Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioprocess Engineering

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, be providing a more sustainable and functionally equivalent alternative. In Grain-4-Lab we take waste products from the brewing and distilling industry and aim to produce a high quality bioplastic alternative.

We 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/ ).

The School of Biotechnology at Dublin City University invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher role in Microbial Bioprocess Engineering to work on the Grain-4-Lab project, valorising waste-streams using Lactic Acid Bacteria towards the development of compositable biopolymers. The position is available from December 2022 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 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

Essential:

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

Desirable:

• Experience in bench-scale microbial bioprocessesing 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 is also essential.
• In addition, 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 Point 1- 3 - €41,209 - €43,699

*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.

Closing date: 16 November 2022

For more information on DCU and benefits, please visit Why work at DCU?

Informal Enquiries in relation to this role should be directed to:

Dr. Mehreen Mahmud, Project Manager, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University.

Email: [email protected]

Application procedure:

Application forms are available from the DCU Current Vacancies website at https://www.dcu.ie/hr/vacancies-current-vacancies-external-applicants

Applications should be submitted by e-mail with your completed application form and CV to: [email protected]

Please clearly state the role that you are applying for in your application and email subject line: Job Reference #RF1696a Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioprocess Engineering.

Dublin City University is an equal opportunities employer. In line with the Employment

Equality Acts 1998 – 2015, the University is committed to equality of treatment for all those who engage with its recruitment, selection and appointment processes. The University’s

Athena SWAN Bronze Award signifies the University’s commitment to promoting gender equality and addressing any gender pay gaps. Information on a range of university policies aimed at creating a supportive and flexible work environment are available in the DCU Policy Starter Packs