Bantry Marine Research Station - Early Stage Researcher (PhD Vacancy)

DC9: Sustainable biorefinery of seaweed at pilot scale

Project Title: Sustainable biorefinery of seaweed at pilot scale (WP3)

Host Institution: BMRS

Country: Ireland

Supervisor: Julie Maguire (PhD promoter, BMRS), Prof. Raf Dewil (KU Leuven)

Objectives: To develop sustainable procedures for the extraction of bioactive compounds from seaweed without generating biological waste.

Expected Results: Sustainable scaled-up production of bioactive compounds from macroalgae.

Enrolment in Doctoral degree(s): KU Leuven, Arenberg Doctoral School of Science, Engineering and Technology

Planned secondments:

Host: KU Leuven, Supervisor: Raf Dewil, Timing: M20-22, Length: 3 months, Purpose: learning advanced techniques in extraction technologies, more specifically ultrasound and microwave intensified processes.

Host: SPG, Supervisor: Rahimeh N. Monemi , Timing: M28-31, Length: 3 months, Purpose: training in the processing, analysis and treatment of multivariate data in a 3D spatial grids

Candidate requirements:

• You hold a master’s degree in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, bioscience engineering or a related field and you thrive in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• You have a solid knowledge of extraction processes.
• You are ambitious, well organized and have excellent communication skills.
• You speak and write fluent English and have the ability to work effectively and collaboratively.
• You are an enthusiastic and motivated person, ready to participate in personal training, international travel and public awareness activities.
• You have demonstrated your commitment to high quality research.

Skills/Qualifications:

The candidate must have a degree in a relevant biological discipline, preferably in the area of biochemistry.

Specific requirements:

Desirable Experience in:

• Extraction techniques for seaweeds
• Bioactive compounds
• Completion of research activities to achieve the required quality and meeting deadlines set
• Designing and building pilot scale systems
• Statistical analysis

Essential Skills:

• Excellent organisational skills, the ability to manage a variety of tasks simultaneously, and to organise and prioritise own work with training schedule
• Excellent communication skills with clear evidence of effective presentation skills, report-writing skills, and the ability to converse authoritatively and persuasively with a range of stakeholders at all levels

Other essential criteria:

• The ability and willingness to travel regularly
• The ability to live and work in a rural remote area

For more information or to apply, please see their Linked In page here.