Postdoc in processing, characterization and functional use of algae biomass - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Job description

Algal biomass is massively produced (over 36Mt/year worldwide) but at the same time underexploited. Vast amount of waste is generated by the algal industries (up to 95% of the initial biomass in some cases). The CIRCALGAE project aims to develop a new green biorefinery concept, the project aims to extract ingredients with health and functional benefits to produce new high added value products with a neutral environmental impact. These products are intended for food ingredients, protein rich feed and cosmetic formulations. CIRCALGAE supports a novel concept of algae-based biorefineries and products supporting the health of aquatic ecosystems for a healthy planet and people. In this way, 21 partners work to valorise industrial algae waste streams into high-value products to foster future sustainable blue biorefineries in Europe.

As postdoctoral researcher you will participate in the bioprocess design and development for the extraction of valuable compounds from algae as novel ingredients for food, feed and cosmetic applications. You will investigate the extraction and downstream processes for the obtention of algae ingredients and the verification of its properties towards the specific applications. The approach will include the use of green extraction processes, analytical characterization of active compounds and further development of formulation for specific industrial applications. You will be part of an international community with relevant industrial and societal partners. You are expected to participate in European meetings and conferences, as well as particpate in the organization different communication activities within the CIRCALGAE project.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• You will be part of a multidisciplinary environment with competences on molecular biology, biochemistry and materials sciences towards the use of natural resources for high value applications.
• Works in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature. Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, this eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• You must have practical research competence documented by scientific publications in several of the following areas: (i) design and development of bioprocess for biomass valorization, (ii) biochemical and microbiological characterization of natural compounds, (iii) research experience in the domain of algae, other biomasses or food, preferably related to the technological aspects of processing, structural and functional characterization.
• You should have excellent communication skills in scientific English, both orally and written.
• As a person, you should show independence to plan and perform your research experiments after discussion with the team, and excellent cooperation abilities with the researchers in the CIRCALGAE project and within the research group at KTH.

Preferred qualifications

• Competence on the use of bioprocesses for the generation/modification of biomass compounds.
• Proof of (co)-supervision of doctoral, master and bachelor degree students is desirable.
• Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with a special focus on gender equality and sustainability is a merit.
• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline

Great emphasis will be placed on personal competency

Trade union representatives

You will find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH's webbpage.

Application

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply to this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research aligned to the CIRCALGAE vision, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Max 2 pages.
• Brief description of which approaches, methods and techniques would you use to extract and characterize functional compounds from algae and further industrial applications. Max 1 page.

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.