Postdoc Position in Enzymology and Biocatalysis

We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of Biocatalysis and Enzymology to join the Enzyme Engineering Group in the Department of Biological & Chemical Engineering at Aarhus University, Denmark.
Expected start date and duration of employment
The postdoc position is a fulltime position with an expected start date on 1 November, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is initially offered for 1 year.
Job description
Enzymes offer opportunities for sustainable and eco-friendly synthesis of biobased materials from renewable sources. The research in the Enzyme Engineering Group focuses on the improvement of the biocatalytic capacity of enzymes through enzyme discovery and characterization, protein engineering approaches, enzymatic cascade reactions, enzyme kinetics and mechanistic enzymology. Enzymes have great advantages over chemical catalysts, such as capability to produce a versatile set of high-value products, excellent regio- and stereo-selectivity, reusability, ambient conditions for activity leading to energy saving and biodegradability. Owing to these benefits, enzymes attracted a great deal of interest from various branches of industry. Deciphering enzyme mechanisms also inspire new chemistries and new catalysts.
The key tasks of the postdoc in this position will be:

• Discovery and characterization of novel enzymes for application in biocatalysis.
• Use of various protein engineering approaches to optimize enzymes for desired biocatalytic properties.
• Kinetic, stability and mechanistic analysis of wild-type and mutant enzymes.
• Exploring the capacity of enzymes for new-to-nature reactions.
• Development and optimization of multi-enzyme cascades.
• Disseminating the project results through scientific publications and conference presentations.

Qualifications

• Completed PhD in the field of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or relevant field.
• Practical experience in molecular biology techniques, especially those related to protein engineering.
• Strong background in enzymology (protein expression and purification, enzyme characterization, assay design and analysis) and the application of enzymes in biocatalysis.
• Expertise in chemical analysis using techniques including NMR, GC-MS and HPLC.
• Basic skills in computational protein structure analysis and bioinformatic techniques.
• Self-motivated, pro-active, team- and goal-oriented personality.
• Excellent communication skills, including fluency in spoken and written English.
• Interest in co-supervising students.

What we offer

• An exciting interdisciplinary and international environment at a university that consistently ranks among the world’s best universities.
• A well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment.
• A research climate encouraging lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research.
• A work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities.
• A workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.
• A location in the middle of the city of Aarhus, a beautiful city with vibrant mix of youthful energy and a rich history.

Place of work and area of employment
The place of work is the section of Industrial Biotechnology at the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Contact information
For further information, please contact: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bekir Engin Eser, e-mail: bekireser@bce.au.dk, or phone: +45 52824813.

Deadline
Applications must be received no later than 8 September, 2024.

Application procedure
Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications, the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.

Formalities and salary range
Technical Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any).

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.
Aarhus University
Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally.