Automation specialist

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain) at the Technical University of Denmark is seeking a highly skilled and enthusiastic Automation specialist in the field of fermentation.

The proposed start date of this position is in 2022 as soon as possible. This position will be placed at DTU-Biosustain, in the translational research and development core section Pre-Pilot Plant (PPP) within the Sustainable Chemicals section. Here we work with an aim towards bridging the gap between academic metabolic engineering projects towards cell factories and bioprocesses with commercial application. We continue to strengthen the integration of the whole workflow, from synthetic biology through genetic engineering, automated cultivation and screening and scale-up.  We design processes through gate milestone driven projects and process development until successful release into the market. The section has a total staff of ~10 employees, comprising of a highly motivated team of Engineers, Scientists and Technicians to tackle this challenging task.

Responsibilities and tasks
As an AutomationSpecialist, you will be working with developing and integrating automated workflows to strengthen our process development. Incorporation of automation plays a key role in fulfilling the mission and vision of the center and in offering competitive solutions for our collaborators. You will be working closely with other experts in automation and fermentation to improve automated workflows across different groups at the center. As a colleague in the Pre-Pilot Plant, you will also carry out up-stream experiments independently and contribute to the development and operation of novel scale-down reactor systems, that incorporate automated liquid handling, to elucidate the robustness of microbial cell factories for industrial applications. Taking super-user responsibility of selected equipment, including maintenance, procurement and training, as well as providing service to other center researchers will be expected.

Qualifications
Candidates should have Bachelor of Chemical and Biotechnical Technology or equivalent.

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

• Experience in automating workflows with different types of liquid handlers (for e.g., Tecan, Hamilton)
• Experience in running high throughput bioreactor platforms (for e.g., ambr250, BioLector)
• Running, controlling, and maintaining batch, fed batch and chemostat cultivations ideally for both bacteria and yeast
• Scale-up and scale-down strategies of microbial fermentations
• Interpreting data obtained during and after fermentation processes with appropriate bioreactor models
• Experience with software programs for data analysis and modelling (R, MATLAB or python)
• Familiar with Bioprocess design principles and its application in bioprocess development
• Ability to work simultaneously on different 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

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 terms of employment
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 limited until 31.12.2025.

Application and contact
Please submit your online application no later than 18 November 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:

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

Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.

Further information may be obtained from Andreas Worberg, [email protected]

You can read more about the department at www.biosustain.dtu.dk

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

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain)
The Department of DTU Biosustain  is located at DTU Lyngby campus. The center has  approx. over 300 employees   and has  established a world-class environment for research into the design and development of cell factories.  The goal is to f urther increase its socio-economic impact by developing microbial strains to significantly improve bio – sustainability. Biotechnology will be a key element in the green transition, and thus, the  C ent er  is a good example to promote sustainable products and processes  in  Denmark .

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 13,400 students and 5,800 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.