Apply no later than 31 July 2016
A PhD position is available at the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The project aims at the study and design of strategies for optimal yeast propagation for bioprocesses. The project will include the development of on-line tools for qualifying and validating the quality of the propagated yeast for supporting fast startup of the subsequent production step.
The conditions during propagation can be very different compared to the actual production step as the aim in a propagation process is to produce as many viable cells as possible in as short time as possible. Substrate and oxygen concentration, as well as the initial amount of yeast applied to seed the propagation tank, will influence the final result of the yeast propagation. Often in biotechnological processes, the substrates used are hydrolysates from various types of agricultural residues and these hydrolysates typically contain compounds toxic to the yeast cells, hence affecting yeast growth and quality.
The challenge with traditional analytical methods is that the physiological state of the cells are not taken into account, for example not distinguishing between living or inactive cells. Furthermore, analysis in industrial substrates is considerably more complex than analysis in a laboratory medium. In this project the potential of various methods e.g. dielectric spectroscopy, analysis of volatiles using mass spectroscopy and flow cytometry will be evaluated and used for on-line analysis of yeast quality and process performance.
The goal of the current project is to understand the relationship between process variables and quality parameters and develop tools that enable monitoring and control of quality parameters during yeast propagation. The project will be performed in close collaboration with Danish Biotech companies.
Responsibilities and tasks The candidate will be responsible for performing cultivation experiments in laboratory scale to study the propagation efficiency dependency on selected process-relevant variables and to evaluate and develop analytical tools for monitoring and control of yeast quality during propagation. The candidate will be responsible for execution of different aspects of the project including both experimental work, data analysis and modelling. The project will also involve testing in pilot-scale and potentially also a full-scale test at an industry partner site.
QualificationsCandidates should have a master's degree in engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering. Previous experience with running fermentations and genuine knowledge within microbial physiology are essential. Experience with different analytical methods and with multivariate data analysis will be an advantage. Applicants must have methodical and communication skills and the ability to work independently towards applied research goals. Furthermore, fluency in speaking, reading and writing English is required.
Approval and EnrolmentThe scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
AssessmentThe assessment of the applicants will be made by Assoc. professor Anna Eliasson Lantz and Professor Krist V Gernaey. We will continually assess the applications received.
The conditions during propagation can be very different compared to the actual production step as the aim in a propagation process is to produce as many viable cells as possible in as short time as possible. Substrate and oxygen concentration, as well as the initial amount of yeast applied to seed the propagation tank, will influence the final result of the yeast propagation. Often in biotechnological processes, the substrates used are hydrolysates from various types of agricultural residues and these hydrolysates typically contain compounds toxic to the yeast cells, hence affecting yeast growth and quality.
The challenge with traditional analytical methods is that the physiological state of the cells are not taken into account, for example not distinguishing between living or inactive cells. Furthermore, analysis in industrial substrates is considerably more complex than analysis in a laboratory medium. In this project the potential of various methods e.g. dielectric spectroscopy, analysis of volatiles using mass spectroscopy and flow cytometry will be evaluated and used for on-line analysis of yeast quality and process performance.
The goal of the current project is to understand the relationship between process variables and quality parameters and develop tools that enable monitoring and control of quality parameters during yeast propagation. The project will be performed in close collaboration with Danish Biotech companies.
Responsibilities and tasks The candidate will be responsible for performing cultivation experiments in laboratory scale to study the propagation efficiency dependency on selected process-relevant variables and to evaluate and develop analytical tools for monitoring and control of yeast quality during propagation. The candidate will be responsible for execution of different aspects of the project including both experimental work, data analysis and modelling. The project will also involve testing in pilot-scale and potentially also a full-scale test at an industry partner site.
QualificationsCandidates should have a master's degree in engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering. Previous experience with running fermentations and genuine knowledge within microbial physiology are essential. Experience with different analytical methods and with multivariate data analysis will be an advantage. Applicants must have methodical and communication skills and the ability to work independently towards applied research goals. Furthermore, fluency in speaking, reading and writing English is required.
Approval and EnrolmentThe scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
AssessmentThe assessment of the applicants will be made by Assoc. professor Anna Eliasson Lantz and Professor Krist V Gernaey. We will continually assess the applications received.
