Eurizon.eu

Organization: Cranfield University

Location: Cranfield, UK

Field: Biotechnology

Requirements:

Essential admission requirements:

1.A 1st or upper 2nd class honours degree, Master's degree, or equivalent in a relevant discipline (e.g. Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Cell and Molecular Biology or Aquaculture);
2.Demonstrated ability to culture microbial, plant or mammalian cells and carry out biological and biochemical experimentation and data analysis;
3.Ability and experience in working both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team;
4.Strong written and oral communication skills, including an ability to publish and present results of scientific research and to communicate effectively in a variety of scientific and non-scientific forums.
Desirable attributes:

1.Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research into literature and other sources of information on existing research on algal biology, strain improvement and biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites;
2.Demonstrated ability to perform laboratory cell culture, and biochemical analysis and quantification procedures (e.g., fermentation, cell viability measurements, assessment of growth kinetics, microscopy, HPLC, GC-MS, flow cytometry, spectrophotometer, bioassays);
3.A commitment to applied research and an interest in supporting the development of bioenergy and renewable fuels.

Abstract:

We are looking to recruit a postgraduate student to undertake a PhD project that aims to select and improve native micro algal strains for biodiesel production on a large-scale in a marine environment.

Description:

We are looking to recruit a postgraduate student to undertake a PhD project that aims to select and improve native micro algal strains for biodiesel production on a large-scale in a marine environment.  The key challenge to select the best suitable algal strain for biodiesel production is to ensure simultaneous high biomass growth rate high lipid yield and tolerance to fluctuating environmental conditions.  A number of strain improvement and selection strategies will be employed to obtain high lipid yielding strains and other desirable co-products, and will be facilitated with high throughput methods such as flow cytometry. Strain selection will be complemented with process improvement techniques that will lead to an end point of high growth and lipid yield.  This project will offer the student an excellent platform to develop skills in cell biology, cell physiology and integrate this training with bioprocessing operations.  It will also provide an entry into the exciting area of sustainable biofuels production.
The student will work primarily in the newly commissioned Cranfield Marine Bioproducts and Bioprocessing facility located in the laboratories of the Department of Offshore, Process and Energy Engineering.
 
Supervisor:
Dr Leititia De Nagornoff
Offshore, Process and Energy Engineering Department
School of Engineering
Building 52, Room G134
Cranfield University
Cranfield
Bedfordshire  MK43 0AL

Deadline: 02-04-2011

Contacts:

Link: http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/soe/oena/

Email: l.denagornoff@cranfield.ac.uk

Phone number: +44 (0) 1234 755-277

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