Research for the Environment
The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ is a research institution
within the Helmholtz Association. It provides scientific contributions to the
safeguarding of the natural basis of life and of human development potentialities
for current and future generations under the challenges of global and climate
change. In this way the UFZ contributes towards a sustainable development.
Within the Helmholtz-Alliance-Project „Sustainable Bioeconomy“, the Department
of Bioenergy invites (under reservation of the funding opportunity) applications
for a:
PhD student (f/m) position in
Biogas Production from Multiple
Species
Grass Grown on Marginal Plains
- code digit: 135/2011 -
Marginal Plains are of special interest for the production of biomass used as
renewable energy source minimizing the competition of food vs. fuel production.
The conversion of multiple species grass and/or residues from a former production
process of chemical feedstocks to biogas is suggested when exploiting wet
biomasses for energy production.
The basic objective of the research project is to develop process control strategies
and more effective biogas processes using these biomasses. The effects of
different pretreatments like ensilage, disintegration techniques or upstream
hydrolysis will be evaluated. The anaerobic digestion process will be optimized
identifying and overcoming technical, physico-chemical, and microbiological
bottlenecks.
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate holding a Diploma or MSc in
biotechnology, process engineering, biology, biochemistry or related sciences
and is enthusiastic to integrate different fields in an interdisciplinary work.
Applicants should be trained in the relevant areas (biogas production, reactor/
fermentation technique and operation, analytics, microbiology). Additional practical
skills in molecular biology and reactor design are very much appreciated. We
expect the readiness to work in an interdisciplinary and international team as well
as the capability to work independently.
The place of work is Leipzig, Germany. Within the scope of the cooperation of
UFZ and the Deutsches BiomasseForschungsZentrum (DBFZ), the work will be
performed mainly in the premises of the DBFZ.
Salary will be according to the appropriate civil service level 13 at 50 % (TVöD).
The successful candidate will be recruited for three years under employment
contract with the UFZ. The PhD students participate in the established Helmholtz
Graduate School HIGRADE (www.higrade.ufz.de). Women are explicitly encouraged
to apply in order to increase their share in science and research.
Physically handicapped persons will be favoured if they are equally qualified.
Further information:
Dr. Heike Sträuber, phone: +49(0)341-2434-563, E-Mail: heike.straeuber@ufz.de
Please send your complete application documents including a letter of motivation
and your curriculum vitae with references in English or German language under
the code digit 135/2011 to: Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research -
UFZ, Personnel Department, PO Box 500136, 04318 Leipzig, Germany, or by
E-Mail to application@ufz.de.
Closing date is 15th January 2012.
