Postdoc in power to alternative proteins via carbon capture - DTU Sustain

Society is on the quest for alternative proteins with a lower environmental footprint. This postdoc will explore the use of hydrogenotrophic bacteria to upcycle wastes and carbon dioxide into microbial protein.
The concerns over food security and protein scarcity, driven by population increase and higher standards of living, have pushed scientists toward finding new protein sources. A considerable proportion of resources and agricultural lands are dedicated to feed to raise livestock or fish for human consumption. Microbial protein (MP) is a land-independent alternative protein source for animal feeds. In particular, 2nd generation MP integrates renewable energies, carbon-capture technologies, and fermentation via hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria (HOB), protein rich microorganisms, has shown a great potential, to be coupled to renewable energy systems under the concept of Power-to-X. The postdoc will work on the optimization of the hydrogen-based fermentation processes, focusing on optimal gas supply, assessment of microbial protein quality, anaerobic digestion and nutrient recovery from food byproducts, and characterization of microbial communities. The tasks are aligned with two European projects, consisting of both academic and industrial partners, so the candidate should be effective in communicating results with different stakeholders.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We seek a postdoc candidate who has a strong background on environmental biotechnology. Having experience with experimental work at lab and pilot scale (running membrane processes or fermenters) or bioinformatics is an advantage. You are highly motivated and self-driven in what you do. You like getting your hands dirty and therefore are capable of understanding analytical and experimental techniques, showing high degree of independence. You like to combine environmental performance data with details on microbiome diversity and functionality for process optimization. You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment and are unafraid to ask questions.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

As a postdoc student in this project, you will engage in:

(a) laboratory scale testing of anaerobic digestion coupled to nutrient recovery processes

(b) laboratory work to optimize microbial protein production from digestates and hydrogen

(c) characterization of microbiomes applying bioinformatics

(d) close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team

(e) research and teaching efforts at a section and departmental level as appropriate and relevant

(f) dissemination of your research through publications and attendance to conferences

(e) teaching and supervision activities within the field of biological water treatment

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 1 year.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Borja Valverde Pérez.

You can read more about DTU Sustain at https://sustain.dtu.dk/en/

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 November 2024 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications
• Recommendation letter by former supervisors

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background

DTU Sustain - Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering - is one of the largest university departments specializing in environmental and resource engineering in Europe. The department conducts research, development & scientific advice and provides educational programs and service to society. We are working to develop new environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies, methods and solutions, and to disseminate this knowledge to society and future generations of engineers. The Department has approximately 300 staff from more than 30 nationalities.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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