Postdoc in GMO Research with New Genomic Techniques

If you have experience in plant or microbial gene editing, utilizing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 and you are looking for a job with a unique potential, you have found it. When joining DTU’s National Food Institute you will conduct pioneering research at the very forefront of gene editing technology. Your goal is to develop novel plants and microbes that can help feed the world’s growing population in a sustainable and climate friendly way.

Do you want a job with the opportunity for changing the world to the better?
Your 3-year assignment will not only take your scientific knowledge and skills to the next level. You will also be trained as scientific advisor to Danish and European food authorities. To put it short. if you want to make a meaningful contribution and positive impact on society, the world and yourself, this job is tailored to you.

Learn to master two tracks and give yourself a unique career platform
As mentioned, this Postdoc position comes with a unique set of opportunities. As such, you will work on two tracks:

• One is the scientific track where you will develop novel plants and microbes possessing enhanced traits aligned with various desired outcomes. It can be improved abilities to adapt to diverse climates, increased genetic diversity to promote sustainability, enhanced nutritional value or greater resistance to diseases – you will have great influence on own research focus within the overall framework.
  
  
• The other track is with focus on research-based advisory activities. Governmental authorities throughout Europe have a highly increased focus on finding sustainable solutions to handle the global climate and food crisis – and they are looking for advice. Our GMO and NGT research bring major potential and solutions, and you will learn how to bring this crucial knowledge into play.

More specifically you will:

• Collaborate in the planning and execution of research endeavors focused on gene editing in plants or microbes
• Develop and refine protocols for gene editing procedures and subsequent analyses
• Perform experiments to characterize edited plants or microbes, encompassing phenotypic and genotypic evaluations
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare visual representations, and draft manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals
• Present research findings at scientific gatherings and conferences
• Maintain meticulous records of laboratory activities and contribute to the formulation of future research proposals with team
• Gradually take part in GMO and NGTs focused advisory activities at DTU FOOD.

Structured, curious and motivated for communicating knowledge to a wider audience
We are looking for you that have great desire for acquiring knowledge and breaking new ground. This calls for your curiosity and your structured way of working. The advisory part of your job calls for your communication skills and your motivation for bringing your knowledge to a wider and non-scientific audience. The core part of your CV comprises:

• A PhD degree in molecular biology or biotechnology or similar
• Experience in plant or microbial gene editing, utilizing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9.
• Proven ability to design and execute independent research experiments
• Proficiency in English, written and spoken.
• Motivation for learning Danish, if you do not master it already.

Additionally, you must be able to tick off at least one point from the list below:

• Knowledge and hands-on experience with plants (diploid to polyploid), microbes, plant genetics/epigenetics & breeding and new genomic techniques
• Hands-on experience with molecular and biochemical techniques, including cloning, gene expression studies, plant tissue culture, agrobacterium-mediated transformation, electroporation, and protoplast fusion etc.
• Proficiency in handling plant and microbial growth, physiology, growth chamber and greenhouse operations
• Familiarity with RNA-seq, ChIP-Seq, RT–PCR, RT-qPCR, NGS, and bioinformatics analysis. Knowledge of techniques such as SDS-PAGE, southern blot, ELISA, HPLC, LC-MS, spectrophotometry, and microscopy
• A competitive record of accomplishment with previous scientific output such as peer-reviewed publications in international journals and grant writing ability.

Your new team
Your new workplace is DTU’s main campus in Lyngby, Copenhagen where students, top scientists and employees from all over the world create a unique and highly inspiring environment. Here you will join the Research Group for Microbial Biotechnology and Biorefining.

Our focus is research related to food production for future safe and sustainable foods and food ingredients. We are part of the Danish National Food Institute, a world renowned institution at the forefront of research and advisory.

We are approx. 25 good colleagues covering research and technique. The main part of us are scientists from 10+ different countries. Our work environment is open, informal and characterized by knowledge sharing and helpfulness. Read more at food.dtu.dk/english

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 position is for 3 years.

Our goal is that you will begin 1st August 2024 or shortly thereafter.

Further information
If you have any questions, you are very welcome to contact professor Peter Ruhdal Jensen at . If necessary, we will set up an additional phone/Teams call to ensure that you understand the job and your many opportunities.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here . If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark .

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 28 June 2024 (23:59 Danish time).
Please note, that applications received after the deadline not will be considered.

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link 'Apply now', fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter) explaining how your interest and expertise match the position
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)
• List of publications

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

DTU Food – The National Food Institute
At the National Food Institute, we want to make a difference by creating the welfare of the future through research into food and health. We focus on preventing disease and promoting health, developing new and better food for the growing population and creating sustainable technological solutions. We do this through a strong academic environment of international top class with corresponding skilled researchers and employees. Our research and consultancy help solve some of the world's biggest societal challenges, and you have the opportunity to become a significant part of that journey. As an educational institution, we also help to ensure that Denmark will continue to have the highest competencies available to both businesses and authorities in food technology, food safety, nutrition and the environment at national and international level. The Department has more than 300 staff, from a broad range of nationalities.

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.

Adresse:

Henrik Dams Allé
2800 Kgs. Lyngby