Postdoc - Synthetic Biology, Biotechnology

We are inviting applications for two Post-doctoral positions of 24 months each in the research group of Biochemical Engineering at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of Copenhagen (Biochemical Engineering – Institut for Plante- og Miljøvidenskab - Københavns Universitet (ku.dk)).

The research group, headed by Prof. Sotirios Kampranis (Sotirios Kampranis - Plant Biochemistry Employees (ku.dk)), is driven by the long-term vision to promote sustainable living by replacing harmful chemical synthesis and over-harvesting of natural resources with biotechnological synthesis.

The focus of this project is to establish yeast-based biosensors. The incoming postdoctoral scientists will create yeast cells utilizing G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) or engineered transcription factors. These biosensors will then be used to sense the presence of small molecules or magnetic fields. The long-term aim of this project is to develop new, cutting-edge technologies to identify new food and beverage ingredients (e.g. sweeteners, aromas, etc.) and to achieve their industrial production at scale using tunable genetic circuits that are controlled by magnetic fields.

Skills and experience required or highly desired for the position:

• PhD experience in yeast Synthetic Biology, Genetic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Theoretical and hands-on expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry
• Ability to work independently and see projects through to completion
• Construct designed strains using standard molecular cloning techniques including Gibson, USER or Golden Gate assembly and targeted strain recombineering and gene integration methods
• Culture and evaluate constructed yeast strains using small-scale (plate and flask-scale) cultivations and assays.
• Thoroughly document project results and progress, and facilitate clear communication and technology transfer with industrial partners
• Possibility of relocation to an academic partner for collaboration is a plus.

Formal requirements:

• Applicants should be fluent in both spoken and written English.
• Applicants should have a PhD degree in relevant topics, such as Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Metabolic Engineering, Enzymology, or Biochemistry.

Additional Tasks as a postdoctoral researcher at PLEN/SCIENCE can be:

• to disseminate the research results at Section and Departmental seminars.
• to participate in Departmental and Section activities

Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Prof. Sotirios Kampranis ([email protected]).

The position is open from 1 October 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Complete publication list
• Separate digital reprints of up to 3 selected publications from your CV

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 15 August 2024, 23:59 GMT +2.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.