Bioinformatics Software Engineer (temporary position) – DTU Biosustain

Build bioinformatics systems to solve high-impact real-world challenges

At The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain) at the Technical University of Denmark, we develop cutting-edge biosustainable technologies using synthetic biology, advanced equipment, and a global team of top scientists. Central to our mission is the DTU Biosustain Biofoundry, a data-driven platform that accelerates cell factory design through the Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle. By leveraging automation, synthetic biology, and data analysis, the Biofoundry supports all research groups in developing efficient microbial strains for sustainable chemical, material, and food production.

At the Biofoundry, we are seeking 2 bioinformatics software engineers to develop pipelines, databases, and analytics platforms for designing strains used in sustainable bio-based production. Similar projects include pankb.org , imodulondb.org , prochipdb.org, aledb.org , bigg.ucsd.eduv, and escher.github.io .

As a bioinformatics software engineer in DTU Biosustain’s Biofoundry, you will contribute to cutting-edge research toward innovations in real-world applications. Working alongside highly skilled and experienced researchers and scientists, you will have continuous opportunities for learning and professional development, gaining exposure to the latest advancements in your field. This intellectually stimulating environment will challenge you to explore new ideas and make meaningful contributions to scientific discovery, offering a deeply rewarding experience with unique opportunities for impact.

Build microbial strain design tools for large-scale omics analysis and more  
You will join the Biofoundry Reconstruction Team, headed by Patrick Phaneuf and directed by Prof. Bernhard Palsson and Prof. Jochen Förster. You will work closely with skilled scientists and subject matter experts to help them translate needs into possible software solutions. As such, you will get a unique opportunity to work with frontend and backend development as well as deployment and application monitoring.

As a bioinformatics software developer, your primary tasks will include:

• Data processing through cloud-computing services and custom pipelines
• Database design
• Data analytics development for bioinformatics analysis
• Web frontend and backend development
• Server administration and monitoring.

At DTU Biosustain, cross-organizational collaboration and knowledge sharing are the foundation for turning our highly ambitious goals into reality. As a member of our team, you will work closely together with experimentalists, computationalists, and engineers to ensure the success of your projects.

Essential qualifications
We are looking for an independent and driven candidate who prioritizes quality, clarity, impact, innovation, and constructive collaboration. The ideal candidate will have the professional and organizational skills necessary to manage, contribute to, and communicate progress for multiple parallel projects. Additionally, your CV should demonstrate some of the following:

• University degree in software engineering, bioinformatics, or equivalent professional experience
• Experience in omics analysis
• Experience with database development
• Experience with standard software engineering practices (version control, unit testing, etc.)
• Experience or interest in metabolic modeling
• Experience or interest in web application development and server administration
• Experience or interest in cloud computing services
• Excellent written and spoken English, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

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 position is a 3-year contract. This is a full-time position, expected to start on 1 February 2025 or as soon as possible. 

The workplace is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

Application and contact
Please submit your online application no later than 7 November 2024 (23:59 Danish time) . Open the “Apply now” link, fill out the form and attach your motivated application, CV and exam certificates. 

If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Patrick Phaneuf at [email protected] . If necessary, we will set up an additional phone call to ensure your understanding of the job and your many opportunities.

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. 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 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.