PhD Stipend in Bioupcycling of Industrial Side Streams Using a Biorefinery Approach

The PhD position will focus on the valorization and bioupcycling of an industrial waste stream from the Novonesis enzyme production site, applying a biorefinery approach and eco-engineering techniques. The industrial stream has high nutrient and salt concentrations, which hinders the conventional wastewater treatment or AD process. The use of eco-engineering will allow to adapt more tolerant and robust microbial mixed cultures to valorize the stream.  More in detail, the project will develop a 2-step process, where an enriched microbial consortium will rapidly ferment the waste stream into VFAs, which will then be supplied to the second stage for the production of high-value compounds such as bioplastics and caproic acid. This approach is more resistant and resilient to environmental and/or production changes, thanks to metabolic collaboration and flexibility, which improves the overall efficiency of the biorefinery process. Elemental analyzer, NMR, GC, and LC-MS etc. will be used to characterize the waste stream and analyze fermentation products. Valuable nutrients will be recovered using membrane technology. Design of Experiments and technoeconomic analysis will be used to optimize and model the overall combined process, to identify and overcome eventual bottlenecks. Multi-parallel bioreactors and BioLector Microbioreactor system will be used to gather the data for the modeling. Finally, the optimized process will be validated in pilot scale, together with the industrial partner.

The overall goal is to create new revenue streams and improve environmental sustainability, creating a more circular bioeconomy, while also helping mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and pollution. Key success criteria for the industry will be the development of a model for optimal resource recovery setup, using side-streams from enzyme production as raw material and verification of data on lab/pilot scale. The model developed will be used as a decision tool for prioritization future technologies to be implemented in full-scale within the Environmental Operations area.

The project will be carried out in collaboration with the Helix Lab, a research and education center in Kalundborg funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, with state-of-the-art biotech and robotics laboratories. The PhD student is expected to contribute to the development of the research community at Helix Lab alongside peers- other PhD students, MSc students(Helix Lab Fellows), and specialists in Kalundborg. Also, the PhD student is expected to serve as a strong ambassador for Helix Lab and spend at least 75% of the time in Kalundborg, divided between the Novonesis and Helix Lab. Responsibilities will include mentoring, assisting, and guiding Helix Lab Fellows doing their thesis work. In return, Helix Lab will offer a program that includes academic as well as social activities and supports the integration of PhD student into the Kalundborg Biocluster. The PhD program will facilitate interdisciplinary activities and stimulate new ideas and projects among students, university supervisors, local faculty, and industry specialists.

The ideal candidate is expected to have practical experience with microbial processes and analytical methods for the degradation of recalcitrant compounds. Experience on running bioreactors, TEA modelling, as well as good skills in scientific dissemination of results are a plus.

Qualification requirements: 

Applicants should hold an outstanding Master degree in Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering or in a relevant program.

Competences of the successful applicant may include:

• Research experience in microbial processes and fermentation technology
• Experience in analytical methods(HPLC, GC, UV, MS, etc.)
• Experience with eco-engineering of microbial consortia and Adaptive Laboratory Evolution
• Experience with chain-elongation fermentation and/or accumulation of biopolymers
• Experience with DoE and/or TEA modelling
• Complex problem-solving skills and critical thinking
• Ability to work in an international team
• High motivation
• Ability to conduct work in a structured and systematic manner and with a sufficient degree of independence
• An integrative and cooperative personality with excellent communication and social skills
• Fluency in English– written and oral

Application:

The application must contain:

(1) Cover letter of 1-2 pages describing the motivation for applying and an account of the applicant’s background in relation to the announced position;

(2) Project description(you may upload a copy of the job description above);

(3) CV;

(4) Diploma and transcripts of records;

(5) Other relevant information. 

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. We value diversity and see it as a strength.

You may obtain further information about the project from Associate Professor Cristiano Varrone by e-mail: [email protected]

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that subsequent to the deadline for applications the head of department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Ms. Vigdis Skomager-Bohnfeldt, The Doctoral School at The Faculty of Engineering and Science, email:[email protected] , phone:+45 9940 7408

For more information of The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science:www.phd.engineering.aau.dk  

The application is only to be submitted online by using the"Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 15 December 2021 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities.