Postdoc Integrating Spectroscopic Process Analytical Technology for Fermentation Process

Are you interested in (re)entering biotech research? This position supports a non-linear career path with a focus on implementing process analytical technology into bioprocesses.

Job description

This position is part of a bilateral research consortium that works on the integration of different spectroscopic techniques connected to fermentors to realize real-time monitoring, with the goal to obtain more in-depth process understanding and develop automated control strategies for single cell microbial suspension cultures. Currently, the team is working on liquid- and gas-phase chemical compound measurements, while the open position will focus on cell measurements. You will join a project team comprising postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates, and technicians with diverse educational backgrounds, ranging from microbial physiology and bioprocess engineering to applied optics and data science.

This one-year position is funded with the intent to diversify the scientific research community. For this reason, we strive to contribute to a non-linear career path with the aim to expand your technical expertise and network for a successful (re)integration into the Dutch biotechnology ecosystem. A non-linear career path can include, but is not limited to, reentering research after a career break, transitioning from an industry position, or switching scientific disciplines. We believe that researchers with a non-linear career path can bring a problem-solving mindset, cross-disciplinary experience, and alternative professional perspectives that fit well within our interdisciplinary project.

We are looking for a person who can work at the interface of microbial fermentation technology and real-time data analytics, so that experimental and computational workflows can be bridged and sensor integration can be accelerated. The position includes both lab and computational work. In the lab, you will be responsible for the integration of a commercial spectroscopic sensor and gathering relevant fermentation data. The computational component involves signal processing and data analysis. As this project involves a different sensor technology than those currently used, collaboration with other researchers in the consortium is expected to explore complementarities between different sensing approaches.

In addition to scientific work, this project provides funding for professional development through two Advanced Courses offered by BioTech Delft, a membership for the Dutch Biotechnology Association that allows you to attend professional activities and expand your network within the Dutch biotechnology sector, and the possibility to join and contribute to a biotechnology-oriented conference.

Research group

The Klijn lab works on implementation of real-time analytics in bioprocesses to facilitate automated monitoring and control strategies. We work on a broad range of processes, from microbial to mammalian, and use a variety of process analytical technology.

Summary

This position offers the opportunity to refresh or expand your technical expertise and utilize dedicated funding for training and growing your network. In addition, you will experience an interdisciplinary collaboration to integrate advanced sensors into industry-relevant bioprocesses.

Job requirements

As we aim to recruit a new team member with a nonlinear career path, the job requirements are provided as a guideline to reflect the planned research activities. We are open to different scientific disciplines and look forward to understanding your motivation to apply for a biotechnology research position that combines lab work and data analytics. This position also includes technical support, with extensive fermentation experience available.

Scientific experience

• Microbial biotechnology (this can include, but is not limited to, fermentation technology)
• (Bio)chemical analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, optical density, spectroscopy)
• Data analysis, where programming (e.g., R, Python, Matlab) is considered a big plus

Transferable skills

• Open to learn and develop
• Pro-active and problem-solving mindset
• Ability to break down and communicate complex research data
• Enjoy a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, and collaborative environment

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 1 year. Temporary.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.