Vacancies
Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research (CeBER), University of Cape Town
Postgraduate Opportunity: Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering – Algal Biotechnology
A bursary-funded postgraduate opportunity is available for 2 dynamic and motivated MSc candidates in the area of algal biotechnology within (CeBER) at the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town.
CeBER is headed by Professor Sue Harrison, who holds the South African Research Chair in Bioprocess Engineering. Major research areas include algal biotechnology, biohydrometallurgy, bioreactor and bioprocess design, new bioproduct development, renewable energy, bioremediation, environmental biotechnology and sustainable bioprocesses. The Centre promotes an interdisciplinary approach, combining aspects of engineering and biological sciences, with modelling and simulations.
This MSc fellowship provides an opportunity for both micro- and molecular biologists as well as chemical engineers with an interest in algal biotechnology. The research work will focus on using genetic engineering as a tool to facilitate the enhancement of phycocyanin production in a commercial microalgal strain, Spirulina; as well as to enable the production of thermostable phycocyanin, in an integrated biorefinery approach. Phycocyanin is one of the major microalgal pigments that is currently in demand as there is an increasing trend towards the use of natural dyes over synthetic dyes. In addition, the study will also demonstrate the treatment of waste water through microalgal biomass production and to eventually produce biogas from the residual biomass. More information about CeBER is available on this website (www.ceber.uct.ac.za).
Eligible candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or related discipline. Successful candidates need to display a high degree of independence but also be able to function effectively within a group environment. To apply, candidates are invited to send a CV, including research experience, a list of research outputs and the contact details of two appropriate referees by e-mail to Mrs Ruegshana Ederies at CeBER@uct.ac.za. More information is available from Dr Nodumo Zulu at nodumo.zulu@uct.ac.za.
Post-Doctoral research positions in the Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research (CeBER) at the University of Cape Town
Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research (CeBER), University of Cape Town
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Opportunity: Waste biorefineries for value creation from waste
The Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research (CeBER) is looking for dynamic and motivated candidates to join a diverse team, working across a range of disciplines in the field of bioprocess engineering. The Centre is headed by Professor Sue Harrison, who holds the South African Research Chair in Bioprocess Engineering. Major research areas include biohydrometallurgy, algal biotechnology, bioreactor and bioprocess design, new bioproduct development, creating value from waste, renewable energy, environmental biotechnology and sustainable bioprocesses. The Centre promotes an interdisciplinary approach, combining aspect of engineering, biological sciences, with modelling and simulations.
This postdoctoral fellowship provides an opportunity to contribute to CeBER’s research into waste biorefineries with a particular emphasis on wastewater biorefineries. CeBER has been among the thought leaders defining the value and requirements of the wastewater biorefinery for the re-purposing of substantial waste resources, particularly organic components carried in wastewater to support the bio-based product sector, while at the same time recovering ‘fit for purpose’ water as a product. As part of this fellowship, the postdoctoral researcher will build on the concepts developed and interrogate these through their application to specific waste streams. The successful applicant will work as part of a team of researchers and postgraduate students to achieve this.
Suitable candidates must have obtained, or shortly expect to obtain, a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, chemistry, life sciences or related disciplines. Substantial experience in applied biotechnology and bioprocess systems is preferred. Where candidates have obtained a Ph.D., it must have been within the last five years. The Centre encourages post-docs to become involved in project development and the supervision of post-graduate students, providing excellent skills development and mentorship opportunities for researchers intending to pursue an academic or research career.
To apply, candidates are invited to send a CV, including research experience, a list of research outputs and the contact details of two appropriate referees by e-mail to Mrs Ruegshana Ederies at CeBER@uct.ac.za. More information about CeBER, as well as the contact details of the academic staff members, is available on the Centre’s webpage (www.ceber.uct.ac.za).
Post-Doctoral research positions in the Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research (CeBER) at the University of Cape Town
Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research (CeBER), University of Cape Town
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Opportunity: Biohydrometallurgy
The Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research (CeBER) is looking for dynamic and motivated candidates to join a diverse team, working across a range of disciplines in the field of bioprocess engineering. The Centre is headed by Professor Sue Harrison, who holds the South African Research Chair in Bioprocess Engineering. Major research areas include biohydrometallurgy, algal biotechnology, bioreactor and bioprocess design, new bioproduct development, renewable energy, bioremediation, environmental biotechnology and sustainable bioprocesses. The Centre promotes an interdisciplinary approach, combining aspect of engineering, biological sciences, with modelling and simulations.
This postdoctoral fellowship provides an opportunity for both micro- and molecular biologists as well as chemical and metallurgical engineers with an interest in Biohydrometallurgy. Our research in Biohydrometallurgy spans the recovery of metals of value through biooxidation and bioleaching technologies using heap, tank and novel process configurations through to the handling of mine waste for re-purposing and waste minimisation or responsible disposal. Opportunities exist at the postdoctoral level to contribute to our team of molecular biologists, microbiologists, process engineers and mineralogists seeking to better understand the role of micro-organisms, minerals, hydrometallurgy, leaching and reaction kinetics as well as fluid flow and contacting in maximising recovery of metal values while minimising waste generation, water footprint and pollution. The research allows deep understanding of niche aspects as well as interdisciplinary integration of knowledge.
Suitable candidates must have obtained, or shortly expect to obtain, a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, chemistry, geology, environmental science, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry or related disciplines. Where candidates have obtained a Ph.D., it must have been within the last four years. The Centre encourages post-doctoral fellows to become involved in project development and the co-supervision of post-graduate students, providing excellent skills development and mentorship opportunities for researchers intending to pursue an academic or research career.
To apply, candidates are invited to send a CV, including research experience, a list of research outputs and the contact details of two appropriate referees by e-mail to Mrs Ruegshana Ederies at CeBER@uct.ac.za. More information about CeBER, as well as the contact details of the academic staff members, is available on the Centre’s webpage (www.ceber.uct.ac.za).