Large-scale genome mining for Streptomyces BGCs (DC6)

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/denmark.png Denmark
  • University/Institute Name Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
  • Attendance Type On Campus
  • Position Duration3 years
  • Position Funding Type
  • Application deadlineExpired

Position Details (PhD)

Are you excited of being part of our newly established Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network MAGic-MOLFUN, funded by the European Union?

Together with 11 PhD students working at 7 leading universities, research centers and industrial partners you have the opportunity to contribute to a bio-sustainable future!

So-called “natural products” are everywhere. We use them as essential medicines, food preservatives, plant protecting agents and many more. MAGic-MOLFUN aims to integrate Natural Products Genome Mining, computational metabolomics and state-of-the art metabolic engineering and pathway discovery to develop ground-breaking tools and approaches to improve the discovery and characterization of novel natural products in bacteria and fungi, two major sources of bioactive compounds for applications in medicine, agriculture, food and biotechnology.

In this PhD project, supervised by Prof. Dr. Tilmann Weber at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability of the Technical University of Denmark located close to Copenhagen, Denmark you will mine the strains of the NBC strain collection for novel interesting bioactive compounds.

Responsibilities and qualifications
In your PhD project, you will develop strategies to efficiently mine the strains of the NBC strain collection of more than 1,700 streptomycetes and related genera with more than 1,200 high quality sequences for interesting and novel bioactive compounds with potential use in medicine, agriculture of food biotechnology. Your PhD project will be at the interface of genome mining and metabolic engineering, i.e. you will use the latest genome mining tools and translate these in silico results into experimental approaches to access the biosynthetic potential of the producer strains.

Specific tasks of this project are

  • In close collaboration with colleagues in the group that (chemically) screen the collection and the DC’s developing the genome mining tools, apply these and develop an efficient dereplication and prioritization strategy.
  • Identify the and characterize the BGCs by either
    • Engineering the native producer strain (including using CRISPR tools)
    • Clone and heterologously express the BGCs of interest

Specific qualifications we are looking for:

  • Excellent knowledge and practical experience on current molecular microbiology methods
  • You are not afraid of working with large sequence datasets and already have experience in using Python to analyse sequence and other ‘omics data or are keen to gain these experiences
  • Demonstrated oral and written English skills
  • You are a team player enjoying working in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment and interacting with peers within the group and external partners

Furthermore, it is advantageous if you:

  • have knowledge about natural product biosynthesis
  • excellent basic organic chemistry knowledge

Formal Qualifications
Candidates should have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.

The Doctoral Network program requires transnational mobility (i.e., move from one country to another). At the time of recruitment, you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the date of recruitment.

You must not have obtained another doctoral degree.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU’s rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The evaluation of the candidates will be carried out jointly by the PhD supervisor (Prof. TIlmann Weber) and at least one external evaluator among the MAGic-MOLFUN PIs. By submitting your application, you agree that your application will be shared among the doctoral network PIs in compliance with GDPR regulations.

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 appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary starts at approx. DKK 29,877 / approx. EUR 4,010 (October 2022 level) plus pension and including the Marie Curie supplement allowance. It is possible to apply for family allowance. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Tilmann Weber ([email protected])

You can read more about DTU Biosustain at www.biosustain.dtu.dk and MAGic-MOLFUN at www.magic-molfun.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application
Please submit your online application no later than 29 January 2023 (Danish time).

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:

  • A letter motivating your application and why you are interested in this topic (cover letter)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.

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

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

Research Skills Required

Computer/Software Skills Required

Which language proficiency is required?

Applicant type required for this position

Position Start Date