PhD position in sustainable production of third generation (3G) bioenergy carriers and high value aquatic fish feed from macroalgae | Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

At the Department of Environmental Engineering – Bioenergy Research Centre a PhD position is available in connection with a newly started Macro Algae Biorefinery (MAB3) project aiming at developing sustainable production of energy carriers and high value fish feed from macroalgae.

Responsibilities and tasks

The project involve to development of new technologies in laboratory and pilot scale leading to a sustainable production and further conversion of two brown macroalgae species i.e. Saccharina latissima and Laminaria digitata into three energy carriers – bioethanol, biobutanol, and biogas – and a protein rich fish feed supplemented with essential aminoacids. The main tasks to be addressed are:

1. Development and optimization of pretreatment process technologies (physical, chemical, enzymatic and/or combination) for further conversion to monomeric sugars.

2. Development of new fermentation processes for sugar conversion to three energy carries i.e. ethanol, butanol and methane.

3. Screening and selection of most appropriate microorganisms for production of amino acids on monosaccharide and synthetic media (glucose, galactose, xylose, mannitol) and laminaran sugars as substrate: Corynebacterium glutamicum, Escheria coli, Brevibacterium lactofermentum, Streptococus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus bulgaricusm.

4. Investigation on inoculum and process parameters for co-production of methane and amino acids (AA) at high rate/yield of methane, high protein concentration in biogas-residual and in addition AA yield by testing different reactor configurations and process parameters (retention times, loading rates, etc.).

5. Small scale production of essential amino acids from excess sugars by specially designed microbes.

6. Development and test of fish feed from energy residues supplemented with essential amino acids.

Qualifications

The candidate should have a Master´s degree in biotechnology/chemical engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the Master´s degree. Solid knowledge on anaerobic digestion process, fermentation process and technologies and enzyme kinetics is required. Furthermore, the candidate should have a strong commitment to research and independence and good communications skills.

b>Approval and Enrolment

The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

In order to obtain academic approval, a student must have an MSc grade point average of at least 8 (7 grade scale) in addition to having received a high grade on the master’s thesis (10/12). Instructions on how to convert your grades in the 7 grade scale are found at DTU’s homepage.

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by: Professor Irini Angelidaki.

We offer

We offer an exciting and challenging job in an international environment. Good possibilities for professional and personal growth.

Salary and appointment terms

The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years. The start date is November 2013.

Further information

Further information please contact: Dr. Merlin Alvarado-Morales, +45 45251471, e-mail: meal@env.dtu.dk or Prof: Irini Angelidaki, +45 45251429, e-mail: iria@env.dtu.dk

Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.

Application

Please submit your online application no later than 15 October 2013

Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:

1. A letter motivating the application (cover letter)

2. Curriculum vitae

3. Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma

4. Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)

5. Two reference letters

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Environment is one of the largest university departments specializing in environmental engineering in Europe. Research is conducted by an international staff consisting of 25 faculty members, approximately 15 post-doctoral fellows, 5 visiting foreign scientists and 55 PhD students. Research is done in four themes. The project is located in Bioenergy Group, Theme Residual Resource Engineering.

DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,000 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 9,000 students are educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.