PhD position at Aquatic Biotechnology and Bioproduct Engineering Institute for Technology and Management (ITM)

Floridean starch of green and red microalgae  

 

PhD position at Aquatic Biotechnology and Bioproduct Engineering Institute for Technology and Management (ITM) University of Groningen

At the department of Aquatic Biotechnology and Bioproduct Engineering a PhD position on the physiology and biochemistry of Floridean starch production by red and green micro algae is available. The department was very recently established and is part of the research Institute for Technology and Management (ITM), belonging to the faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the University of Groningen. 

Green and red microalgae produce a starch-like storage compound, also known as Floridean starch, as an outcome of photosynthesis. Little is known about the timing of Floridean starch biosynthesis and degradation, the influence of environmental factors (pH, nutrient limitation, the duration of the light period), the structure of the starch, the yield, or the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis. Information on Floridean starch biosynthesis helps in evaluating the cost-effective use of green and red microalgae in e.g. bioenergy production or as animal feed source. 

The requirements for this position are:

• experience with cultivating microorganisms and/or microalgae
• knowledge about (bio)chemical analysis
• open to collaboration with external partners
• sufficient level of writing, reading and speaking English
• MSc degree in (applied) biochemistry, (applied) microbiology, marine biology, biotechnology, food chemistry, food microbiology

The department works closely together with research groups in chemical engineering and has good connections to the Microbial Physiology group of GBB. The department is located at the Zernike campus of the University of Groningen, building Nijenborgh 4.  

The starting date is between April 1st 2012 and November 15th 2012. The position is for four years and should result in the completion of a PhD thesis. The PhD student is enrolled in the Graduate School of the faculty and will have to follow a selected number of master courses and trainings. Limited input in the BSc and/or MSc programme of the undergraduate programme Technology and Management can be part of the activities of the PhD student.  

The University of Groningen offers a salary of minimal € 2,042 gross a month in the first year to maximal € 2,612 a month in the final year based on a full-time position. It is a temporary assignment for a period of 4 years. First you will get a temporary position of 1.5 years with the perspective of prolongation with another 2.5 years. After the first year, there will be an evaluation as to the feasibility of successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years. 

 

More information: Prof. Dr. M.J.E.C. van der Maarel, Department Aquatic Biotechnology and Bioproduct Technology, m.j.e.c.van.der.maarel@rug.nl

 

Applications for the position should include:

• Curriculum Vitae (name, address, degree(s), date, etc.)
• Name and (email) address of two professional references.

Send applications beforeFebruary 1^st 2012