PRR Project

Summary

Position: Assistant Researcher in Chemical and Biological Engineering with focus on Waste Management and Valorisation through Added-Value Bioproducts ProductionJob Description: We are looking for a Researcher with expertise in Waste Management and Valorisation through Added-Value Bioproducts Production, to join our team at UCIBIO/i4HB/NOVA FCT. The Researcher will contribute to the scientific advancement in the field by transforming the existing waste treatment processes into innovative, sustainable, and eco-friendly waste resource recovery processes aiming at prioritizing options with better environmental, economic, and social outcomes.Responsibilities:Develop and optimize methodologies for sustainable Management of Waste, namely bioprocesses for waste valorisation through the bioproduction of added-value bioproducts (e.g. organic acids, polyhydoxyalkanoates).Select and characterize waste to evaluate its potential to be valorised through the bioproduction of added-value bioproducts (e.g. organic acids, polyhydoxyalkanoates).Investigate environmental-friendly methods for the pre-treatment of waste for organic acids production.Study sustainable and eco-friendly methods for the extraction, recovery, and purification of the added-value bioproducts (e.g. organic acids, polyhydoxyalkanoates).Develop environmental-friendly advanced monitoring tools to monitor the process of producing added-value products from waste, namely extracellular (e.g. Organic Acids) and intracellular (e.g. Polyhydroxyalkanoates) products concentrations.Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to integrate findings into broader research initiatives and promote technology transfer from academia to industry.Contribute to the publication of research findings in high quality peer reviewed scientific journals.Obtain national and international funding, through applying to National and European calls for research and development projects, to support projects in the area.Be in the forefront of the latest findings in Chemical and Biological Engineering with focus on Waste Management and Valorisation through Added-Values Bioproducts Production, and related fields.Scientific profile: The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:Ph.D. in Biotechnology with specialization in Environmental Sciences or a related field.Recognized expertise in waste valorisation bioprocesses, namely though the production of organic acids and polyhydroxyalkanoates, with a track record of successful projects.Extensive knowledge of upstream processes with emphasis on green waste pre-treatment processes for organic acids production.Proficient in downstream processes, specializing in polyhydroxyalkanoates extraction and recovery through environmentally friendly methods.Proven knowledge in eco-friendly monitoring tools, particularly on monitoring organic acids and polyhydroxyalkanoates using green and sustainable monitoring tools online and at real-time.Strong publication record in high quality level peer reviewed scientific journals, demonstrating the ability to contribute to the advancement in the field.Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.Rationale: The demand for a more sustainable world and society is leading to a paradigm shift in the waste treatment sector consisting in transforming waste from an unwanted stream to a valuable resource. This transition to a circular economy concept promotes a reduce-reuse-recycle strategy for waste management, contributing for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The research outcomes of this position will contribute to the advance in society´s knowledge via the development of sustainable waste valorisation processes of both environmental (productive waste valorisation using greener processing and monitoring tools) and economic interest (production of added-value bioproducts, namely organic acids and polyhydroxyalkanoates), which will certainly attract its application in industry worldwide and preserve the natural resources. The recruitment for this position fully meets the mission/strategic line of UCIBIO/NOVA FCT, which is focused on impacting the bioeconomy via renewable resources and biotechnology. The successful candidate will provide expertise in the ongoing research projects and bolster our institutional capabilities to lead cutting-edge research in efficient waste valorisation, placing UCIBIO/ NOVA FCT as one of the top world-leaders in performing research focused on waste management and valorisation through added-value bioproducts production. Furthermore, the selected candidate will enhance collaboration with external partners, promote academic-industry linkage, and contribute to the development of the next generation of researchers.