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Are you ready to change the future of biologics? Are you passionate about understanding the interplay between AI-protein design, automation and cutting-edge data science? Would you like to be part of a new research collaboration between DTU and Novo Nordisk? Then you could be a new PhD student in our BioAI department. Read on to find out more! About the research program – Closed-loop AI-driven protein binder design Danish University of Science and Technology (DTU) and Novo Nordisk have entered into a strategic partnership and created an interdisciplinary joint research program aimed at solving one of the biggest challenges facing the life science industry: closed-loop design and optimization of biologics. The research program will build on recent advances in protein design, automation and multi-parameter optimization to create a closed-loop pipeline capable of rapidly designing binders for any target and optimizing for exploitability. In addition, the program is rooted in DALSA (DTU Life Sciences Automation Arena), a new interdisciplinary center at DTU dedicated to bringing together life sciences, automation and data-driven innovation to revolutionize research and development. The program combines the expertise of five DTU departments (Structures, Bioengineering, Computing, Electronics, and Health Technologies) with mentors from DTU and Novo Nordisk. Your Expectations As a PhD student, you will be immersed in a dynamic and collaborative research environment that includes other PhD, postdoctoral and master’s students working on relevant projects with a common overall goal. Expert supervisors from DTU and Novo Nordisk. The lead mentor is affiliated with the DTU, while the associate mentor works for Novo Nordisk. This team ensures the highest level of professional academic support for projects and programs. Opportunities to participate in conferences, symposia and networking events to share and enhance your research. You will play a key role in driving innovation and contributing to the transformation of biologics development. About the PositionThe PhD program is part of a large initiative to advance closed-loop optimization of protein binder design using state-of-the-art generative artificial intelligence techniques. You will be involved in developing workflows that integrate in silico library generation with high-throughput experimental validation and automation. This interdisciplinary position provides you with an opportunity to work on cutting edge research that has promising applications in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutics, and reagent development. Responsibilities and Qualifications Design and implement binder libraries using artificial intelligence generation tools such as RFdiffusion and ProteinMPNN. Develop and optimize high-throughput experimental pipelines for adhesive cloning, expression and characterization. Perform binding assays and study binding kinetics using techniques such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) or biolayer interferometry (BLI). Analyze and refine binder properties, including stability, solubility, and exploitability metrics. Collaborate with automation engineers to digitize workflows and transfer analytical testing to automated platforms. Explore multimerization strategies to improve adhesive thirst and cross-binding capabilities. Facilitate full automation of library design and evaluation processes. Publish results in high impact journals and present findings at scientific conferences. Participate in interdisciplinary training to build expertise in computational and experimental techniques. You must have As a formal qualification, you must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as bioinformatics, molecular biology, biotechnology or a related discipline. Proficiency in computational protein design or wet lab techniques and a willingness to learn complementary skills. Experience working in a collaborative research environment. Excellent communication and teamwork skills. Proactive approach to learning and applying new skills. It would be beneficial if you have some of the following skills:Hands-on experience with protein expression systems (e.g. bacterial, yeast or cell-free systems). Basic knowledge of protein purification techniques (e.g. affinity chromatography, size exclusion chromatography). Familiarity with binding assays such as SPR, BLI or ELISA. Exposure to computational tools such as RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN or AlphaFold2. Interest in automated and high-throughput experimental techniques. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative interdisciplinary research environment. You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS credits) or a similar degree at an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree. Approval and Admission PhD scholarships are subject to academic approval and candidates will be admitted to one of the general degree programs at DTU. For information on our admission requirements and a general plan for a doctoral program of study, see DTU’s Rules for Doctoral Education. We offer DTU is a leading technical university recognized globally for excellence in research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer you a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We pursue academic excellence in an environment of respect for colleagues, academic freedom and responsibility. Remuneration and terms of appointment Appointments will be based on a collective agreement with the Danish Federation of Professional Associations. Stipends will be agreed with the relevant trade unions. The term of appointment is 3 years. Click here for more information about career paths at DTU. For more information Contact Associate Professor Timothy P. Jenkins ([email protected]) For more information about the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, please visit: www.bioengineering.dtu.dk. If you are applying from abroad, you can find useful information about working in Denmark and at DTU in DTU – Moving to Denmark. useful information about working in Denmark and DTU. In addition, you can attend our free monthly seminar “PhD Relocation to Denmark and Launching ‘Zoom’ Seminar” to learn about all the practical aspects of relocating to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. Application procedure You must submit a complete online application by March 9, 2025 (23:59 Danish time). The recruitment committee consists of representatives from DTU and Novo Nordisk. To be considered, applications must be submitted as a PDF file containing all materials. To apply, please open the “Apply Now” link, fill out the online application form and attach all materials in English in one PDF file. The document must include a letter of motivation for the application (cover letter) CV transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English), including an official description of the marking criteria You may apply before obtaining your Master’s degree, but you cannot start your application before obtaining your Master’s degree. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. We encourage all interested candidates to apply regardless of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background. Because DTU conducts critical technology research that is subject to special security and export control regulations, an open-source background check may be conducted on qualified candidates for this position. About the Novo Nordisk Division where the project is located – Bioanalytical Research Bioanalytical Research is part of Novo Nordisk’s Global Research Technologies (GRT) area, which is one of the 20 companies that have made Novo Nordisk Research and Early Development (R. Our success depends on the shared potential and collaboration of more than 63,000 employees worldwide. We recognize the importance of our employees’ unique skills and perspectives, and we continually strive to achieve their maximum potential. People-centered technology DTU develops people-centered technology. Through our elite international research and study programs, we are helping to create a better world and address the global challenges set out in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with the express mission of using science and engineering to develop and create value for the benefit of society. This mission continues to this day, with 13,500 students and 6,000 employees at DTU. We work in an international atmosphere with an inclusive, evolving and informal work environment. DTU has campuses throughout Denmark and Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.
offer requirements
You must have As a formal qualification, you must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as bioinformatics, molecular biology, biotechnology or a related discipline. Proficiency in computational protein design or wet lab techniques and a willingness to learn complementary skills. Experience working in a collaborative research environment. Excellent communication and teamwork skills. Proactive approach to learning and applying new skills. It would be beneficial if you have some of the following skills:Hands-on experience with protein expression systems (e.g. bacterial, yeast or cell-free systems). Basic knowledge of protein purification techniques (e.g. affinity chromatography, size exclusion chromatography). Familiarity with binding assays such as SPR, BLI or ELISA. Exposure to computational tools such as RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN or AlphaFold2. Interest in automated and high-throughput experimental techniques. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative interdisciplinary research environment. You must have a two-year Master’s degree (120 ECTS credits) or a similar degree at an academic level equivalent to a two-year Master’s degree.
offer benefits/salary
We offer DTU as a leading technical university, globally recognized for its excellence in research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer you a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We pursue academic excellence in an environment of respect for colleagues, academic freedom and responsibility. Remuneration and terms of appointment Appointments will be based on a collective agreement with the Danish Federation of Professional Associations. Stipends will be agreed with the relevant trade unions. The term of appointment is 3 years. Click here for more information about career paths at DTU.