Postdoc position in microbial biotechnology with focus on methanotrophs

SDU Biotechnology section at Department of Green Technology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for one 1-year postdoc position in Microbial Biotechnology. Ideal candidate should have background in aerobic biotechnology, gas fermentation, bioconversion technologies, or bioprocess design. The position is funded by a Danish funding source. The project aims to understand titer limitation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in methanotrophs.

Expected start date and duration of employment
The postdoc position is 1 year and is available from 1st of February 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project concerns the study of methanotrophic bacteria for the production of PHAs that are potential precursors for bioplastics. Our focus is on developing a biological process for the conversion of green methane to precursors of bioplastics. The study involves selections of methanotrophs using a wide range of methodological approaches within basic and applied sciences. Once selected the candidate will develop and optimize methods for growing high titer of PHAs in chemostats. The project has high flexibility depending on the results obtained during the system conceptualization, so we welcome innovative and creative ideas and a collaborative mindset.

The successful applicant for the postdoc position should have:

• PhD in microbiology, biotechnology, biochemical engineering or a related specialization.
• The candidate should have the following qualifications:
  • Hands on experience in microbial cultivation and isolation
  • Experienced with operating fermenter or chemostats
  • Competences within gas fermentation and an understanding of gas-liquid mass transfers
  • RNA-SEQ data analysis
  • Ability to rigorously design and perform experiments in a result-oriented and thorough manner
  • Ability to perform in-depth and critical data analysis
  • Strong writing and communication skills
  • Able to work both independently and in a team
• The candidate is expected to:
  • Actively involved in lab-scale research
  • Disseminate the research findings in scientific publications, conferences, and/or other public domain
  • Participate in the supervision and training of MSc, and BSc students
  • Apply for scholarships to obtain additional funding 

Workplace description
Further information is available from Assistant Professor Muhammad Tahir Ashraf, phone: +45 65504583, e-mail: [email protected] .

If you experience technical problems you must contact [email protected] . 

Conditions of employment
Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level. Employment as a postdoc is temporary and will cease without further notice at the end of the period.

Research will be predominant in the position. Teaching assignments can be agreed individually. Furthermore, other types of assignments may occur to a limited degree. The Faculty determines the distribution of the various assignments. The weighting of the different assignments may vary over time.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information on salary and taxation .

The assessment process
Read about the Assessment and selection process . Shortlisting may be used. 

Application procedure

The faculty expects applicants to read How to apply before applying. 

The application must be in English and must include:

• Motivated application
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae 
• Certificates/Diplomas (MSc and PhD) 
• List of publications indicating the publications attached
• Examples of the most relevant publications. Please attach one pdf-file for each publication
• Reference letters and other relevant qualifications may also be included.

The application deadline is 31-10-2022.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Further information  about The Faculty of Engineering.