Downstream Engineer to world-class pilot plant – DTU Biosustain

Do you want great learning opportunities and work with novel methods?

If you have a degree in downstream engineering and are looking for an opportunity to accelerate your skillset, this job could be the answer. You will work with novel methods to develop new products and processes for sustainable manufacturing. As part of this, you will handle a large number of unit operations for various research teams including start-ups that could be your next career move since this is a one-year position.

You will join DTU Biosustain where we develop the next generation (bio) technology 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, 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.

Manage downstream processes for both internal research groups and customers
As Downstream Engineer you are in the middle of the value chain between your Fermentation Engineer colleagues and your Analytical Chemist colleague with our skilled Lab Technician colleague to assist with some of the more practical parts of the experiments. You will work with various projects for both research teams at DTU Biosustain and external customers.

We plan our work in regular team meetings every week. After the meeting, you will create your personal plan to ensure that you can carry out the agreed lab experiments including data interpretation and documentation. The Team Manager who also is a Downstream Engineer are naturally ready to help you onboard and provide feedback.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Develop and scale-up downstream processes
• Plan and execute downstream processes to recover proteins and small molecules
• Collect and interpret data with additional feed back to the research group
• Ensure adequate documentation using our digital tools

You will be part of an international team of 6 good colleagues from Brazil, India, France/Germany and Denmark. Together, we cover fermentation, downstream and analytics related to development and scale-up of bioprocesses. You can read more about the pilot plant here .

Degree in downstream engineering and motivation for collaboration
We are looking for someone who is not afraid to try new things and enjoys working with new equipment in the lab—while maintaining a conscientious focus on safety, order, and thorough documentation.

As part of a small team that provides services to customers it is also very important that you like to collaborate and receive feedback. Related to this, you like to share knowledge, also when an experiment has not turned out as expected – the greatest learning often come from our common evaluation of things gone wrong.

Additionally, your CV comprises:

• A master’s or PhD degree in downstream engineering
• Knowledge of as minimum one of the following downstream processes: centrifugation, filtration, liquid/liquid extraction, freeze and spray drying and chromatography

Salary and terms of employment
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 1 year. Starting date is 1 December 2024 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Application and contact
Please submit your online application no later than 6 November 2024 (23:59 Danish time) . Open the “Apply now” link, fill out the form and attach your motivated application, CV, exam certificates and if relevant list of publications.

If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Pilot Plant Manager, Ann Dorrit Enevoldsen at +45 9351 0827 or [email protected] .

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As the position involves research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, among other things, open-source background checks will be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark .

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.