Fermentation Specialist - DTU Biosustain. Københavns omegn

The department Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU-Biosustain) at the Technical University of Denmark is seeking a highly skilled and enthusiastic Fermentation Specialist.

The proposed start date of the position is in 2024 as soon as possible. This position will be placed at DTU-Biosustain, in the Integrated Fermentation Platform (iFP) of the Biofoundry, working with the aim to bridge the gap between academic metabolic engineering projects from cell factories and commercial application. We aim at establishment and integration of a DBTL (Design-Build-Test-Learn) workflow, from synthetic biology through genetic engineering, bench-scale fermentations, and scale-up process design/development towards gate milestone driven project until successful release into the market. The Biofoundry has a total staff of 30 employees, comprising of a highly motivated team of Engineers, Scientists and Technicians to tackle this challenging task.

Responsibilities and tasks

As a Fermentation Specialist, you will be part of the iFP group and primarily focus on performing microbial fermentations at different scales (0.2 mL – 10 L) applying different strategies (batch, fed batch, chemostat) and physiological/phenomic characterization of the corresponding microorganisms in high-throughput bioreactor systems. You will actively take part in translational projects, aiming towards microbial production/ platform strains that are generated within the Biofoundry. 

Our expectations of you

Candidates should have a Master degree (in Biochemical Engineering/Industrial Biotechnology) or equivalent.

We are looking for a candidate with the following solid background and experience in:

• Designing, running, controlling batch, fed batch and chemostat cultivations ideally for both bacteria and yeast, from micro-Liter to Liter scale. 
• Experience in running high throughput micro (for e.g. Growth profiler, Robolector) and mini-bioreactor platforms (for e.g., ambr®250).
• Experience in physiology and cellular metabolism of yeast and bacteria.
• Experience in automating workflows with different types of liquid handlers (for e.g., Tecan)
• Experience in generating multi-omic data including transcriptome/ metabolome data during fermentation processes.
• Experience in rapid sampling and quenching methods to measure intracellular/extracellular metabolites in both bacteria and yeast.
• Experience with software programs for data logging (LIMS system), data analysis and modelling (R, MATLAB or Python).
• Ability to work simultaneously on mutiple projects with good planning/organisation skills. 
• Excellent collaboration & communication skills (English).

We look forward to a candidate who, 

• Enjoys working with complex topics.
• Thrives on collaboration/teamwork and focused 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

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 place emphasis on a high level of professionalism among our staff, so skills development is an integral part of our organization. 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 Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is until 31.12.2025. 

Application and contact

Please submit your online application no later than 18 March 2024. 

Open the “Apply now” link, fill out the form and attach your motivated application, CV and exam certificates. 

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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV 
• Diploma (Bachelor/Master/Advanced courses)

If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Suresh Sudarsan, sursudbiosustain.dtu.dk

 or +45 9351 1777.

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 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 13,500 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.