PhD position in biotechnological production of circular plastics
Apply nowPhD position in biotechnological production of circular plastics
This PhD project integrates microbial electrochemical synthesis of fatty acids for the efficient and stable production of fit-for-purpose bioplastics. The world is becoming more polluted with plastics from fossil origin. Luckily, biologically produced and degradable alternatives from residual biomass are offering a solution. PHA, a polymer consisting of fatty acids, can replace conventional plastics. The current production process is not efficient enough, and the input biomass does not necessarily give the desired plastic product and properties. Microbial electrosynthesis offers the opportunity to produce fatty acids from CO2 and renewable electricity. E-plastic aims to integrate fatty acid electrosynthesis into the PHA production process.
PhD position in biotechnological production of circular plastics
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What are you going to do?
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) derived from renewable sources such as wastewater sludge or lignocellulosic biomass offer a biodegradable alternative to fossil fuel-based plastics. PHAs are currently produced by hydrolysing complex biomass into smaller units, which are subsequently biologically degraded and acidified into a mixture of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), predominantly acetate. These VFAs are fed to PHA-accumulating bacteria that form bioplastics whose properties depend on the VFA mixture. Therefore, the biomass source will mostly determine the PHA composition. Besides, as 40% of carbon is lost as CO2, the carbon efficiency of the process is currently insufficient to make a viable process. Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES) uses electrochemically active microorganisms that catalyse the conversion of CO2, together with renewable electricity, into VFAs. Therefore, the main goal of this project is to integrate VFAs produced by MES into the PHA production process for the efficient and stable production of fit-for-purpose bioplastics.
While the production of short-chain fatty acids like acetate and propionate is established, the selective production of longer-chain fatty acids remains a challenge. To achieve longer-chain VFAs in MES, electron donors like ethanol or lactate are typically added, but these are expensive. These electron donors will also be produced through microbial electrosynthesis from CO2 and be used to produce a mixture of longer (even and uneven) fatty acids like butyrate and valerate at high selectivity and concentration. Finally, the produced VFAs will be added to the PHA production process for the efficient and stable production of fit-for-purpose bioplastics.
Who are you?
You:
- Hold a University Master’s Degree in Biotechnology, Bioelectrochemistry, Applied Microbiology, Environmental Engineering or a related field.
- Have a strong interest in working with reactors, multidisciplinary research and applying microorganisms in a circulair concept.
- Are available to start before September 2026.
- Have excellent English language skills (both spoken and written).
- Are able to work in an international environment, and you are highly motivated and reliable.
What can you expect from us?
- In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.059 up to a maximum of € 3.881 (promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
- 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
- Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
- A temporary PhD position for a period of 4 years (1+3). After 9 months, a Go/No Go decision will be made, after which the contract will be extended for 3 years.
Where will you be working?
At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse.
At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.
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Application procedure
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.
The selection committee assesses your application and you will be notified as soon as possible whether you are invited for an interview.
We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.
We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.
After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!
Interested?
Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.
Please add the following documents to your application:
- CV.
- Cover letter.
Do you have any questions or need more information?
-
Questions about the content of the job?
Gert-Jan Euverink
Full Professor
G.J.W.Euverink@rug.nl -
Questions about your application process?
Gert-Jan Euverink
Full Professor
G.J.W.Euverink@rug.nl
Information about applying
When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.
The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.
Acquisition is not appreciated.
Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code.
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