Postdoctoral research position Microbial electrosynthesis
Period
18 months since January 2012
Place
Laboratoire de Génie Chimique (LGC) 4 allée Emile Monso, Toulouse, France http://lgc.inp-toulouse.fr/
Contact
Send Resume and Cover letter to Alain Bergel: alain.bergel@ensiacet.fr
Contexte/Objectif scientifique
The work will be done in the framework of the Biorare project (Bioelectrosynthesis for refining of residual wastes) supported by the French ANR (“Investissements d'Avenir, Biotechnologies et Bioressources » programme). The project is coordinated by Cemagref and puts together different Cemagref teams, LGC and INRA Narbonne in collaboration with Suez-Environnement.
Since the early 2000s we know how to enhance electron exchanges between electrode and microorganisms to design so-called microbial fuel cells, which can produce electrical energy by oxidizing low cost organic matter. The LGC has been a pioneer laboratory in studying “electrode/microorganisms” interfaces and developing the related technologies. It has provided on these domains a constant activity for several years with several patents and dozens of scientific papers. In recent years, electro-microbial catalysis has been implemented to design new electrosynthesis routes. In this context, the Biorare project proposes to develop microbial electrodes to synthesize molecules of interest from wastes. The final target is to couple a microbial-electrolysis unit with the anaerobic digestion of solid waste to produce platform molecules for chemicals and fuels. The project requires a largely multidisciplinary approach putting into synergy skills in microbiology, electrochemistry, analytical chemistry and engineering.
Missions
- Develop and implement electrochemical reactors, which allow the growth of microorganisms
- Analyze the behavior of “electrode / microorganisms” interfaces by using electrochemical analysis methods coupled with microscopy imaging (various tools of microscopy and molecular biology may be used: épilfluorescence, FISH ...)
- Interpret results in light of the literature to produce advance in fundamental knowledge
- Improve the performance of electrodes by adjusting the formation and operating parameters: nature and surface of electrodes, operating potential and operating conditions, reactor design…
- Participate in designing a prototype and conduct preliminary tests,
- Be in constant link with the project partners, in particular by contributing to the implementation of electrochemical devices and discussion of results.
Candidate profile
The candidate must have strong skills in physical chemistry and electrochemistry, chemical engineering bases will be appreciated, knowledge in biology or microbiology would be an asset but not mandatory.
Post-Doctoral Position in Electrochemistry/Biosensing
The Biochemistry - Electrochemistry Research Unit at Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand invites applications for a one-year post-doctoral position. Task in the frame of the SUT-sponsored post will involve the development of electrochemical biosensors, specially voltammetric and capacitive immunosensors, and application of the newly designed electroanalytical tools and schemes for the detection of human disease markers. The multi-disciplinary approach of work with a clear joint focus on electrochemical, biochemical, immunological and clinical aspects will allow the candidate to develop various competencies in fundamental and applied life and physicochemical science.
Applicants with a PhD and an interest in the above position should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of a minimum of three referees to Associate Professor Dr. Albert Schulte through schulte@sut.ac.th or albschulte@yahoo.com.
Ph-D position - Marseille - 2011 - October 1st
Electroenzymatic oxidation of hydrogen by immobilized hyperthermophilic hydrogenases.
Profile of the researcher:
A 3 years Ph-D position is available in Marseille (Bioénergétique et Ingénierie des Protéines - UPR 9036) (October 1st, 2011). The objective of the project is to develop new biological systems, in order to promote hydrogen as a clean energy vector. We will characterize new highly efficient biocatalysts, entirely biodegradable, and resistant to the contaminants, being able to replace usual chemical catalysts in processes including fuel cells. The hydrogenase enzymes extracted from extremophilic micro-organisms, that catalyze the reversible conversion of hydrogen into protons, possess at the molecular level the properties that allow modulating their activity and resistance. The starting point of the project will be to select, purify and characterize these biocatalysts, then to immobilize them on various porous and divided carbon supports for the development of a new technology of bioelectrodes.
In the "Energetic metabolism of extremophiles" BIP's team, the Ph-D will be in charge of the preliminary stage of purification of the enzymes and their biochemical characterization. He will develop the electrochemical study of the enzymes on analytical electrodes and then on the various supports prepared by IS2M laboratory in Mulhouse. He must be able to functionalize these supports for the effective orientation of the enzyme, according to modelization results obtained from LBT laboratory. Efficiency of the immobilization will be followed using the electrochemical response for hydrogen oxidation as a function of working parameters such as T°, pH, presence of O2, inhibitors… He will develop EQCM measurements, and will be in charge of the bioelectrodes designs.
The candidate will be a physicochemist, familiar with the electrochemical tools, and having competences in enzymology.
