PRR Project

Summary

RATIONALE FOR THE NEED TO HIRE THIS CHAIRThe global epidemic of diet-related diseases, such as cardiovascular issues, cancer or diabetes, has become a major public health topic. These noncommunicable diseases are considered the leading cause of mortality and are responsible for 74% of all deaths worldwide. Governments are strongly committed to reduce suffering and deaths, prevent diseases, and promote well-being. Also, the increasing pieces of evidence on the dangers of diet-related diseases have raised consumers’ awareness about the importance of pivoting their eating preferences toward healthier options, such as functional foods containing prebiotics. These compounds are important substrates selectively used by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit. Prebiotics have the ability of positively modulate the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota, promoting beneficial effects on the GI tract, overweight and obesity, cardiometabolism, and several types of cancer. The demand for prebiotics as functional food ingredients has been growing and the global prebiotic market is expected to reach 9.5 billion USD by 2027. Prebiotic applications have been mainly focused on the GI tract. However, the current prebiotic definition does not include a reference to the action site of prebiotics. Thus, there is a potential for prebiotic action in microbiome modulation beyond the GI tract, such as vaginal tract or skin. This expands largely the interest in prebiotics and their market value. Traditionally, the large-scale production of prebiotics is based on chemical processes with recognized environmental and economic issues. Recently, the use of biological approaches has received particular attention since it can be a suitable strategy for greener production. Therefore, the development of sustainable industrial processes based on effective biocatalysts, eco-friendly operational conditions, and residue valorization is of utmost importance. The diversity of unexplored microorganisms and communities that inhabit the planet makes possible the continuous screening and discovery of promising biocatalysts. Culture-dependent and -independent techniques (e.g. metagenomics), as well as synthetic biology, have greatly contributed to getting innovative and robust biocatalysts for industrial bioprocess. In response to the urgent transition to a green industry, CEB proposes 4 research positions that address distinct strategies to promote sustainable processes and circular bioeconomy. In this scientific profile, CEB aims to invest in a position focused on the use of novel biocatalysts for the sustainable production of prebiotics towards emergent applications.SCIENTIFIC PROFILE REQUIREDThe ideal candidate should have a PhD in chemical and biological engineering, bioengineering, or biotechnology, with background in bioprocesses, biocatalysis, metagenomics, bioprospecting, biosynthesis of carbohydrate-based compounds, and prebiotic application to microbiome modulation. A good proven track record in this field, demonstrating high quality research, will be valued. Additionally, experience in doctoral supervision, management of research projects, and participation in outreach events will be valued.TASKS TO BE ASSIGNED TO THE PROSPECTIVE RESEARCHERThe candidate to be recruited will be required to conduct original research focused on the search for novel biocatalysts for the sustainable production of prebiotics. The primary objective is to develop greener production strategies, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of health and well-being. It is expected a solid contribution to the body of knowledge in this field, with scientific publications and/or patents.The selected candidate will also be required to be actively involved in grant proposal development, by participating in large R&D projects submission and also to secure his/her research projects, as principal investigator. As such, project management will be a pivotal duty of this Chair.Recruiting undergraduate students will also be pivotal for the successful development of this Chair. As such, formal supervision duties for both MSc and PhD students will be required.The selected candidate will also be encouraged to establish and develop new collaborative networks with both national and international researchers, that can complement the ongoing efforts related to prebiotic production by green approaches and their use in microbiome modulation. In line with this duty, it is expected that the Chair will participate in international events.The chosen candidate will also be required to participate in CEB outreach events and will be given the liberty to propose and organize novel outreach events. Furthermore, the candidate will also be stimulated to participate in the governance of CEB, as an active member of its scientific council, and will be encouraged to engage in specialized governing committees.