Postdoc in developing process simulations and estimating sustainability performance of novel proteins - DTU Biosustain

If you are motivated to guide innovation by developing novel frameworks for sustainability assessment of bio-based products and, by doing so, to contribute to a sustainable transition, you have it right here. As an internationally reputed elite university, DTU is at the forefront of innovation related to “the sustainable transition.” At the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain), we are specifically looking for new ways to support the sustainable production of bio-chemicals, and that is why we need you and all your good process simulation, automation and sustainability assessment skills. The project aims to channel information from fundamental research to a decision support tool for experimental researchers to tune their process parameters and foresee the corresponding sustainability impacts.

Building the first-of-its-kind of adaptable process simulation and estimating sustainability performance
Your job is to support the vision of sustainable bio-chemical production. You will do so by designing novel production schemes to integrate supply chain information of the feedstocks with techno-economic, life cycle assessment tools. Specifically, you will be responsible for identifying the most commercially viable production process to produce novel proteins based on a wide range of underutilized feedstocks. You will be engaging with biologists, chemical/bioprocess and environmental scientists/engineers to generate key indicators and eventually, building a database and open-source models to be executed by the global biotechnology community. One of the key aspects of this PhD project is to spread knowledge to stakeholders active in the biotech sector in the European Union and beyond. Hence, in this project supported by the EU’s Horizon grant, Securing Holistic and Impactful Food Systems Transformation with Novel Foods based on alternative proteins (EPIC-SHIFT), we seek a proactive candidate with a strong background in generating experimental data and integrating with mathematical modeling of chemical/bioprocess production systems and quantitative sustainability assessment.

Your primary tasks will be to: 

• Design a framework to support informed decision making for stakeholders interested in microbially produced proteins using non-conventional feedstocks.
• Identify sources of novel protein production and ability to rank those based on practical considerations.
• Develop a mathematical model to represent protein production based on various sugars and other non-conventional feedstocks, using programming approaches.
• Developing detailed process simulations (validated with partner information and hypothetical theoretical cases) and subsequently, performing Techno-Economic (SuperPro and BioSTEAM) and Life Cycle Assessments (SimaPro, OpenLCA and/or Brightway Tools).
• Deploy a combined open-source tools (preferably in Python Programming Language) to facilitate dissemination of science and tests to curate the outcomes generated during the project via GitHub.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial stakeholders in the EPIC-SHIFT consortium to identify the key benefits and challenges caused by the introduction of novel protein products.
• Synthesize findings into insights and actionable recommendations.
• Engage in teaching professionals via engaging presentations and case studies.
• Your ideas and inputs e.g., new methods, tools, and analysis, are highly welcomed.

Qualifications:

• Excellent track record of working with both GUI-based and code-based applications to optimize process simulations and environmental assessment software's (please highlight the specifics in the cover letter).
• A sound understanding of techno-economic assessments and life cycle assessment is a must needed skill.
• Outstanding communication skills and demonstrable experience of delivering time-bound tasks.
• Engaging among the EPIC-SHIFT projects partner institutes in framing the workflow and present the research at international conferences.
• The ability to demonstrate and operate in line with the team’s core values. These are excellence, teamwork, integrity, respect, and stewardship.
• A strong record of accomplishment in interacting with international academic and industrial stakeholders.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree. 

Your New Team - Sustainable Innovation Office
At DTU Biosustain, you will work in the Sustainable Innovation Office. Our focus is to guide innovation at an early stage by assessing the benefits (society, economic and environmental) of developed bio-based technologies. We aim to develop computational tools that provides insights to guide the research community in DTU and beyond to assess the sustainability of bio-based products. Our work environment is informal and characterised by knowledge sharing, respect, trust, and room for having an enjoyable time together – naturally balanced with creating tangible results. Now, we are just looking forward to welcoming you to the team.

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. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
If you would like additional information about the position, please contact supervisor and Hiring Responsible, Sumesh Sukumara via email, susu@biosustain.dtu.dk and co-supervisor Carlos G. Acevedo-Rocha via email cargac@biosustain.dtu.dk. 

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.

Application procedure  
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 13 March 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 (BSc, MSc and 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 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.