Postdoc in Metagenomics and Bioinformatics

We are looking for a postdoc in the field of metagenomics and bioinformatics. This candidate would focus on several aspects of metagenomics such as human and animal microbiomes as well as industrial metagenomics.

Specifically, the candidate would work on a project om aquaculture that is an important source for food, nutrition, income and livelihoods for millions of people around the globe. Intensive fish farming is often associated with pathogen outbreaks and therefore high amounts of veterinary drugs are used worldwide. As in many other environments, application of antimicrobials trigger the development of (multi)resistant microbiota. This process might be fostered by co-selection because of the additional use of antiparasitics. Usage of antimicrobials in aquaculture does not only affect the cultured fish species, but - to a so far unknown extent - also aquatic ecosystems connected to fish farms including microbiota from water and sediment as well as its eukaryotes. Effects include increases in the number of (multi)resistant microbes, as well as complete shifts in microbial community structure and function. This dysbiosis might have pronounced consequences for the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The candidate will be part of an international study of the consequences of antimicrobial/-parastic application in aquaculture for the cultured fish species as well as for the aquatic environments. The candidate will analyze short and long-read sequencing data from the samples and collaborate with the groups from Germany, Brazil, France and Israel to explore the consequences of antibiotic and antiparastic use in aquaculture.

The Section of Bioinformatics is part of the Department of Health Technology at the Technical University of Denmark. The section has its main research and teaching activities in bio-medical and bio-technological informatics, metagenomics, epidemiology, integrative systems biology and machine learning. The research at the Section of Bioinformatics is focused on bioinformatics and computational analyses of large amounts of data generated within biological, biomedical and biotechnological and life sciences area. We strive to gain new knowledge and drive innovation in human, animal, plant and food science and collaborate with all relevant industries. A cornerstone is bioinformatics, immuno-informatics, metagenomics and systems biology methods and solutions to the challenge of handling and interpreting large scale and heterogeneous big data. We run projects combining big data and laboratory research via the national supercomputing center (Computerome) and molecular genomics laboratories.

Responsibilities and qualifications

• Work on an international project investigating the environmental impact of antibiotic and antiparasitic use in aquaculture
• You can document a strong potential and profile for research and education within metagenomics including expertise in high performance computing in the life sciences.
• You will engage in supervising and/or co-supervising Masters and PhD students
• Your work will include dissemination of research results at all levels including publications in high impact journals.
• You will contribute to establishing and strengthening the collaboration with national and international groups working in the above areas.
• You will engage in continued interaction with peers from relevant departments and centers at DTU and from other national and international research groups.

You hold a PhD degree in one or more of the following areas: metagenomics, genome informatics, biochemistry, bioinformatics or systems biology.  

The right candidate will moreover exhibit the following professional and personal qualifications:

• Solid skills in the use of Next Generation Sequence (NGS) methods and tools for Analysis of NGS data (genomic, metagenomics)
• Experience in UNIX / LINUX computing systems and HPC infrastructure
• Working experience with long-read sequencing technology such as Oxford Nanopore or Pacbio
• Knowledge of in silico antibiotic resistance prediction as well as metagenome binning
• Skills in programming languages relevant for bioinformatics, e.g. Python, Ruby, R
• Capability of taking personal responsibility for your work and your results
• Flexibility and a general positive attitude to changes
• Motivation by both individual and team accomplishments
• Strong communication skills and fluency in both written and verbal English

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. The period of employment is 2 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Jan Ardenkjær-Larsen , Head of Department.

You can read more about DTU Health Tech at www.healthtech.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 .

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than4 January 2022 (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
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)
• 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.

DTU Health Tech engages in research, education, and innovation base on technical and natural science for the healthcare sector. The Healthcare sector is a globally expanding market with demands for the most advanced technological solutions. DTU Health Tech creates the foundation for companies to develop new and innovative services and products which benefit people and create value for society. DTU Health Techs expertise spans from imaging and biosensor techniques, across digital health and biological modelling, to biopharma technologies. The department has a scientific staff of about 210 persons, 130 PhD students and a technical/administrative support staff of about 160 persons, of which a large majority contributes to our research infrastructure and related commercial activities.

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.