Postdoc in Deconstructing textiles with De Novo designed enzymes

Postdoc in Deconstructing textiles with De Novo designed enzymes

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Materials and Production, a position as postdoc in De novo enzymes for plastic degradation from composite fibers from recycled textiles is open for appointment from May 1st or soon thereafter. The position is available for a period of 2 years and is part of a Horizon-CL6-2024-CircBio project Streamlined Textile Waste Streams for Recycling Optimization (STREP).

The aim of the project is to generate De novo enzymes to degrade PET from composite fibers from recycled textiles. The first-generation designs will be further optimized after experimental verification of their activity and benchmarked against known enzymes. Electrospinning will be used to recycle textile fibers as well as to generate substrates with different material composition and crystallinity. Therefore, prior knowledge of state-of-the-art modelling software, molecular dynamics simulations, and quantum mechanical calculations to elucidate the reaction mechanism, together with AI-based protein design programs and analysis tools, is crucial. Knowledge of programs like Rosetta, RF-diffusion, FoldX, and Python is necessary. Apart from very good modeling skills, knowledge in protein production on a lab scale is essential, as well as enzyme activity assays. Familiarity with atomic force microscopy and electrospinning is desirable and necessary for the project's success.

Limited teaching within the area can be expected, but also in other study programmes at the University.

Department of Materials and Production (MP) is a wide-ranging research and educational environment at Aalborg University. The Department's mission is to meet the future's demands for new materials and production systems by directing the whole value chain from basic material understanding, materials' applications in mechanical constructions, industrial production, and management.

The department has several strong, international, and innovative research groups which comprise everything from basic science to strategic and applicable research. The activities encompass research as well as education within materials, mechanics, physics, production technique, and industrial management and innovation.

Benefiting the industry and additional collaborators, several innovative and unconventional collaborations have been and are developed through interdisciplinary co-operations. Thereby, as an employee at the Department, you will become a part of an international research environment, where the focus is on innovation, knowledge sharing/building, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Appointment as Postdoc presupposes scientific qualifications at PhD-level or similar scientific qualifications. The research potential of each applicant will be emphasized in the overall assessment. Appointment as a Postdoc cannot exceed a period of four years in total at Aalborg University.

• A motivated text wherein the reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position are stated.
• Copies of relevant diplomas (Master of Science and PhD - both in English).
• Scientific qualifications. A complete list of publications must be attached with an indication of the works the applicant wishes to be considered. You may attach up to 5 publications.
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations and the like.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position. References/recommendations.
• Personal data.

The applications are only to be submitted online by using the "Apply online" button below.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts. Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not. When the hiring process is completed, a final rejection will be sent to the applicants who are not considered for the position.

You may obtain further professional information from Associate Professor Peter Fojan, 9940 7481, fp@mp.aau.dk. For further information concerning the application procedure, please contact HR-Support by mail at est-ef-hr@adm.aau.dk or phone ( 45) 9940 3031. Information regarding guidelines, ministerial circular in force, and procedures can be seen here.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief. The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Wages and employment

The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (only in Danish) and circular concerning protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only in Danish).