Post-Doctoral Researcher – Urban Microalgae Protein

Post-Doctoral Researcher – Urban Microalgae Protein

The ETH Sustainable Food Processing Group uses a combination of innovative sustainability assessment and emerging food system approaches to target fundamental challenges in food science and society such as food security.

Singapore targets increasing its domestic, independent food supply under urbanized constraints by 30% until 2030. The project aims to enable Singapore's independent, domestic, resilient, and urban food/protein supply by consumer relevant bright yellow heterotrophic microalgae biomass:

As a Postdoctoral Researcher you will be responsible for research that aims to develop, test, and validate a state-of-the-art urban single-cell protein production platform. This work will be performed at SEC in Singapore in collaboration with our research partners at National University of Singapore (NUS) and A*STAR-SIFBI.

Your tasks will include:

• Establish a state-of-the-art urban single-cell protein production platform
• Designing and performing experiments to establish and validate a PEF-based biorefinery
• Build an R&D and food innovation platform to enable food concept development
• Communicating research outcomes, e.g. at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals, as well as public outreach
• Acting at the interface between science, technology, and industry when supervising and mentoring other researchers (e.g., Ph.D. students) and collaborating with project partners
• With your know-how, energy, structured problem solving and leadership skills, you will lead this international, cross-functional project to effectively achieve all project objectives
• You will ensure success of this international project through the alignment of stakeholders, your detail-orientation, effective project management and communication at all levels
• You will oversee budgets, designate resources, monitor progress, and keep stakeholders and collaboration partners informed throughout the entire project

You should have excellent academic qualifications, writing skills, strong self-motivation and ability to work in fast-paced interdisciplinary environment.

You must have a Master and Dr./Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in Food Science, Bioprocess Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely-related area.

TYou will also have:

• Minimum 5 peer-reviewed publications on relevant topics, such as microalgae research, microalgae proteins, and/or PEF of microalgae
• Experience with writing (successfully awarded) international project grants
• Internationally renowned awards in relevant fields
• Scientific curiosity and motivation to perform scientifically rigorous experimental work
• Expertise in up- and downstream microalgae (photo-, hetero-, mixotroph) processing and PEF (preferably nanosecond and microsecond)
• Experience in working with and developing downstream protein processing approaches
• Experience with (online-) flow cytometric measurements, extrusion, and food prototyping
• Experience with R, Python or similar programming language, bioinformatics (i.e., experience with omics and phenotypic fingerprinting)
• Ability to work independently in a multi-national context
• Good “people skills” when interacting with colleagues and collaboration partners
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, German is an advantage
• Demonstrated proficiency in stakeholder management, cross-functional collaboration implementation, and multi-national project management and coordination
• Ability to collaborate with food industry
• Experience with lecture setups and teaching
• Strong problem solving, analytical skills, excellent presentation skills
• Strong track in dissemination and public outreach via oral presentations at relevant international conferences, workshops, and symposia

A five-page research proposal outlining the current challenges, important literature and possible approaches to tackle challenges associated with eco-efficient urban microalgae protein production and PEF-based biorefinery is required to consider the application.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

We look forward to receiving your online application including:

• a CV
• diplomas
• a short statement of research interests and motivation (one page)
• a research proposal on the topic Urban Microalgae Protein Production and PEF-based biorefinery (five pages)
• contact details of 2 referees

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Furthermore, applications without a research proposal will not be considered either.

For further information about the group please visit our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Alexander Mathys by email [email protected] (no direct applications).

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.