PhD student biocatalysis - EnzIm2Flow - engineering targeted enzyme immobilization for optimal conversion and product recovery using flow chemistry

Challenge: application of enzyme limited due to low stability and substrate properties

Change: develop a controlled and optimized flow process with engineered enzymes

Impact: sustainable chemical industry

A sustainable chemical industry that relies less on fossil resources requires new ways to convert renewable resources like vegetable oils into useful compounds. Oleate hydratases are enzymes that can do this job very efficiently by adding water to fatty acids to produce hydroxyl fatty acids, which are important in the polymer and cosmetic industry. Until now using this enzyme commercially has been difficult due to the physical properties of the hydroxyl fatty acids and the enzyme's low stability. The EnzIm2Flow project funded by NWO's Open Technology program  is focussed on using the enzyme in a controlled and optimized continuous flow process, where it's immobilized to increase its stability and efficiency.

As a PhD student biocatalysis, you will perform fundamental, application-inspired research in the area of biocatalysis and enzyme engineering as a key experimental approach as part of the EnzIm2Flow project. Specifically, you will use engineered enzymes in novel targeted enzyme immobilization approaches, study the phase behaviour of fatty acids as enzyme substrates and products, and employ this to develop novel biocatalytic flow processes.

The project is a collaboration between Dr. Hagedoorn and prof. Hanefeld   in Delft. The groups research on the fundamental understanding of enzymes and the application thereof forms the basis for the application of enzymes in industrial processes. With access to world-class facilities, you will be working alongside leading scientists in the field of biocatalysis who are as passionate about green chemistry and sustainability as you.      

You are a recent graduate looking to use your experimental skills and innate curiosity to create a greener industry. With your pioneering mindset and communicative nature, you thrive in complex multi-disciplinary international teams and you’re not phased or overwhelmed by the ambitious nature of the project.

You also have:

• An MSc degree in Life Sciences, (Bio)Chemistry, Biocatalysis, or a related field.
• Experience in (bio)organic chemistry
• Sound knowledge of organic chemistry, biochemistry and biocatalysis

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that you can interact well with others, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, write scientific articles and a final thesis and share your research results with a wider audience. Ideally, you will also have some proficiency in Dutch. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customizable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service . This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organize events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.
Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty of Applied Sciences
With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators.

Department of Biotechnology

The Department of Biotechnology engages in internationally-leading education programmes and offers a stimulating research environment in the biosciences that combines fundamental science, engineering, and design, all directed towards biotechnological process innovations. The Department covers the areas of biocatalysis, bioprocess engineering, environmental biotechnology, industrial microbiology, and biotechnology and society. The Department harbours excellent laboratory facilities and infrastructure.

If you would like more information about this role, please contact Dr. Peter-Leon Hagedoorn, Associate Professor, at [email protected]. For queries about the recruitment process, you can get in touch with Natascha Lock, HR Advisor, at [email protected].

To apply, complete the application form [link] and add the following documents to your application:

Please apply before 31-08-2024.