PhD Scholarship in Synthetic Biology of Natural Products

If you believe that we should do something to bring sustainable agriculture and new medicines to everyone, join us! We are passionate about discovery of new drugs, sustainable agriculture, natural products, evolution, chemistry and microbiology.

At DTU Biosustain we are developing the next generation of bio sustainable technologies using synthetic biology techniques. We create novel methods and technologies as a foundation for development of new environment friendly products, better and less energy consuming manufacturing processes, new medical treatments, climate friendly farming, etc. In other words, we try to solve some of the biggest challenges in the history of mankind, and you will get the chance to add your personal mark to this – with especial focus on solutions for therapeutics and agriculture.

You will unfold your skills at our state-of-the-art lab at DTU’s main campus in Copenhagen. Here you will be part of the Yeast natural Products lab, a new team co-lead by Pablo Cruz-Morales and Jay Keasling. When joining us, you can look forward to being part of a Center with multiple world-class Scientists with a shared passion for breaking new ground in a positive environment characterized by cross-organizational collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Groundbreaking development of technology for microbial cell factories

You will participate in the discovery of new natural products and the development of microbial cell factories to produce them. You will learn how to use the theory of evolution and synthetic biology to discover new molecules. You will perform a combination of bioinformatics and wet-lab research to:

• Discover bioactive molecules from microorganisms (fungi and bacteria) using genomics
• Develop heterologous expression systems for natural products (fungi and bacteria)
• Collaborate with other scientists within and outside our team

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.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates 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 the DTU PhD Guide .

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 is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
For further information contact Pablo Cruz-Morales: [email protected]

You can read more about DTU here: https://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 .

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 in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here – in the right hand column)
• Names and contact information for 2 referees

Incomplete applications will not be considered. You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

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.

Learn more at biosustain.dtu.dk

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.