PhD Thesis - Future aseptic production - rethink the product

Are you passionate about understanding the interplay between protein-protein interactions, protein structure and pharmaceutical production? And would you like to be part of a newly formed research collaboration between DTU and Novo Nordisk? Then you could be our new PhD student. Read on to find out more! About the PhD program Novo Nordisk and Technical University of Denmark (DTU) have initiated a new strategic partnership and created a joint PhD program with the aim to develop new technologies for Aseptic Production (AP) and Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control Development (CMC). The goal is to achieve a more robust drug product design and automated product and process control for pharmaceutical products. This collaboration program aims to build on mutual synergies between DTU and Novo Nordisk to develop future life science talents, by having PhD students developing cutting edge multidisciplinary research for Novo Nordisk pharmaceutical CMC and AP. Scientific insights from various disciplines like chemistry, physics, mechanics, automation, data analytics and life sciences will be key for success. The program includes six departments from DTU (Construct, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Compute, Electro, Health Technology), and as such, the PhD programs will be anchored with supervisors from these departments.
You will be placed at the heart of a vibrant research environment, consisting of fellow PhDs, master students and industry experts serving as a node in the collaboration and expected to be participating in activities like conferences, symposiums etc. together with the other PhDs to be a central part of the studies. About this PhD position We are looking for a strong candidate for a PhD-student/fellow position within the area of modelling the structure and dynamics of protein-based pharmaceuticals with a focus on the effects of different sterilization methods. You will have a unique opportunity to work and do research in a strong collaboration between Novo Nordisk and the Technical University of Denmark. The objective of the PhD project is to create models that describe the molecular dynamics of protein-based Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in water-based solutions when exposed to extreme environmental conditions, based on experimental data. The models should further be able to predict how modifications to the API and environment (buffer) will affect the structure, dynamics and stability, and ideally the pharmaceutical activity of the final product. The predictive power of the developed model will be tested and refined via dedicated laboratory experiments. The position will give you an exceptional opportunity to work both with the supervisors at Novo Nordisk and at the university in such a way, that you will be able to both make an academic contribution and see concrete solutions being implemented in Novo Nordisk.
Qualifications and Responsibilities • An engineering educational background within protein chemistry, biophysics, structural and dynamic modelling of proteins, protein characterization, and assay development with top results • Deep understanding of the modelling the interplay between proteins and environment • Knowledge of Computational Structural and Dynamic modelling • Ability to work cross disciplinary e.g. biophysics, informatics, process engineering, and cross-organisational, R&D, manufacturing, finance, and operations
• Two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree is required For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . The recruitment process will be conducted by the supervisor(s) from Novo Nordisk in collaboration with the DTU supervisor(s). 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. 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. About the DTU
DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. distributed over campuses in Denmark and in Greenland, and with collaborations with the best universities around the world. DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. DTU develops technology for people and helps to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. With this position we offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom and tempered by responsibility. This position will be anchored specifically in the departments of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering ( DTU C&BE ), as well the department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine ( DTU B&BM ) 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. For more information about Novo Nordisk see: Novo Nordisk | driving change to defeat diabetes
Contact
For more information about the position, please contact Brian Schebye [email protected] , +45 30796423 at Novo Nordisk or Jens Preben Morth [email protected] , +45 93511454 or Xinxin Zhang [email protected] , +45 45253927 at DTU
Deadline
August 27, 2023. Please note, applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis. 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 CV which we would like in English. We need documentation of a relevant completed M.Sc. or M.Eng.-degree and a Course overview with grade list of Bachelor and Master’s degrees. and a Calculation of the weighted grade average with course names translated to English (link here ) Please attach these documents under Diploma in the application form Please be aware that when you apply, your CV and personal information will be shared with both DTU and Novo Nordisk Hiring Managers. 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.