PhD scholarship in microbiome synthetic biology and cancer cachexia - DTU Biosustain

If you are interested in developing new therapeutic options for a devastating cancer-associated disease, then these positions may be relevant for you.
If you are interested in developing new therapeutic options for a devastating cancer-associated disease, then these positions may be relevant for you. As a PhD student you will be part of an international consortium of partners specialized in cancer cachexia and microbiome science. Cancer cachexia affects >80% of all cancer patients, is associated with poor prognosis, directly contributes to >20% of all cancer-related mortality and drives therapy resistance.

Yet, clinical management of cancer cachexia is far from satisfactory, with no approved drugs for this indication. Microbiota-based therapies have the potential to regulate body weight and metabolic abnormalities in both cachexia and obesity.

The PhD positions are hosted by the Bacterial Synthetic Biology section led by Professor Morten Sommer and will focus on the development of advanced microbiome therapeutics to treat cancer cachexia.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The two PhD students will work together on developing and testing advanced microbiome therapeutics, that modulate appetite and inflammation. In particular, the candidates will work on

• The development of relevant in vitro models of cachexia
• Engineering of probiotic strains, including S. boulardii and E. coli Nissle for production of therapeutically active drugs with potential to improve gut barrier integrity, regulate appetite and nutrient uptake.
• Testing the effect of engineered strains in vitro and in vivo

As a qualified candidate you must 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.

Additionally, the preferred candidate has:

• Demonstrated a strong track record during his/her education with top grades.
• Practical experience in cell culture work for development of cell assays is an advantage but not a requirement to apply.
• Documented academic achievements within microbiology, synthetic biology or microbiome research
• Shown the capability to execute on a project independently.
• A strong conviction that microbiome research and tools have the potential to make a real difference to patients suffering from cancer cachexia.
• The motivation to work hard on making his/her PhD project a success

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 assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Morten Sommer.

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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

These PhD scholarships are funded by a EU ITN grant, therefore the applicant cannot have resided or carried out main activities in Denmark for more than 12 months in the last 3 years immediately before recruitment date.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Starting date October 1st, 2024.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Morten Sommer ([email protected])

You can read more about DTU Biosustain at www.biosustain.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 procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 2 August 2024 (23:59 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 the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications 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.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain)
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 13,500 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.

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