Research Assistant in genomics and transcriptomics for microbial strain engineering - DTU Biosustain

If you have a Master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, bioengineering or equivalent and you are looking for an opportunity to excel at performing genomics and transcriptomics methodologies, we have an ideal job offer. Our DNA-Foundry team is part of the Bio-Foundry department of the highly dynamic world-class research environment of the DTU NNF Center for Biosustainability and is responsible for the operation of its Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) facility.

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled Research Assistant that will drive operations in the NGS facility and participate in interdisciplinary projects related to microbial strain engineering. Are you ambitious, enthusiastic and a fast learner, joining the DNA-Foundry will accelerate your knowledge of state-of-the-art Illumina and Nanopore sequencing platforms and methods. As a member of our cooperative team, you will have a pivotal role in sequencing operations and, thereby, in acquisition of whole-genome and transcriptome data for the research activities of the Center for Biosustainability upon efficient communication and scheduling with research teams.

Responsibilities and tasks
As a Research Assistant, you will support the iterative Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle of Bio-Foundry that aims at creating semi-synthetic production strains through targeted genome editing. More specifically, your responsibilities will be to perform and improve fully/semi-automated methods for DNA extraction and NGS library preparations, and to perform high-throughput sequencing.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Maintain and operate Illumina and Nanopore sequencers and quality-control instruments and keep logbooks and protocols (SOPs) up-to-date
• Order reagents, labware, and update inventories in accordance with upcoming sequencing requests
• Prepare reagents, materials and instruments for frequent sequencing runs 
• Prepare genomic DNA, cDNA, and various NGS libraries for whole-genome (WGS) and RNA sequencing
• Operate robotic systems for liquid handling
• Understand, interpret, and communicate analysis results within the team and with requestors
• Detect irregularities and process deviations to improve the input of sequencing runs.

In addition, you will participate in Bio-Foundry projects by carrying out tasks, such as:

• Microbial cultures
• Extraction of DNA/RNA, PCR, QC and quantification
• Plasmid assembly, transformation, CRISPR genome editing
• Flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).

You can therefore look forward to a career kick-start in a vibrant workplace with state-of-the-art infrastructure and you will be guided by skilled and dedicated scientists until you independently and swiftly master sequencing operations and essential skills.

Qualifications
We are looking for a person who enjoys acquiring complex knowledge and quicky adapts to collaborative work. You must thrive in an interdisciplinary and international environment and be able to communicate by understanding and respecting cultural and professional differences. Flexibility and self-motivation are essential skills. In addition, we expect you to take responsibility for your work and strive for good quality results.

You will be handling a broad spectrum of complex tasks that will advance your skills and expertise. Therefore, we expect that your current CV comprises:

• A Master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, bioengineering or equivalent
• Experience in some or several of the following: microbial cultures, PCR, plasmid construction, DNA extraction
• Experience in complicated protocols and SOPs and their optimization
• Experience in and motivation for reporting results in digital format, i.e., electronic lab notebook and LIMS
• Experience from collaborative and international scientific teams
• Prior experience in NGS library preparations and sequencing is highly desired but not requested.

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 Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is time-limited: June 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Arsenios Vlassis, Staff Specialist, e-mail: [email protected] .

You can read more about BioFoundry at https://www.biosustain.dtu.dk/biofoundry .

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 17 March 2023 (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
• Diploma (MSc)

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.

DNA-Foundry
DNA-Foundry is part of the Bio-Foundry of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain) and is responsible for the operation and maintenance of its NGS and Cytometry-FACS facilities.

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 13,400 students and 5,800 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.