Predoctoral Researcher position to work on Production of Fatty Acids as Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) intermediates from short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)


IMDEA Energy Institute is a María de Maeztu Center of Excellence whose objective is to develop R&D activities in the fields of renewable energies and clean energy technologies by establishing strong links with leading companies in the energy sector. (www.energy.imdea.org).

Description

IMDEA Energy is opening a Predoctoral Researcher Position for the Biotechnological Processes Unit, looking for talented and motivated candidates to work on Production of Fatty Acids as Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) intermediates from short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). This position is available in the framework of the Horizon Europe MSCA-Doctoral Network (DN) YAF “Yeast-based solutions for Sustainable Aviation Fuels” (Grant Agreement 101120389). Revise all the details of the call .

Tasks Description:

  • Tune the anaerobic fermentation conditions of biowastes.
  • Attain the most favourable short-chain fatty acids profile to be further converted in fatty acids with appropriate chain length for SAF.
  • Screen wild type oleaginous non-conventional yeast coping with high concentration of SCFAs.
  • Obtain highly-tolerant strains to SCFAs by adaptive laboratory evolution.
  • Optimize the fermentation conditions to attain high fatty acid content from SCFAs in yeasts.
Requirements

Compulsory Requirements:

  • BSc degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology/Bioengineering, Environmental Engineering or closely related field.
  • MSc degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology/Bioengineering, Environmental Engineering or closely related field. The selected candidate should be in possession of a MSc degree (or equivalent enabling the candidate to enroll in a doctoral programme) by the date of recruitment.
  • Mobility rule. Not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
  • YAF Application Form should be submitted via ‘Other certificates & documents’. You can find the application form in the call and in the YAF Website.

Other merits to value:

  • Previous experience in yeast cultivation
  • Previous experience working with biorreactors
  • Basic knowledge in chromatography 
Selection Criteria
  • Adequacy of the candidate’s education to the position.
  • Relevant postgraduate work experience.
  • Motivation of the candidate for the position.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills (English proficiency).
Conditions

Remuneration:

As reported in the MSCA Work Programme, a financial package which includes:

  • Living allowance.
  • Mobility allowance.
  • Family allowance (if applicable).

Employer costs and other deductions will depend on recruiting host and country. Allowances are gross amounts, which means that all compulsory social security contributions (employer and employee), direct taxes, and any other compulsory deductions under national legislation will be deducted from these gross amounts.

Contract: 36 months

For more information please click here

Workplace

IMDEA Energía, Móstoles, Madrid

 

Documents

Final decisions will be personally communicated by e-mail to all candidates.

 

Equal opportunities are guaranteed in the selection process, without any forms of discrimination. Female  applicants are encouraged to apply to favor parity in employment.
IMDEA Energy commitment is to guarantee equality in measures to balance personal, family and working life and to promote gender equality.