Early Stage Researcher (PhD Position)

The Marie-Skłodowska-Curie European Innovative Training Network INTERfaces (ITN) will develop multi-step biocatalytic reactions by using biocatalysts in immobilised form. The planned tailor-made incorporation of biocatalysts into reaction sequences will allow the avoidance of steps for isolation and purification of intermediates, leading to a significant improvement of the ecological footprint of catalytic processes. The main goal of INTERfaces is to develop "Heterogeneous Biocatalytic Reaction Cascades", which will greatly facilitate the reuse of catalysts and further simplify further processing.

The INTERfaces programme will train 14 ESRs (Early Stage Researchers) in an European Industrial Doctorate (EID) network formed jointly by European partners from academia and industry for innovative research projects to develop clean bioprocesses for the production of chemicals. INTERfaces combines materials science and protein engineering to develop tailor-made enzymes and (bio-based) materials that complement each other to obtain optimised heterogeneous biocatalysts.

Your Tasks

For the position at Bielefeld University, we are looking for an excellent candidate for the following research topics and tasks (100 %), which will be carried out together with the industrial project partner AENEAM Advanced Membrane Technologies SL:

• development of tailor-made one-pot processes based on the use of heterogenised chemo- and biocatalysts
• investigation and optimisation of highly functionalised ceramic-based membranes
• participation in training events and workshops organised by the ITN-EID
• preparation of doctoral thesis in the above-named field and dissemination of results of your PhD project through appropriate outreach activities and in the context of other scientific forums

The above-mentioned tasks will be carried out temporarily within the framework of a secondment to the above-mentioned project partner in Spain. The employment is conducive to scientific qualification.

We offer

• salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
• fixed-term (limited until 31.12.2023); a continued employment with a scope of 50 % up to a duration of 3 years is aspired (§ 2 (1) sentence 1 of the WissZeitVG; in accordance with the provisions of the WissZeitVG and the Agreement on Satisfactory Conditions of Employment, the length of contract may differ in individual cases)
• fulltime

• internal and external training opportunities
• wide range of health, consulting and prevention service
• reconcilability of family and working life
• flexible working hours
• job ticket for regional public transport network
• supplementary company pension
• collegial working environment
• open and pleasant working atmosphere
• exciting, varied tasks

As the position is funded by third parties, the following requirements set by the funders have to be considered: The position is open to applicants if they meet the requirements set for Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions:

• Candidates who have already obtained a doctorate or have more than four years of research activity (from the date on which they obtained a university degree granting them access to doctoral studies) are not eligible.
• Researchers must not have lived in Germany for more than twelve months in the three years immediately preceding the hiring date or must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, study, etc.) in Germany. Excepted from this except are short stays such as holidays or compulsory activities in Germany.