PhD scholarship in Translational Biomedicine

We are looking for applicants who are interested in obtaining a PhD degree crossing the boundaries between biology and medicine. The project is associated with a newly established CAG (Clinical Academic Group) consortium, which includes several hospital researchers in Region H and Region Sjælland as well as DTU and KU, placed in the Infection Microbiology Groupat The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability, DTU.

The PhD project will focus on Host-Microbiome interactions developing in human lung cell cultures and includes determinations of gene expression in multiple bacterial species and human tissue cells. The project is anchored in a multi-disciplinary group of postdocs, who will support the candidate with relevant expertise. The primary supervisors will be Professor Søren Molin (DTU) and Professor Helle Krogh Johansen (Rigshospitalet). Additional supervisors may be included from the CAG consortium members.

We offer a stimulating integrated scientific environment including clinicians, molecular microbiologists, chemists and bioinformaticians, in which important medical challenges are met by basic research approaches through the application of cutting-edge technologies. The project is placed in a unique research center with state-of-the-art infrastructure and top experts in several relevant areas of research.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The work is expected to result in development of high impact research, and it will include highly advanced technologies to establish the required host-microbiome model systems in the laboratory.

You will be in close contact with, and supported by, a multi-disciplinary team working on complementary projects, while independently developing your own project.

Candidates should 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 addition, you must have the following qualifications:

• You have a MSc degree in biochemistry, molecular microbiology, or medicine
• You have wet-lab experience
• Practical experience in cell biology and basic knowledge in bioinformatics is an advantage
• You have a high-level English proficiency (written and spoken)
• You are a team player

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 the DTU's rules for the PhD education .

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Søren Molin (DTU) and Professor Helle Krogh Johansen (Rigshospitalet).

Key selection criteria:

• Professional qualifications relevant for the position
• Relevant work experience
• Language skills
• Creative thinking
• Level of enthusiasm and motivation

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.

Expected starting date (flexible): January-February 2022

Workplace
The majority of the activities will be conducted at DTU. Parts of the project will be carried out together with other CAG members.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Søren Molin (e-mail: [email protected] ).  Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.

You can read more about The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability and about the Infection Microbiology Group 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
Please submit your online application no later than 5January 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 in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma including official description of grading scale
• Summary of your master’s thesis project and personal experience in the project (max. 1 page)

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The Infection Microbiology Group  at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, DTU, studies persistent bacterial infections in a close collaboration with Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. Particular interest is centered around colonization and infection by environmental bacteria in lungs of different types of long-term infected patients. The investigations comprise collection of bacterial isolates from patients and biobank establishment, genotypic and phenotypic characterization of the isolates, gene expression studies, metabolic profiling, host-microbe interactions using miniature lung cell cultures and assessments of antibiotics and immune system interferences.

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 programs, 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.