PRR Project

Summary

We are seeking a Senior Scientist to join the group of Environmental Biotechnology at CBQF. The group has a strong background on wastewater treatment and on the valorization of treated water and surplus biomass (granular bacteria-microalgae aggregates). In addition, it also has experience in devising strategies for sustainable soil management, setting the ground for this position that aims to promote circular economy within the wastewater sector.The Assistant Researcher will be focused on exploring granular sludge systems and their derived biomass and/or the extracted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to create innovative materials to be used in other sectors. In particular, we aim at devising novel products to improve soil properties and plant growth. The candidate will bridge the gap between wastewater treatment and soil health, researching new ways to valorize the EPS from surplus biomass by devising new biostimulants that can help plants to thrive in stress conditions (e.g., water scarcity), or new carriers for bioaugmentation strategies in bioremediation with granular sludge. The team already showed that the operating conditions of the granular sludge reactors lead to differentiated EPS production and composition – what happens in its composition for example if there is salt intrusion? The candidate will build on exciting preliminary effects of EPS derived from surplus biomass on stimulating plant growth in laboratory conditions and will research on the mechanisms behind such activity. This approach will contribute to assist in the transition towards a circular economy by closing the loop on resource use and waste generation whilst contributing for water retention capacity in stressed soils. The candidate will play a crucial role in applying for innovative research projects targeting gaps in our current knowledge in field of the circular economy but at the same time to the needs and challenges envisaged in EU mission the Circular Economy Package which includes initiatives aimed at promoting recycling and recovery of materials from wastewater.The candidate will be enrolled in the supervision of master/doctoral students. The Senior Research will be involved in leading and/or participating in nationally and internationally funded projects and will contribute towards securing international funding in the above-mentioned areas. The candidate will also have a role in the bridge between research and academic programs and the communication of science to different audiences.Profile:Doctoral degree in Biotechnology, Biology, Microbiology or related areas.Minimum of 10 years of relevant working experience in the fields of biotechnology, microbiology or related areas.Expertise in the use of biotechnology tools either for wastewater treatment and valorization and/or for soil management for agriculture or soil remediation in laboratory and field experiments.Experience in integrating research projects, including supervision of young researchers.Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.