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

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, where 15 doctoral projects will work on enzyme design, bioprocess design, and machine learning tools to create sustainable bioprocesses.

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. As a part of the Doctoral Network, you will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and external research stays at partnering institutes/industry to develop technical and transferrable skills.

This project will be embedded in two research groups, namely the Hollmann lab and Klijn lab, both situated in the Department of Biotechnology at Delft University of Technology. The Hollmann lab has expertise on UPO-based reaction design and subsequent industrial application. The Klijn lab works on the implementation of real-time analytics in a wide variety of bioprocesses to facilitate automated monitoring and control.

Job Requirements

• Outstanding and creative researcher with a strong affinity to work at the boundary of multiple disciplines, namely biocatalysis, bioprocessing, and multivariate data analysis.
• Internal motivation to expand your horizon, ability to learn quickly, and strong communication skills to easily connect with other experts in 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) with:

• Lab-scale biocatalytic processes
• Enzyme production, purification, and characterization
• Using (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 That Are 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

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, as well as a population of 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, but in the form of 2 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 everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from Promovendus gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (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. The TU Delft Graduate School 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.
• The TU Delft offers a customisable 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 organises 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.

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. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure. For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. This check is carried out on the basis of legitimate interest.

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