Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioprocess Engineering

The School of Biotechnology at Dublin City University invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, initial fixed-term 11-month contract position (with further extension possible) as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioprocess Engineering, to work on the Grain-4-Lab project, valorising waste-streams using Lactic Acid Bacteria towards the development of compositable biopolymers.

Grain-4-Lab

Grain-4-Lab is a €2.4 million funded sustainability project, part of the SFI Future Innovator Prize Programme (https://grain4lab.ie/ ). The aim of the project is to reduce the reliance on fossil-fuel based single-use plastics in research laboratories, by providing a more sustainable and functionally equivalent bioplastic alternative via the valorisation of waste products from the brewing and distilling industries.

Grain-4-Lab are a highly multi-disciplinary team which includes researchers from the fields of bioprocessing, materials science, polymer synthesis, societal change and scientific outreach.  Grain-4-Lab operates in close collaboration with an international network of companies and collaborators to develop, test and trial their bioplastic solution. The project was recently featured on Irish national news channel RTE (https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/1005/1327355-dcu-scientists/ ) and several other media outlets.

Job Description

The Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioprocess Engineering position is available from January 2023 with the possibility of an extension dependant on funding available and ongoing requirements for the project. The goal of this specific project is bioprocess development & optimisations, both Up-Stream and Down-Stream towards the production of high-quality Lactic Acid from waste feedstocks. Extensive bench-scale development & optimisation using Process Analytical Tools will be required along with pilot and production scale testing. This is an excellent opportunity for researchers looking to focus on commercialisation and industrial related research. The work will be undertaken in Microbial Bioprocessing Facility (School of Biotechnology) but the project will involve collaboration with the Schools of Physical Sciences, Chemical Science, and Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health in Dublin City University.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to their Principal Investigator (Dr. Brian Freeland) the Postdoctoral Researcher will:

• Conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator, with a specific focus on the development of a microbial bioprocess and down-stream purification methods including: waste-valorisation, fed-batch development, Design of Experiments (DoE), microfiltration, UF/DF and chromatography.
• Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which he/she is engaged with the support of and under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, with a specific focus on completing funding reports and preparing presentations and material for funding reviews
• Supervise and assist undergraduate and postgraduate students working in this area with their research
• Liaise with both internal and external stakeholders including industry and academic partners/collaborators
• Carry out administrative work associated with the programme of research as necessary, including supporting the Principal Investigator in tendering for equipment and instruments required for the project.

Minimum Criteria

• PhD in one of the following fields: Bioprocess Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Microbial Biotechnology.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in bench-scale microbial bioprocessing and down-stream processing techniques advantageous.
• Individuals should be able to demonstrate their ability to work in multidisciplinary and high collaborative projects.
• Evidence of publication of research articles in the field of bioprocessing/microbial biotechnology/chemical engineering
• It is desirable that the candidates have excellent microbial on-the-bench skills

Essential Training

The postholder will be required to undertake the following mandatory compliance training: Orientation, Health & Safety and Data Protection (GDPR). Other training may need to be undertaken when required.

Salary: Postdoctoral Researcher, Level 1 Point 1- 4 – €41,209 – €44,921 gross per annum*

*Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be made on the appropriate point of the IUA Researcher salary scale, in line with current Government pay policy

Start Date

The position is available from January 2023.

Deadline

Applications will be accepted until the role is filled.

To Apply:

Applications to include a cover letter, CV and the contact details of three referees, should be sent via e-mail to Dr. Mehreen Mahmud, Project Manager, Grain-4-Lab (email: [email protected] )

Please indicate the position applied for in the subject line of e-mail application.

Dublin City University is an equal opportunities employer