BEMÆRK: Ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Join us to contribute to the cutting-edge field of generative AI-powered protein design, aimed at developing innovative protein-based binders for a variety of molecular targets. Leveraging AI technologies, your goal will be to create novel protein binders that can serve as powerful alternatives to traditional antibodies, offering rapid and precise binding capabilities for a range of applications in drug development and analytical methods. The project is a collaboration between Novo Nordisk and DTU, Center for Antibody Technologies, Digital Biotechnology Lab (DBL). And the candidate is expected to mainly work out of Novo Nordisk research facilities in Maaloev but with a very close connection to DBL.
The successful outcome of this project has the potential to change the way ligand binding assay methods are currently developed. By contributing to this project, you will be part of a transformative effort to harness the potential of generative AI binder design for analytical applications, reducing the dependency on traditional biology-derived antibodies and significantly improving assay quality while minimizing resources and environmental impact.
Join our team to be a part of this exciting endeavor and contribute to the future of AI-powered drug development.
Responsibilities and qualifications
As part of this exciting project, you will be tasked with applying and refining novel AI-tools to design and test binders for peptides, small molecules, and RNA/DNA. Your efforts will focus on defining the minimum size of epitopes that can be specifically targeted by AI-designed binders and applying Yeast Surface Display technology to screen and affinity-rank a large number of AI-designed binders. You will work towards establishing an in silico
model that predicts which binder sequences, structures, and formats are most efficiently expressed, and how these characteristics correlate with binding and affinity.
Key deliverables
- Design binder libraries with state-of-the-art AI-tools for protein design.
- Design and perform Yeast Surface Display experiments using FACS
- Express binders using IVTT or cell based methods.
- Test binder performance/affinity in the laboratory e.g. by BLI.
- Extensive bioinformatic analysis and generation of predictive models.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree within engineering, biochemistry, or similar disciplines.
- Expertise in bioinformatic / computational biology.
- Solid understanding of protein structure and protein-protein interaction.
- Strong general wetlab skillset.
- Familiarity with Ligand Binding Assay technology such as ELISA or LOCI.
- Highly structured, independent, and energetic mindset.
You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education
.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be done by Timothy Jenkins (DTU), as well as Andreas Hald and Morten Rasch (NN).
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 appointment terms
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 3 years.
Start day will be 1st of December or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from:
- Timothy P. Jenkins, DBL, DTU Bioengineering: tpaje@dtu.dk , https://www.digital-biotechnology.com/
- Andreas Hald, Head of Research Bioanalysis, Novo Nordisk A/S: +45-30759485
- Morten Rasch, Head of Recombinant Drug Discovery 1, Novo Nordisk A/S: +45-34485915
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 27 August 2024
(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:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
Digital Biotechnology Lab (DBL):
Part of the Technical University of Denmark and
DTU Bioengineering
, the Digital Biotechnology Lab is a research group within the Centre for Antibody Technologies. We are passionate about harnessing the power of modern technology to innovate the biotechnological landscape and develop real world solutions for the benefit of society. We focus on leveraging the power of data science, AI, and automation to discover and understand protein-protein interactions with a particular focus on binders, such as antibodies, nanobodies, and minibinders. Specifically, we are interested in (1) building de novo peptide sequencing solutions such as InstaNovo to identify key protein targets, as well as (2) the discovery, AI-design, and engineering of binding proteins. Importantly, this not only allows us to pursue fundamental questions, such as unravelling the core rule set that dictates binder-target interactions and poly- vs mono-specificity, but also translational endeavours, such as discovering cost-effective reagents, diagnostics, and therapeutics within a plethora of areas including toxins, cancer, viral infections, allergy, and bioindustrials.
Departments of Research Bioanalysis and Recombinant Drug Discovery 1 are situated in Novo Nordisk, early research site in Maaloev, Denmark. The departments are responsible for establishing bioanalytical assays and for antibody generation, respectively. Both departments work with cutting-edge technology within their fields and support drug development projects across Novo Nordisk research portfolio.
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.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Lyngby-Taarbæk Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Anker Engelunds Vej, 2800 Kongens Lyngby
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 27-08-2024; - ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/6096738
