Postdoc in plant cell wall analytics - DTU Bioengineering

Postdoc in plant cell wall analytics. Tasks involve implementing and developing high through-put methods for carbohydrate characterization, including linkage analysis, for structural assessment of faba beans. Enzymatic decomposition methodologies using CAZymes will be applied.
We are seeking a skilled postdoc with passion for carbohydrate analytics to take our plant cell wall analyses to the next level. The position offers a great possibility to develop and implement high-throughput innovative analytical methods to facilitate structural understanding of complex carbohydrates. In addition, the project will involve targeted enzymatic degradation using CAZymes, for further structural insight. The overall goal is to establish procedures for investigation of structural components in faba beans and correlate results with plant genetics and protein digestibility data. The project is a part of “N2CROP - Legume innovation for future agri-food systems”.

N2CROP is a centre for legume innovation funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. We focus on legume research and innovation in genetics, agronomics, crop modelling, and molecular nutrition. Our vision is to facilitate development of sustainable agri-food systems powered by biologically fixed nitrogen to deliver high quality plant food protein. The centre is a partnership between Aarhus University, the Technical University of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and La Trobe University.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will be in charge of implementing automated high through-put procedures for plant cell wall characterization, including establishment of carbohydrate linkage analysis. Both chemical and enzymatic decomposition methodologies will be applied.
The position will also involve some teaching at the BSc and MSc level, training of new group members and visitors in technologies and protocols used in the laboratory, as well as co-supervision of selected students and PhD scholars.

You have a strong knowledge of plant cell wall composition and architecture, along with a base knowledge of cell wall synthesis and degradation by carbohydrate active enzymes. You thrive working with various chromatographic analytics and have a methodical approach.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). The PhD degree must be in biotechnology, plant science, biochemistry, or another discipline relevant for carbohydrate analytics. In addition, required qualifications are:

• Practical experience in design and method development for chromatographical separation.
• A track record of publications with at least two first-author papers involving carbohydrate analytics, preferably mass spectrometry.
• Applied skills in running and troubleshooting HPAEC-PAD and LC-MS
• Basic knowledge of the principles of CAZyme classification
• Innovative, independent, and self-driven research capability and good problem-solving skills
• Fluent in oral and written English

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 Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2 years (24 months). The starting date will be according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Jesper Holck ([email protected]), DTU Bioengineering.

You can read more about “the Department” at www.bioengineering.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.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 7 January 2025 (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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

Applications 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. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus

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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