Computational Biologist (paternity cover) - DTU Biosustain

Are you a highly motivated scientist with an interest in computational approaches to strain design? Do you have a fundamental understanding of microbial molecular biology and biotechnology? Would like to join our group and help us realize challenging cell factory projects at The Novo Nordisk Foundation for Center for Biosustainability (CfB)?

Then we have an interesting opportunity for you: We are looking for a colleague in the Computational Design and Analytics (CDA) team, a part of DTU Biosustain Biofoundry, where we build cell factories for the various application areas of the center. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
DTU Biosustain Biofoundry operates various projects in cell factory engineering and develops relevant technoloies. CDA group supports these projects mainly in Design and Learn stages of DBTL cycle. Depending on the candidates background and experience, a suitable project will be decided. Your responsibilities may include design through modeling, strain characterization via omics data analysis, and other computational tasks such as sequence optimization, data extraction, and DNAseq analysis. We also consider projects in data infrastructure, LLM development with microbial focus and maintenance of critical computational tools. You may work closely with experimental scientists, software developers and other teams to ensure the success of our projects. Adherence to reproducible practices and meeting project timelines are essential for this role.

Potential tasks include:

• Computational modeling of metabolism to predict strain phenotype and generate strain designs with desired behavior.
• Generation of bioparts designs for low and high throughput implementation.
• Statistical analysis of internal and public datasets (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics).
• Processing, visualization of NGS and other high throughput data.
• Contribution to development of computational methods, tools, workflows, LLM applications and standard operating procedures.
• Communication of results with international collaborators.

Qualifications and assessment criteria:

• An PhD degree in bioinformatics, bioengineering, computer science or equivalent is preferred. Candidates with relevant MSc degree and sufficient work experience would also be considered.
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis. Experience interfacing databases and R scripting will be an advantage but not required.
• Familiarity with statistical and numerical analysis methods as applicable to strain design problems is a distinct advantage.
• Familiarity with machine learning tools such as PyTorch, HuggingFace transformers and interest in LLM development besides natural language applications.
• Familiarity with methods for computational modeling of metabolism, including constraint-based and kinetic modeling.
• Experience and/or motivation for building skills within workflow management and standard software engineering practices (eg. snakemake, nextflow, version control, testing, documentation).
• Experience in handling large amounts of data and analysis through cloud/cluster infrastructure.
• Ability to communicate technical information to audiences at various levels and from various backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a 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 planned starting date is 01.08.2025 (or according to mutual agreement). The period of employment is 6 months.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Head of CDA team – Emre Özdemir (emoz@dtu.dk).

You can read more about our teamhere. 

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 Saturday, 7 June 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 
• List of public code repositories

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. Learn more at biosustain.dtu.dk

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.