Postdoctoral Fellow -Single Cell Protein Fermentation

at  University of Alberta

Department Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sci - Ag, Food & Nutri Sci Dept
Posted date April 5, 2024
Closing date May 31, 2024
Position Type Trust Funded

DESCRIPTION

This position offers a benefits package found at Postdoctoral Fellows Benefits.
This role has a term length of one year from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension.
Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person with on-site work primarily taking place at North Campus, Edmonton.

ABOUT THE POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP

The Bressler lab (Biorefining Conversions and Fermentation Laboratory) is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow for a 1-year term, with the potential for extension. We are seeking an individual with strong skills, enthusiasm, and dedication to conduct robust scientific research in the field of single-cell protein (SCP) fermentation. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in a collaborative team project focused on the development, optimization, and scaling up of a complex continuous fermentation system. Given the continuous nature of the fermentation process, the ability to work effectively within a cohesive team is essential to support extended campaign durations (the longest to date being 54 days continuously). Flexibility in working hours may be required to accommodate the demands of the project.
The role offers avenues for self-directed learning and potential leadership opportunities within a dynamic and supportive research team. We seek an individual who is driven, collaborative, and thrives in challenging environments.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD degree in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or related discipline
• Extensive expertise in fermentation techniques in bioreactor scale
• Expertise in analytical equipment
• Expertise in data analysis and statistics
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in independent research, adept at thriving within collaborative settings, and consistently meeting project deadlines
• Demonstrate adaptability to changes in workflow with flexibility and professionalism.
• Experience with bioreactors is an asset
• Experience with chromatographic analysis and statistical analysis are assets

• Work in a team environment with weekly interactions with the Industrial partner employees
• Setup and maintain single and/or series of fermentation in the chemostat mode and monitoring various parameters
• Utilize a range of analytical equipment such as GC, HPLC, ICP-OES, and CHNS to monitor media and gas streams effectively)
• Characterizing nutritional quality of product produced, prior to and after drying or further processing operations
• Independently and/or collaboratively responsible for data analysis, statistical analysis, and data presentation
• Organizing resources and collaborating with team members
• Availability for shift work, including evenings and weekends, will be necessary for this position
• Create diverse presentations, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and draft project reports
• Physical capability to lift objects weighing at least 15 kg is necessary for the chemostat process
• Provide mentorship and guidance for students working on the project