Belgium Job Openings

KU Leuven

Biomolecule Crystallization in Microfluidic Devices

Leuven

FULL TIME

September 18, 2024

Biomolecule Crystallization in Microfluidic Devices

(ref. BAP-2024-632)
Laatst aangepast: 18/09/24

This Ph D project is embedded in the Group of Transport Processes and Reactions at KU Leuven under the supervision of Prof. Simon Kuhn. We also form part of the larger Process Engineering for Sustainable Systems (Proc ESS) group at the Department of Chemical Engineering with expertise in process intensification, use of alternative energy sources and membrane technology.

Website van de eenheid

Project

Downstream processing (DSP) of biopharmaceuticals is dominated by chromatographic steps which suffer from low throughput, poor scalability and elevated energy consumption, as well as high equipment and materials costs. The MSCA ETN "Crystallization towards efficient and sustainable biomanufacturing" (PROCRYSTAL) vision is to establish crystallization as a simple, sustainable, cost-efficient and scalable alternative to current DSP techniques.
The offered Ph D project will develop efficient screening workflows for biomolecules relevant to therapeutic purposes (peptides). A droplet-based microfluidic screening platform will be developed. The experimental work is complemented by advanced modelling tools to rationally select nucleating agents for a desired compound. The project aims to identify efficient crystallization screening approaches by using nucleation-promoting agents and external fields. It involves developing both inline and offline characterization methods to continuously monitor nucleation and growth within the screening platform. Additionally, it will evaluate the use of advanced modeling tools to rationally select nucleating agents for desired compounds, ensuring a more targeted and effective approach to crystallization.
The project is embedded in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie ETN program “PROCRYSTAL”, an initial training network for Ph D students which is dedicated to biomolecule crystallization, biochemistry, chemical and process engineering as well as advanced modelling. The PROCRYSTAL training program for the involved Ph Ds has been framed with special attention to fundamental understanding of the underlying phenomena, from the molecular scale to process scale, and advanced experimental and modelling techniques specific to crystallization technology. The Ph Ds will also perform secondments at our academic and industrial partners.

Profile

Requirement: Master's degree in Chemical Engineering (or related) with strong overall marks
Knowledge of crystallization will be regarded as a plus
Adequate English (written and verbal communication) for scientific interactions required
Strong motivation is a must
Willingness to work at interdisciplinary boundaries

Importantly, applicants must also meet the requirements of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Conditions of Mobility of Researchers. Researchers can be of any nationality and are required to undertake transnational mobility. This means that researchers must not have resided in the country of their host beneficiary (Belgium) for more than 12 months in the past 3 years.

Offer

The successful candidate will be offered a Ph D position to become part of our international team with global research links.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Simon Kuhn, simon.kuhn@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than October 18, 2024 via the online application tool

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar solliciteren@kuleuven.be

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Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds

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Locatie : Leuven

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