Senior Data Analyst to integrate & translate the language of cells from production environments

The department Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU-Biosustain) at the Technical University of Denmark invites applications for a Senior Data Analyst position to Integrate and interpret large-scale multi-level datasets with novel data science approaches to generate know-how for creating robust production strains.

The proposed start date of this position is from April 1, 2022. This position will be placed at DTU-Biosustain, in the interface between the applied research group for High Density Physiology (HDP) and the Pre-Pilot Plant of the Sustainable Chemicals section, working with a common aim towards bridging the gap between academic metabolic engineering projects from cell factories and their commercial application. We aim at establishment and integration of a whole workflow, from synthetic biology through genetic engineering, multi-omic data generation from bench-scale cultivations and scale-down/up process design towards gate milestone driven project and process development until successful release into the market. The section has a total staff of approx. 30 employees, comprising of a highly motivated team of Engineers, Scientists and Technicians to tackle this challenging task.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Scale-up of bioprocesses rely heavily on selecting appropriate “fermenterphiles”, i.e.  robust production organisms that can show minor or no changes in the key process parameters at different cultivation scales or in appropriate scale-down bioreactors mimicking heterogeneous large-scale conditions. This project aims to first understand and elucidate the microbial response to such fluctuating environmental conditions at high cell density/production conditions from multi-omic and bioprocess data analysis, with an aim to design strategies for creating and testing fermenterphile candidate strains in small to pre-pilot scale scale-down simulators representing an industrial scale process condition.

Therefore, your primary tasks include:

• Processing, visualization of multi-level (cellular-bioprocess level) large-scale data sets from multiple projects (with microbial strains to produce chemicals, proteins, pharmaceuticals etc...).
• Computational modelling of microbial metabolism to elucidate strain physiology from bioprocess data.
• Statistical analysis of internal and public datasets (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics).
• Contribution to the development of computational methods, tools, and workflows.
• Communication of results with international collaborators.

Candidates should have a PhD degree (in Biochemical Engineering/Industrial biotechnology) with at least 2 years of work experience in the field of data science. Experimental experience in cultivation and fermentation is further highly preferred. We are looking for a candidate with a solid

• Background in:
  
  • Microbial cultivation and quantitative microbial physiology
  • Microbial metabolic network and metabolism
  • Graph theory, network biology and systems biology
  • Computational analysis (Python, Matlab, R, etc)
    
• Expertise in:
  
  • Algorithm or platform analysis and optimization for large-scale computations
  • Methods for computational modelling of metabolism (constraint-based, kinetic modelling, bioreactor modelling etc),
  • Applying statistical and machine learning methods to interpret large-scale multi-omic data sets
  • Designing and execution of microbial fermentations
  • Interfacing with and/or implementing databases,
  • Applying standard software engineering practices (version control, testing, continuous integration, etc).
  • Project management and mentoring
  • Stakeholder management
  • Scientific writing and communication in English

We look forward to a candidate who:

• Enjoys working with complex topics
• Thrives on collaboration/teamwork and focussed on the process as well as the outcome
• Believes in dialogue and feedback as the best foundation for sound decision-making
• Strives to develop talent amongst others

What we offer in return
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international atmosphere with the focus on research, teaching, innovation and scientific advice for the benefit of the surrounding community. We place emphasis on a high level of professionalism among our staff, so skills development is an integral part of our organization. We offer a great flexibility in the position. In the area of technical and natural sciences, DTU is one of the leading research and education institutions in Europe.

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.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Suresh Sudarsan, [email protected] or Andreas Worberg, [email protected]

You can also read more about DTU Biosustain at www.biosustain.dtu.dk

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 4 February 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 as one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV (including details, under appropriate headings, starting with the most recent)
• Diploma (Bachelor/Master/PhD)
• List of publications

Please note, that 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.