Postdoc in regulation of transglycosylation activity of carbohydrate-active enzymes - DTU Bioengineering

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Postdoc in regulation of transglycosylation activity of carbohydrate-active enzymes - DTU Bioengineering
Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Job Description

Opportunity awaits for those eager to contribute to the green transition. I am looking for a self-driven and innovative enzymologist or similar to join my team in a postdoc position in the research project “Carbohydrate-binding module regulation of enzymatic transglycosylation (CBM4TG)”, which has been granted by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. If you are passionate about pioneering advancements in enzymology and aspire to play a pivotal role in sustainable biotechnological solutions, I invite you to be a part of this transformative initiative.

Oligosaccharides, crucial for applications like prebiotics, therapeutics, and cosmetics, are traditionally produced by breaking down large sugars or synthesizing from smaller ones. However, efficient and sustainable production poses challenges. Enzymes, particularly glycoside hydrolases (GHs), hold great promise for synthesizing bonds between sugars forming specific products. Yet, GHs require optimization to promote efficient transglycosylation (TG) reactions. In CBM4TG, we aim to unveil the roles of carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) in shaping TG reactions, offering insights to enhance yields of desired products. Using GH family 5 enzymes with confirmed TG ability, we'll assess influence of CBM fusion on TG, substrate specificity, and stability. This project aims to “change the game” in enzyme engineering for industrially relevant oligosaccharide synthesis by unraveling and exploring the roles of CBMs.

The project will primarily be carried out at DTU Bioengineering, but research visits to the project collaborator Professor Henrik Stålbrand at Lund University, Sweden, are expected.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your tasks will be to:

• Identify natural enzymes to include in the study based on literature and phylogenetic analyses.
• Produce and purify the selected enzymes and variants of these.
• Characterize enzymes using different methods to study enzymatic activity (both hydrolysis and transglycosylation), substrate binding, stability, and structure.
• Translate knowledge acquired on natural enzymes into an engineering strategy to enhance transglycosylation by enzymes not naturally equipped with CBMs.
• Supervise BSc and MSc student projects.

Ideally you should have the following qualifications:

• Strong background in enzyme characterization, experience with glycoside hydrolases and carbohydrate-binding modules is advantageous
• Experience with relevant experimental methods, i.e. recombinant proteins produced in E. coli or Pichia pastoris ,  protein purification, high-performance liquid chromatography (specifically analysis of carbohydrates), protein-carbohydrate binding analysis (e.g. surface-plasmon resonance analysis, bio-layer interferometry or isothermal calorimetry), and protein structure determination (X-ray crystallography or small-angle light scattering)

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

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. Starting date is 1. April 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Associate professor Marie Sofie Møller ([email protected] ), Department of Bioengineering and Biomedicine.

You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.dtu.dk

The department houses four research sections, and the Postdoc will be associated with the Section for Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology https://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/english/ResearchNy/Research-Sections/Section-for-Protein-Chemistry-and-Enzyme-Technology

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 31 January 2024 (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 and list of publications
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of references (at least two)

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 Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

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.

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Job Info

• Job Identification 2991
• Job Category VIP B
• Posting Date 01/11/2024, 03:16 AM
• Apply Before 01/31/2024, 05:59 PM
• Locations Søltofts Plads, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, DK

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