Postdoc in Microalgae Biorefinery & Lipid Extraction

University College Dublin; Ireland; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

University College Dublin invites applications for a Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 in the UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering. The role supports the Micro-lysis project, aiming to convert fresh microalgal biomass into lipid and protein ingredients.

The successful candidate will characterise microalgal cell-wall structure, optimise extraction methods, publish regularly, and mentor graduate students while developing research-led teaching skills under PI supervision.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biosystems and Food Engineering/Microalgae Biotechnology or related field is required.
• Experience in treating fresh microalgal biomass with mechanical/chemical/enzymatic methods.
• Experience in microalgal cell-wall isolation and characterisation with high-spec techniques (e.g., HPAEC-PAD, TEM, FTIR).
• Experience analysing biochemical composition of microalgal biomass (lipids, pigments) with high-spec techniques (GC, HPLC).
• Experience in processing microalgal biomass from wastewater (e.g., brewery waste).
• Proven ability to develop and optimise an integrated biorefinery process for lipid and protein fractions.
• Experience conducting mass and energy balance for biorefinery processes.
• Evidence of research activity and future scholarly output.

Responsibilities

• Characterise microalgal cell-wall structure and apply insights to optimise lipid and protein extraction.
• Execute a defined research programme under PI supervision.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to funding proposals.
• Mentor graduate students and develop research led teaching skills.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Research skills

Team mentoring

Academic writing

Education

PhD in Biosystems and Food Engineering/Microalgae Biotechnology or related

Tools

HPAEC-PAD

TEM

FTIR

GC

HPLC

Job description

University College Dublin invites applications for a Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 in the UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering. The role supports the Micro-lysis project, aiming to convert fresh microalgal biomass into lipid and protein ingredients.

The successful candidate will characterise microalgal cell-wall structure, optimise extraction methods, publish regularly, and mentor graduate students while developing research-led teaching skills under PI supervision.