PhD scholarship in Knowledge System for Fast Robotic Integration in Protein Design Laboratories - DTU Electro

As part of a joint research collaboration between DTU and Novo Nordisk, we are looking for a Ph.D. candidate to join our multidisciplinary research program focusing on the interplay between AI-Protein design, automation, and cutting-edge data science.
Are you ready to transform the future of biologics?

Are you passionate about understanding the interplay between AI-Protein design, automation, and cutting-edge data science? And would you like to be part of a newly formed research collaboration between DTU and Novo Nordisk? Then you could be our new Ph.D.-student. Read on to learn more!

About the research program - Closed Loop AI-driven Protein Binder Design
Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Novo Nordisk have initiated a strategic partnership and created a joint cross-disciplinary research program aimed to tackle one of the life science industry’s biggest challenges: Closed-Loop Design and Optimization of Biologics.

The research program will build on the recent advances in protein design, automation, and multi-parameter optimization and create a closed loop pipeline for the rapid design of binders to any target and optimized for developability.

The program is rooted in DALSA (DTU’s Arena for Life Science Automation), a new interdisciplinary center at DTU dedicated to merging life sciences, automation, and data-driven innovation to revolutionize research and development.

The program combines the expertise of five DTU departments (Construct, Bioengineering, Compute, Electro, and Health Technology) and involves supervisors from both DTU and Novo Nordisk.

What you can expect
As a PhD student, you will be at the heart of a vibrant and collaborative research environment that includes:

• Fellow PhD students, postdocs, and master’s students working on related projects.
• Expert supervisors and mentors from DTU and Novo Nordisk. The main supervisor is affiliated with DTU Bioengineering, while the co-supervisor is based at Novo Nordisk. This supervisor team ensures the highest level of academic expertise to support both the project and the program.
• Opportunities to participate in conferences, symposia, and networking events to share and enhance your research.

Your role will be pivotal in driving innovation and contributing to a transformative approach to biologics development.

About the position
We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative PhD candidate to join our project focused on addressing the integration challenges in biologics laboratories. The project aims to develop a comprehensive knowledge representation framework and related digital tools to facilitate the seamless integration of new automation and robotic solutions.

The rapid expansion of robotic applications is driving advancements in automation across various fields, including biologics research and development. Modern robotic systems, equipped with advanced sensors and perception algorithms, are becoming increasingly flexible and capable of operating in complex and dynamic environments. To maximize their potential, these robotic functions must be effectively contextualized within the broader goals of the automation setup.

Currently, integrating new robotic applications into existing laboratories is a time-intensive process requiring expertise from multiple disciplines. This process is often approached on a case-by-case basis, making it prone to challenges such as inconsistent standards, difficulties in knowledge retention, and inefficiencies in implementation.

Through this project, you will work to overcome these barriers by developing innovative solutions to streamline the integration of robotic and automation technologies. Your contributions will help shape a more efficient, standardized approach, significantly reducing the effort and time required for deploying new solutions in biologics laboratories.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As a PhD candidate at DTU, you are expected to carry out independent research under the guidance of your PhD supervisors. For this project the primary research topics include but are not limited to:

• Formally represent functions for robotic applications (sensing, control, actuation, and constraints) and map the functions provided by existing machinery or manual work to potential solutions, to gain either higher level of autonomy or higher level of flexibility.
• Develop frameworks and support tools to prioritize automation evolution based on different factors such as the availability of existing robotic technologies and resources, regulatory constraints, bottleneck of the process, effectiveness of similar solutions based on existing applications.
• Investigate the standardization of communication protocols in laboratory automation solutions (e.g. SiLA) and data format (e.g. AnIML), design and implement the interfaces between different automation solutions and increase the reusability of existing digital resources.

You are also required to communicate effectively with different stakeholders with the Novo Nordisk -DTU corporate partnership program, collaborate with researchers within the relevant fields, and participate in the dissemination of your research results.

To be considered for this position, you must meet the following qualifications:

• Your master’s degree must be in a field relevant to the project (this can be, but not limited to: Automation, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering)

Additionally, candidates should demonstrate:

• A strong academic foundation in areas aligned with the project’s focus, such as knowledge systems, robotics, automation, or digitalization.
• Knowledge and experience in laboratory automation.
• An interest in and basic understanding of biology
• An innovative mindset, coupled with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently on interdisciplinary challenges.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively engage experts from various disciplines involved in the project.

Other desirable qualifications include:

• Strong English language skills, verbal and written.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment
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. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
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.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Xinxin Zhang ([email protected]).

You can read more about DTU Electro at https://electro.dtu.dk/.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 9 March 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• List of publications

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

The hiring committee consists of representatives from DTU and Novo Nordisk.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Electro has 300 employees with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. As one of Europe’s largest public research departments, DTU Electro covers a multitude of research disciplines within nanophotonics, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, acoustics, power electronics, robotics, and autonomous systems.

Department at Novo Nordisk where the project will be anchored - Automation & Process Optimization. The department is part of the Digital Science and Innovation (DSI) area, which supports the digital transformation across all our therapy areas in Research & Early Development (R&ED) at Novo Nordisk. The department is located in Maaloev (Denmark). We work in multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with all areas across R&ED to leverage scientific knowledge, partner with our IT organization to ensure access to the most advanced technology platforms and tools and engage in drug development projects across the value chain. Using Bayesian Optimization / Modern Design of Experiment, we build the data-foundation to enable true hybrid development between humans and advanced learning algorithms such as Generative AI.

Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company with a 100-year legacy of driving change to defeat serious chronic diseases. Building on our strong legacy within diabetes, we are growing massively and expanding our commitment, reaching millions around the world and impacting more than 40 million patient lives daily. All of this has made us one of the 20 most valuable companies in the world by market cap. Our success relies on the joint potential and collaboration of our more than 63,000 employees around the world. We recognize the importance of the unique skills and perspectives our people bring to the table, and we work continuously to bring out the best in them.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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