PhD Researcher in Environmental Biotechnology (Remote, Europe)

Job summary

This position focuses on advancing sustainable solar-driven hybrid methane production technologies for bio-electrochemical CO2 utilization, addressing significant environmental challenges. The role involves hands-on experience with analytical tools, reactor design, and reaction kinetics, preparing candidates for careers in academia, research, or the biotechnology sector.

Qualifications

• A two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent academic level.
• Strong experimental background in environmental biotechnology, electrochemistry, or chemical reaction engineering.
• Proficiency in analytical chemistry techniques for metabolite detection and quantification.
• Good command of written and spoken English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Advance the development of a sustainable photo-electrochemical process for methanation using biogenic CO2.
• 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

• Experimental skills in environmental biotechnology and electrochemistry.
• Analytical chemistry expertise for metabolite detection.
• Strong communication skills in English.

Education

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

Tools

• Advanced analytical tools and techniques for chemical analysis (e.g., LC-MS, IC, TOC).