Post doc for Microbial Cultivation Development - Temporary position (2 years)

Do you have experience in cultivation process development and media optimization? Are you passionate about understanding the interplay between host optimization, cultivation media, and process conditions to enhance efficient protein production? If so, you could join us as a new colleague in Upstream Development.

We are offering a two-year Postdoc position concentrating on developing a platform process for Komagataella phaffii with a focus on media and cultivation process optimization.

The Position

You will be an integral part of a cross-organizational project focused on establishing and optimizing protein expression in Komagataella phaffii. This will involve using advanced mathematical optimization strategies for media design and exploring the process parameter space. You will be stationed at both the Måløv and Bagsværd sites to capitalize on the unique competencies and equipment available at each location.

The main tasks will be:

• Staying updated with the latest scientific research in the field

• Applying this knowledge to drive optimization in media, cultivation, and primary recovery.

• Establish a strong knowledge base regarding K. phaffii physiology and expression, ultimately influencing future API processes.

While you will be expected to work independently, you will also collaborate with a work group of scientists who will provide support and guidance to the project.

Qualifications

To succeed in this role, you have:

• A PhD in biotechnology, cultivation/fermentation technology, or microbial cell biology.

• A comprehensive understanding of cultivation process optimization, bioreactor scale-up, and primary recovery technologies.

• Experience with design of experiments using software such as Matlab, SASJMP, or Python.

• Ideally, some exposure to molecular biology, providing a level of autonomy in host modification if necessary.

• While programming and automation skills will be a plus.

• Good communication skills in English.

As an individual, you are naturally inquisitive and open-minded, embracing new ideas, people, and challenges. You possess excellent communication skills and have the ability to network effectively, finding solutions based on insights into scientific challenges.

About the Departments

The position will be based in CMC API Development, working closely with Global Research Technologies. As a result, you will be stationed in two different departments, namely Upstream Development and Cultivation Research.
 

Upstream Development

Upstream Development is part of CMC API Development, which together with the rest of CMC makes a significant difference for patients with chronic diseases across the world. In Upstream Development you will find 50+ highly skilled and motivated colleagues with a “can-do” attitude divided into 3 teams. Our main responsibility is to develop and support upstream processes for clinical production of API in our in-house Pilots or at Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs). We provide input to Clinical Trial Applications (CTA) but in our facilities and laboratories we work non-GMP, focusing on process understanding. We receive projects from our research organization and transfer them to our manufacturing organisation. We work in close collaboration with multiple internal and external stakeholders.

Cultivation Research

Cultivation Research is part of Recombinant Drug Research and specializes in developing biological medicines for various diseases. Our team of 15 lab techs and 10 scientists are responsible for cell line qualification, develops media, and initiates process development. Furthermore, we produce and deliver proteins and peptides for preclinical testing applying our advanced cultivation platforms. All of our work involves close collaboration with other departments in Global Research Technologies and notably CMC API Development.

Working at Novo Nordisk

At Novo Nordisk, we don’t wait for change. We drive it. We’re a dynamic company in an even more dynamic industry, and we know that what got us to where we are today is not necessarily what will make us successful in the future. We embrace the spirit of experimentation, striving for excellence without fixating on perfection. We never shy away from opportunities to develop, we seize them. From research and development, through to manufacturing, marketing and sales – we’re all working to move the needle on patient care.

Contact

For further information, please contact Peter B. Knudsen, Cultivation Research, Department Manager, at +45 3075 1211.

Deadline

Apply before August, 25 2024.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

You do not need to attach a cover letter to your application, but please include a few sentences about why you are applying in your resume or CV. To ensure an efficient and fair recruitment process, please refrain from adding a photo in your CV.

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants. 

At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.