Research Assistant - PhD - Metabolic and bioprocess modeling bei RWTH Aachen

Computational microbial strain and process design for the production of carbon-negative products

Institution

Chair of Applied Microbiology

Our Profile

The unprecedented release of greenhouse gases, disruption of ecosystems, and the non-sustainable use of limited resources invoke major societal, environmental, and economic challenges around the globe. At the Institute of Applied Microbiology of the RWTH Aachen University, we address these challenges through the development of next generation biotechnological processes for the production of valuable molecules from sustainable resources by using state-of-the-art synthetic biology, fermentation, data analysis, and computational modeling techniques. While experiencing a biotechnological revolution we aim to use the momentum for an impactful implementation of biotechnological solutions on an industrial scale to drive a sustainable bio-economy.

To support our aims, we are searching for a PhD student in computational biotechnology as a new member for our recent project ValorCO2 funded by the Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC). The successful candidate will join the interdisciplinary consortium to support the development of a microbial platform for the production of valuable fine chemicals and biopolymers from CO2 and H2. Together, we will apply genetic engineering, metabolic modeling, bioprocess engineering and simulation, as well as technoeconomic and life-cycle assessment analysis methods aiming to establish an efficient production process. Ultimately, we envision a carbon-negative valorization of CO2 and H2 to foster a sustainable circular bioeconomy and reduce dependence on imported fossil-based chemicals.

Your Profile

The successful applicant has

• University degree (Master's or equivalent) in bioinformatics, biotechnology, systems biology, biochemical engineering, or equivalent programs
• Good programming skills (foremostly Python)
• Experience in constraint-based metabolic modeling techniques (e.g., COBRA, CellNetAnalyzer, ReFramed)
• Basic biological knowledge of microbial metabolism
• Motivation for bioprocess modeling and simulation
• Good written and spoken English as well as presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal, and organizational skills with an ability to work efficiently both independently and in a team
• a creative, open, and resilient mind

Your Duties and Responsibilities

This position is an exciting opportunity to work on a seminal topic and use cutting-edge technologies towards our vision of a sustainable bioeconomy. Your specific tasks will be:

• Validation and expansion of a constraint-based metabolic model for the lithoautotrophic microbe using novel concepts
• Use state-of-the-art algorithms and workflows to compute and evaluate strain designs
• Model-based fermentation process simulation and optimization
• Assisting in the interpretation of experimental data for strain engineering
• Participate in scientific conferences, write scientific manuscripts, and supervise student projects and internships

What We Offer

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract.
The position is to be filled by 8/1/2024 and offered for a fixed term of three years.
The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts).
This is a part-time contract position.
The standard weekly hours will be 25,89 hours.
This is a part-time contract position (65 % of the standard weekly hours for full-time employees).
The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position.
The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L).
The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.

About us

RWTH is a certified family-friendly University. We support our employees in maintaining a good work-life balance with a wide range of health, advising, and prevention services, for example university sports. Employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements and civil servants have access to an extensive range of further training courses and the opportunity to purchase a job ticket.
RWTH is an equal opportunities e