PhD Student (f-m-d) for Bioproduct Engineering for Algae Biomass

Online seit 2025-04-14

PhD Student (f-m-d) for Bioproduct Engineering for Algae Biomass

Application until: 2025-05-30

Start of work: As soon as possible

Scope of work: 39 h

The Department of Process Systems Engineering
(Director: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kai Sundmacher) at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems
is inviting applications for the PhD Student (f/m/d) position. Research topic: "Analysis of Catalytic or Enzymatic Valorization for Algae Biomass".

The position is to be filled as soon as possible and is limited to three years.

The advertised position is embedded in the research field ProPhoS (Biochemical Production Systems using Photosynthetic Organisms). The research topic contributes to the circular economy concept by valorizing low-valued biomass. The overall objective is to advance the scientific fundamentals of algal biomass valorization for chemical production. In particular, the project aims to investigate and optimize progress in thermochemical, catalytic, or enzymatic processes to convert algal carbohydrates and proteins to chemical intermediates.

Your Tasks:

• Identify and analyze theoretically new chemical pathways and fractionation methods for microalgal biomass
• Investigate experimentally new biomass fractionation and separation methods as well as chemical conversion steps
• Apply computational methods and sustainability metrics (e.g. life cycle assessment) to assess new technologies and unit operations
• Write scientific papers

Suitable candidates:

• Hold a master's degree in chemical or bioproducts engineering or biotechnology with a focus on downstream processing or related disciplines
• Have a strong interest in experimental work for biomass processing, chemical engineering, and bioproducts
• Are experienced in chemical or biochemical laboratory work
• Are motivated to apply computational methods to support experimental work
• Have a good knowledge of English

We offer:

• Job with a fixed-term employment contract in the public sector with a term of three years
• Structured and established staff development program
• Versatile and varied activities in a scientific environment
• Compatibility of family, career and caring for relatives through flexible working hours and appropriate conditions
• Health-promoting and health-maintaining measures as part of our occupational health management

The Max Planck Society is committed to equal opportunities, gender equality, and diversity. What counts for us are your qualifications, professional strengths, and the candidates’ attitude. We, therefore, welcome all applications regardless of gender, cultural or social background, disability, religion, age, lifestyle, ideology or sexual identity.

Increasing the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented is a primary goal of the Max Planck Society. We are therefore particularly interested in applications from qualified women and expressly encourage them to apply.

The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal to employ more severely disabled people. Severely disabled persons and persons of equal status will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified. Applications from severely disabled people are, therefore, expressly encouraged.

Applicants will be assessed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Please register to our online application portal and upload your personal application documents containing letter of motivation, CV, and Bachelor's and Master's certificates.

Contact person for further information on the job advertisement:

Hon. Prof. L. Rihko-Struckmann