbial therapies. 

You shall work independently on the development of high impact research projects. Accordingly, a significant workload is expected to advance projects successfully. 

The candidate will work in a team to develop their independent project, while also contributing to projects of other team members. 

The candidate will be responsible for the execution of all aspects of the project including both experimental and computational tasks; however, support is available for all aspects from fellow lab members. 

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

Candidates should have a PhD degree or equivalent and ample experience working with animal models, primarily mice and rats. 

Overall a preferred applicant has excellent academic track record, solid research experience and is highly motivated towards developing new technology and making scientific breakthroughs.

In addition, you must have the following qualifications:

• FELASA C / EU function ABD are required or must be obtained shortly after starting the position. 
• You have experience or interest in surgery in mice/rats
• You have a proven track record within research in animal models, primarily mice and rats. 
• You have demonstrated an early capacity for innovation and excellence in your career
• You have strong work ethics
• You thrive on collaboration and teamwork 
• Candidates with experience working in microbiome research and/or synthetic biology is a plus.

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 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.

Starting date of the employment is 1st April 2024 and the end date of the employment is 31st December 2025.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Morten Sommer, email: msom@biosustain.dtu.dk . Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below. 

You can read more about The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability on www.biosustain.dtu.dk.

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

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 11 September 2023 (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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 

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 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. 

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.