[Netherland] PhD Position: production of non-ribosomal peptides in Penicillium chrysogenum
The Department of Biotechnology is a world leader in the field of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology. The department focuses on the multidisciplinary fields of Biocatalysis, Metabolic Engineering & Fermentation Technology, Environmental Biotechnology and Bioprocess Technology as well as exciting developments in the area of Life Science & Technology - in particular, genomics, proteomics and metabolomics.
The Bioprocess Technology section of the Department of Biotechnology has broad experience in modelling bioreactor systems as well as metabolic networks that function under (pseudo) steady state conditions. More recently, the research interest has shifted toward developing new experimental hardware, analytical protocols and theoretical tools that allow the in vivo analysis of the responses of microbial cells to environmental and genetic disturbances. These new tools are applied to studying the metabolic reaction network and control structures in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Penicillium chrysogenum. The research currently focuses on primary carbon metabolism of these two industrially relevant strains. For more information on the Department of Biotechnology please visit our site: www.bt.tudelft.nl.
The Biotechnology Department has several openings for PhD and postdoctoral researchers.
Job description
There is a growing need for the efficient and sustainable synthesis of complex natural and (semi-) synthetic peptides for pharmacological and food applications. These applications include natural and semi-synthetic antibiotics and immunosuppressive and cytostatic agents. Natural, complex peptides are typically synthesized by non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS), which exclusively occur in certain bacteria (Actinomycetes, Bacilli) and filamentous fungi.
The project aims to develop methodologies for efficient expression of natural and novel NRPS genes in a suitable fungal cell factory in order to produce desired complex peptides by fermentation using renewable raw materials. The research will be carried out in cooperation with the University of Groningen and DSM Anti-Infectives.
This part of the project, which contains in total 4 PhD positions, is focused on the inventory of native NRP products in P. chrysogenum using Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis, the analysis of the impact of NRP synthesis on central metabolism and the determination of the in vivo kinetic properties of NRP synthetases by means of stimulus response experiments.
Requirements
Applicants should have an MSc degree in (industrial or metabolic) biotechnology and a vivid interest in experimental research in connection with theoretical developments, e.g., mathematical modelling. Candidates are expected to have good communication skills and be team players. Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is a further requirement for this position.
Conditions of employment
This position has a temporary employment basis of 4 years (48 months). The extent of this position is 38 hours per week (1 FTE). The estimated monthly PhD starting salary is based on scale P0 with a starting salary of € 1,956 per month gross and a maximum of € 2,502 per month gross (based on a full-time appointment and depending on experience). Benefits and other employment conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
The successful candidate will be employed by the TU Delft for a fixed period of 4 years within which he or she is expected to write a dissertation leading to a doctoral degree (PhD thesis).
Delft University of Technology strives to increase the number of women in higher academic positions; women are therefore especially encouraged to apply.
Information and application
For detailed information on this position please contact Prof. Ir. J.J. Heijnen, head of the Bioprocess Technology section, telephone: +31 (0)15 – 2782341, e-mail: j.j.heijnen@tudelft.nl; or contact Dr. W.M. van Gulik, Assistant Professor of the section, telephone: +31 (0)15-2786659, e-mail: w.m.vangulik@tudelft.nl.
To apply, please send a detailed CV together with a letter of application before 31 December to:
Delft University of Technology,
Faculty of Applied Sciences,
Department of Biotechnology,
Attn: A. Scharp, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft,
the Netherlands, or
apply by e-mail: a.m.scharp@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this job, make sure to mention vacancy number TNWBT07-060.
For more information about Delft University of Technology, please visit www.tudelft.nl.
http://www.vacaturesindelft.nl/international/vacature.php?Id=923&Cat=14
