Postdoc in the structural basis of the recognition of complex oligosaccharide epitopes on human cell surface glyco-conjugates by enzymes - DTU Bioengineering

Are you striving after excellence and want to advance your scientific career as a part of a multidisciplinary team of top-notch scientists to solve a major global health challenge?

Then you are the right applicant to this three year position in the Protein Glycoscience and Biotechnology group, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine. The project focuses on elucidating the recognition of complex oligosaccharide epitopes from clinically important cell surface glyco-conjugates by a panel of enzymes using X-ray crystallography combined with in silico and protein biophysics tools. The overarching aim is provide a basic understanding of how target enzymes establish complex recognition patterns to select specific motifs form the glycan forest that decorates cell surfaces. This will set the stage for enzyme engineering efforts to provide the lacking insight to solve a global health challenge.

This position offers you an extraordinary opportunity to work on a high profile research area to launch your science career in a multidisciplinary environment with leading scientists.

Responsibilities and qualifications

• Production and crystallisation of a panel of enzymes in complex with relevant oligosaccharide ligands
• Rational engineering of selected enzymes to dissect and potentially to modify their catalytic and binding properties to both model oligosaccharides and whole cell surfaces
• Scientific dissemination and collaboration activities with the research team in the project
• Take part in mentoring of undergraduate students within protein chemistry enzymology

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

• An outstanding academic and publication track record, with a strong background in X-Ray crystallography is critical. Experience in CAZyme structural biology is an obvious advantage
• Experience in in silico structural analyses and modelling of ligand-protein interactions is a key asset
• Experience or familiarity with protein biophysics tools, is an advantage
• Excellent oral and written communication skill

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 three years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Maher Abou Hachem (maha@bio.dtu.dk)

You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at https://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 1 March 2023 (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
• At least two academic references  

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.

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 industry 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 13,400 students and 5,800 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.