PhD Position Data-driven Monitoring for Scale-up of a Biocatalytic Production Process Using UPOs

Job Description

This PhD position is part of a European Doctoral Network consortium, Machine learning for integrated multi-parametric enzyme and bioprocess design, which brings together 15 doctoral projects focused on enzyme design, bioprocess design, and the application of machine learning tools to create sustainable bioprocesses. As part of this network, you will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and external research stays at partnering institutes and industry, developing both technical and transferable skills.

In this project, you will work on designing a scalable bioprocess using unspecific peroxygenase (UPO) enzymes to produce a panel of synthetically useful chemicals. The envisioned process design will include integrated up- and downstream processing, and you will apply real-time monitoring to achieve in-depth understanding of the bioconversion and accelerate process development time.

This project is embedded in two research groups at the Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology: the Hollmann lab, with expertise in UPO-based reaction design and industrial application, and the Klijn lab, which focuses on implementing real-time analytics in bioprocesses to facilitate automated monitoring and control.

Job Requirements

• Outstanding and creative researcher with a strong affinity for working at the intersection of biocatalysis, bioprocessing, and multivariate data analysis.
• Internal motivation to expand your horizon, ability to learn quickly, and strong communication skills to connect with experts within and outside the consortium.

Funding Requirements

• You cannot have resided in The Netherlands in the past 12 months for study and/or work purposes (Marie Curie Doctoral Network requirement).

Required Educational Background

• MSc degree in biocatalysis, enzymology, biotechnology, biochemical engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Required Recent Experience (during MSc thesis and/or MSc industrial internship):

• Lab-scale biocatalytic processes
• Enzyme production, purification, and characterization
• Use of (bio)chemical analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC, GC-MS)

If you do not recognize yourself in all required skills, please include a clear motivation and approach on how you would like to acquire missing skills during the project in your motivation letter.

Skills Considered a Plus

• Programming for data analysis (e.g., R, Python)
• Multivariate data analysis, chemometrics, and/or machine learning

Sought-After Transferable Skills

• Pro-active and problem-solving mindset
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Ability to break down and communicate complex research data
• Thrives in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, and highly collaborative environment

English Proficiency

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis.

About TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering, and design. It delivers world-class results in education, research, and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health, and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

Faculty of Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, and about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology, and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Conditions of Employment

• Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, in the form of two employment contracts: an initial 1.5-year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years, assuming performance requirements are met.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 to €3881 gross per month from the first year to the fourth year (full-time, 38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• As a PhD candidate, you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School, which provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff, and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related, and research skills.
• TU Delft offers a customizable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Relocation Support

If you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job, TU Delft is committed to making your move as smooth as possible. The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organizes events to help you settle in the Netherlands and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional Information

For more information about this position and/or project, please contact dr.ir. Marieke Klijn (assistant professor), per e-mail: M.E.Klijn@tudelft.nl.