Research Assistant in Computational Biology and Ontology Development

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join our interdisciplinary team. The successful candidate will be instrumental in a project focused on creating a formal ontology to standardize and organize knowledge within the rapidly growing field of precision fermentation. This work is critical for enabling data integration and interoperability to accelerate research and development in sustainable bioproduction.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The Research Assistant will be responsible for the following tasks: 

• Ontology Design and Development: Conducting literature reviews and collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs) to define the scope, terms, concepts, and relationships specific to precision fermentation (e.g., microbial strains, bioreactor parameters, metabolic pathways, product specifications). 
• Designing, developing, and formalizing the ontology using established ontology development methodologies (e.g., OBO Foundry principles) 
• Utilizing ontology editors (e.g., Protégé) to construct and maintain the ontology. 
• Knowledge Acquisition and Curation: Identifying, documenting, and structuring existing knowledge and data standards relevant to fermentation processes and synthetic biology. Mapping and aligning the developed ontology with existing external biological or industrial ontologies (e.g., CHEBI, BFO). 
• Documentation and Reporting: Preparing comprehensive technical documentation

Qualifications 

• As a formal qualification, you must have a Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with ontology development, and formal knowledge representation (e.g., OWL). 
• Familiarity with at least one major ontology editor (e.g., Protégé). 
• Proficiency in Python
• Basic understanding of precision fermentation, synthetic biology, or bioprocess engineering concepts. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

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 terms of employment 

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 6 months. Start date is

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information about the positionmay be obtained from Alberto Santos Delgado ).

You can read more about DTU Biosustain at 

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

Application procedure 

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 18 December :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:

• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc)

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.

Data Science platform
The DSP team aims to make data science more accessible and inclusive at DTU Biosustain and across the DTU Community. The platform follows a data-centric approach that focuses on data infrastructure, processes, and outputs as ongoing, evolving products rather than one-time projects. Each data product is designed as a multidisciplinary collaboration involving the entire data lifecycle and pursuing standardization and automation, and with data usage in mind. 

The DSP is based on four pillars: 

• Support: focusing on providing researchers and core functions at the Centre with assistance in areas such as statistics, programming, analytics, and machine learning.
• Education: developing a training program focused on data science literacy, guiding researchers through different levels to become data-aware and proficient in data science.
• Innovation: introducing researchers to new computational biology methods and technologies and modernize the data science landscape at the Centre.

Tool development: building standard tools that can be shared across the Centre and open sourced for the entire community to use.

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.