PhD scholarship in Glycoengineering of iPSC-NK cells - DTU Bioengineering

PhD scholarship in Glycoengineering of iPSC-NK cellsA 3-year PhD position is available within the research group ‘Biotherapeutic Glycoengineering and Immunology’ headed by Professor Steffen Goletz. Our research group belongs to the Section of Protein Science and Biotherapeutics at the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine. The position will be available from October 1st 2023 or soon thereafter. 

In our research group, we apply and develop advanced next generation antibody engineering as well as cellular and molecular glycoengineering technologies to elucidate the role of glycosylations within complex immunological networks and disease and to generate novel therapeutic strategies and drug candidates. Our main therapeutic interest is within immunooncology as well as infectious gastrointestinal and lung diseases. One focus lies within cellular glycoengineering of human innate immune cells for highly effective cell-based immunotherapeutics and the design and development of their manufacturing processes. We also have a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You as the PhD student will work with a team of Senior scientists, postdocs and PhD students and in close collaboration with academic and industrial collaborators to establish a novel iPSC-derived NK-cell platform for next generation biotherapeutics. 

You as the ideal candidate for this challenging project are highly motivated and must have solid laboratory experiences in human cell gene editing, NK cell biology and cellular immune assays, human cell line development and glycobiology. Knowledge and skills in stem cells, glycoanalytics and/or proteomics would be of advantage. Moreover, the PhD student is expected to contribute to inter connective team tasks as well as in teaching and supervising BSc and MSc student projects.

Furthermore, you must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree in biotechnology, biochemistry, immunology, cell biology, biology, or alike.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Steffen Goletz.

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 appointment terms 
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 of the full-time position is 3 years. Starting date is October 1st 2023 or soon thereafter. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Additional information may be obtained from Prof. Dr. Steffen Goletz, [email protected]

You can read more about “the Department” at www.bioengineering.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 . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 29 May 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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, 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 industry 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.