Postdoc in Microbial Physiology and Single Cell Analysis (Denmark)

A 2 year postdoc position is available at The Department of Systems Biology in the Metabolic Signaling and Regulation group. The position focuses on investigating population heterogeneity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultivations under industrial-like conditions. Microbial cells have to cope with a constant change in environmental conditions in all biotopes, including industrial fermentors and the human body. Consequently, the cellular metabolism has to quickly adjust to the new challenges when experiencing a new condition. The Metabolic Signaling and Regulation group aims at visualizing, quantifying and modeling the role of intracellular signaling and regulation to gain insight into dynamics of microbial metabolism and populations. The obtained mechanistic understanding of regulatory mechanisms will eventually be applied for development of high-performance, robust industrial cell factories.

Responsibililties and tasks
A thorough investigation of population heterogeneity has become possible due to continued technological developments in genetics and molecular biology (reporter systems) and flow cytometry. The ultimate goal of the over-all research project is to be able to improve robustness in industrial cultivations by targeting population heterogeneity. Research activities will focus on constructing reporter systems for cell growth and productivity at the single cell level for the industrially relevant yeast S. cerevisiae, and detailed analysis of the distribution of these properties for the population. The effect of cultivation parameters on population dynamics and cell metabolism will be investigated via experiments in bioreactors and detailed physiological analysis of subpopulations undertaken. Increased occurrence of beneficial subpopulations will be strived for and the influence on process robustness evaluated. The project will be in collaboration with the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at DTU and Department of Biology at Copenhagen University.

The postdoc position includes limited teaching in Fermentation technology/Biotechnology.?

Qualifications

• Candidates should have a PhD degree or equivalent
• A strong background in microbial physiology and experimental experience in cultivating yeast in bioreactors is required. Additional, applicants with documented experience in single cell analysis and practical experience with yeast molecular biology will be prioritized
• Applicants should be able to work independently and to plan and carry out complicated tasks, while also being part of a large and dynamic group
• Applicants with good supervision skills (e.g. BSc and MSc projects) will be preferred
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken are required

We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world. The Department of Systems Biology facilitates state-of-the-art platforms for fermentation and metabolic analysis and the Metabolic Signaling and Regulation group is internationally renowned for expertise within quantitative physiology and analysis of small molecules.

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 with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2 years.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Assoc. Professor Anna Eliasson Lantz, ael@bio.dtu.dk, tel.: +45 4525 2680.

You can read more about DTU Systems Biology on www.bio.dtu.dk.

Application procedure:
We must have your online application by 12 June 2013. Apply online at www.career.dtu.dk.

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

• Application (cover letter, 1 page, including motivation to apply for this particular position  and how your previous experience/training qualifies you for this position)
• CV
• Diploma
• List of publications

Applications and enclosures 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.

DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, inno- vation and public service. Our staff of 5,000 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 7,000 students are educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.
The Department of Systems Biology represents a large concentration of academic biotechnological research in Denmark, including, bioinformatics, systems biology, protein and enzyme chemistry, food biochemistry, molecular biology, fermentation technology, physiology and genetics of industrial microorganisms and medical microbiology. The department hosts around 47 senior and 60 junior faculty members and post-doctoral fellows, 98 PhD students and 80 technical/administrative personnel. In addition to bachelor, master and PhD education, collaborative research and innovation together with national and international universities and industries is given high priority at the department.

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