Postdoc Integrating Spectroscopic Process Analytical Technology for Fermentation Process

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft); Delft; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working week

Professional development opportunities

ABP pension scheme

Job summary

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in Delft seeks a researcher to join a bilateral consortium project focusing on integrating real-time analytics into bioprocesses. The role combines lab work with data science to connect fermentation data to advanced sensor technology.

You will collaborate with postdocs, PhD candidates, and technicians, bridging experimental and computational workflows and contributing to automated control strategies for single cell microbial suspensions.

Qualifications

• Experience in microbial biotechnology or fermentation technology.
• Data analysis skills with programming in R, Python or Matlab are a plus.
• Familiarity with spectroscopic techniques and sensor integration is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Work at the interface of microbial fermentation technology and real-time data analytics.
• Integrate a commercial spectroscopic sensor and gather fermentation data in the lab.
• Perform signal processing and data analysis; collaborate with consortium researchers.

Job description

Are you interested in (re)entering biotech research? This position supports a non-linear career path with a focus on implementing process analytical technology into bioprocesses.

Job description

Project description

This position is part of a bilateral research consortium that works on the integration of different spectroscopic techniques connected to fermentors to realize real-time monitoring, with the goal to obtain more in-depth process understanding and develop automated control strategies for single cell microbial suspension cultures. Currently, the team is working on liquid- and gas-phase chemical compound measurements, while the open position will focus on cell measurements. You will land in a project team comprising postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates, and technicians that have a diverse range of educational backgrounds, ranging from microbial physiology and bioprocess engineering to applied optics and data science.

Non-linear career path funding

This one-year position is funded with the intent to diversify the scientific research community. For this reason, we strive to contribute to a non-linear career path with the aim to expand your technical expertise and network for a succcessful (re)integration into the Dutch biotechnology ecosystem. A non-linear career path can include, but is not limited to, reentering research after a career break, transitioning from an industry position, or switching scientific disciplines. We believe that researchers with a non-linear career path can bring a problem-solving mindset, cross-disciplinary experience, and/or alternative professional perspectives that will fit well within our interdisciplinary project.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a person who can work at the interface of microbial fermentation technology and real-time data analytics, so that we can bridge experimental and computation workflows, and accelerate sensor integration. The position will include lab and computational work. In the lab, you will be responsible for the integration of a commercial spectroscopic sensor and gathering relevant fermentation data. The computational component involves signal processing and data analysis. As this project involves a different sensor technology than those currently used, a collaboration with other researchers in the consortium is expected to explore complementarities between different sensing approaches.

In addition to scientific work, this project also provides funding for professional development by following two Advanced Courses offered by BioTech Delft, a membership for the Dutch Biotechnology Association that allows you to attend different professional activities and expand your network within Dutch biotechnology sector, and the possibility to join and contribute to a biotechnology-oriented conference.

Research group

The Klijn lab works on implementation of real-time analytics in bioprocesses to facilitate automated monitoring and control strategies. We work on a broad range of processes, from microbial to mammalian, and we use a variety of process analytical technology.

Summary

This position will offer you the opportunity to refresh or expand your technical expertise and utilize dedicated funding for training and growing your network. In addition, you will experience an interdisciplinary collaboration to integrate advanced sensors into industry relevant bioprocesses.

Job requirements

As we aim to recruit a new team member with a nonlinear career path, we provide the job requirements as a guideline to reflect the planned research activities. We are open to different scientific disciplines and look forward to understand your motivation to apply for a biotechnology research position that combines lab work and data analytics. This position also includes technical support, where we have extensive fermentation experience available.

Scientific experience

• Microbial biotechnology (this can include, but is not limited to, fermentation technology)
• (Bio)chemical analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, optical density, spectroscopy)
• Data analysis, where programming (e.g., R, Python, Matlab) is considered a big plus

Transferable skills

• Open to learn and develop
• Pro-active and problem-solving mindset
• Ability to break-down and communicate complex research data
• Enjoy a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, and collaborative environment

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master’s programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 1 year. Temporary.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. .

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Marieke Klijn, via [e-mail]. For more information about the application procedure, please contact Kawieta Ramautar ([e-mail]).