Research Technician for Microbial Fermentation and Electrosynthesis

at  TU Delft

JOB DESCRIPTION

Collaboration
This 3-year research technician position is part of a collaboration between Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder). The partnership includes three TU Delft research groups at the Department of Biotechnology (dr. Klijn, dr. Vieira-Lara, and dr. Jourdin) and one CU Boulder research group embedded in the Department of Mechnical Engineering (prof. Rieker). The overarching aim of this collaboration is to integrate and apply a novel analytical technique to perform real-time spectroscopic monitoring of the bioreactor off-gas for two different types of bioprocesses, namely microbial fermentation in suspension and biofilm-based microbial electrosynthesis. With this technology we set out to advance bioprocess understanding and accelerate bioprocess optimization, scale-up, and automated control.
Team
The content of the partnership leads to highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research. The complete team to be implemented at TU Delft will consist of 2 post-doc positions (1. quantitative monitoring of MES and 2. quantitative monitoring of microbial suspension cultures), 2 PhD candidates (1. volatile fingerprints of microbial suspension cultures and 2. data analytics/machine learning and control), and 2 technicians (1. support MES cultures and 2. support suspension cultures, both are involved with tech transfer and integration). In addition, there are three research positions part of prof. Rieker’s team at CUB with which we will closely collaborate throughout the project. We are looking for people who can showcase their ability to work well in a team, are effective in sharing theoretical knowledge and technical know-how, and excell as creative problem solvers.
MES Research technician
The 3-year research technician position in this vacancy will focus on performing and supporting wet-lab activities applied to microbial electrochemical fermentation. The technician will culture pure microbial strains of autotrophic microorganisms, operate bioreactors, perform analyses (e.g. HPLC, GC, MS), and support data analysis. We seek to hire a technician who is open minded and willing to learn about microbial electrochemical systems and how those bioreactors operate, including the side apparatus connected to them such as mass flow controllers, pH controllers, pumps, etc. As our colleague, you will closely collaborate with other technicians in the Bioprocess Engineering section and in the department, as well as with academic staff members and students. Specifically, you will collaborate with the other technician in this project (hired later on) who will focus on hardware integration between bioreactors and sensor technologies as well as complex data analysis and automation, thus an affinity for these aspects is a plus. Affinity with other technical aspects of our lab is also valued, e.g. with Computer-Aided Design drawing and 3D-printing. Moreover, it is expected that you enjoy a dynamic environment, are eager to learn new things and to help others.
Jourdin’s group description
In the Jourdin’s group, a multiscale approach is taken to study microbial electrosynthesis, investigating phenomena from nanometer to meter scales, and from fundamental to applied perspectives. Many, yet uncharacterised and interdependent phenomena occur at the interface between microbiology, material science, (electro)chemistry, and engineering. Overall, the aim of the group is to identify, study, and overcome limitations across physical and time-scales towards scaling-up microbial electrosynthesis technology. Both experimental and modelling approaches are used.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

We are looking for an outstanding and creative technician with a strong background on wet-lab fermentation activities. This includes the internal motivation to expand your horizon, ablilty to learn quickly, and strong communication skills to easily connect with all team members.

Required educational backgroud

• At least completed HBO-level education in biotechnology, microbiology, biochemical engineering or a closely related discipline

Recent experience or clearly supported motivation

• Worked in fermentation laboratory

Required technical skills

• Wet-lab fermentation skills
• Bioreactor operation
• Thorough knowledge of analytical techniques (e.g. HPLC, GC, MS, TOC/TN)

Skills that are considered a plus

• Affinity with hardware integration to bioreactors
• Theoretical (and practical) knowledge on spectroscopy techniques
• Experience with, or interest in, CAD drawing
• Experience with, or interest in, 3D-printing

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

Please refer the Job description for details