PhD Researcher in Environmental Biotechnology

Job summary

This position involves advancing sustainable solar-driven hybrid methane production technologies for bio-electrochemical CO2 utilization. The role is based at a leading technical university, focusing on innovative solutions for CO2 utilization and methane production through hands-on experience with advanced analytical tools and reactor design.

Qualifications

• A two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or an equivalent academic level.
• Strong experimental background in environmental biotechnology, electrochemistry, or chemical reaction engineering.
• Experience with analytical chemistry techniques for metabolite detection and quantification.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate methanogenic archaea.
• Couple electrochemical biofilms to photocathodes.
• Design and conduct laboratory-scale photo-bio-electrochemical experiments.
• Characterize direct interspecies electron transfer mechanisms.
• Optimize operating parameters to enhance process performance and robustness.
• Analyze samples using advanced chemical and spectroscopic techniques (e.g., LC-MS, IC, TOC).
• Disseminate findings through scientific publications and conference presentations.

Skills

• Advanced analytical skills in chemical and spectroscopic techniques.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research team.

Education

• A master's degree in a relevant field is required.

Tools

• Familiarity with laboratory equipment for chemical analysis and reactor design.