Postdoc in metabolic engineering of bacteria for carbon fixation via biomineralization

The Bacterial Signal Transduction group at DTU Biosustain is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to work on a project involving genetic engineering of bacterial strains, primarily Geobacillus sp., for enhanced carbon fixation. The process we are interested in is based on deposition of carbon in CaCO3 – i.e. biomineralization. The overall objective of the project is to provide a new technology for carbon capture and help various industries in meeting the goals of sustainable development.

The position is a part of a larger project that is already ongoing in the Bacterial Signal Transduction group, so the recruited postdoctoral fellow will be expected to collaborate with other researchers in our group. The Bacterial Signal Transduction group offers an interdisciplinary, international and stimulating working environment, ideal for junior scientist wishing to build their independence and transition to junior group leaders. Prof. Mijakovic as a host offers to actively support career development of all team members.

Responsibilities and qualifications

• Devising and implementing genetic/metabolic engineering strategies to enhance biomineralization in Geobacillus sp. strains.
• Actively collaborating with other team members with complementary expertise.
• Writing of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participation in various group activities and team-building events.

Candidates should have a PhD degree or equivalent.

• PhD degree in microbiology, metabolic engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience with genetic engineering of Geobacillus sp.
• Strong publication record in this field.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Independent mind-set and capacity to form own scientific hypotheses.
• Willingness and capacity to actively collaborate with other team members.

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.

Period of employment is 2 years (24 months).

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Ivan Mijakovic: [email protected]

You can read more about DTU Biosustain at https://www.biosustain.dtu.dk/

For more details about the Bacterial Signal Transduction group, please visit https://www.sysbio.se/labs/mijakovic/

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
Please submit your online application no later than 15 December 2021 (Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", 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
• Diploma (MSc/PhD)
• List of publications

Applications and enclosures 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 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.