Research Associate
(m/f/d) /
Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in (m/w/d)

Institute
Remuneration EG 13
Start of employment 01.01.2025
Application deadline November 8th 2024
Scope part time (75%) and until 31.12.2028

Most enzymes have been evolved for reactions in water. While water is in principle an environmentally beneficial 'green' solvent, its high polarity becomes a key obstacle to the dissolution of hydrophobic substrates and performing biotransformations at high substrate concentrations. Here, non-conventional solvents, especially deep eutectic solvents (DES) are a promising alternative. DES are eutectics that exhibit intermolecular hydrogen bonds between a hydrogen bond donor and hydrogen bond acceptor. They can be tailored to achieve efficient, environmentally friendly and industrially relevant biocatalytic reactions.

This project is part of the DFG Research Unit "Customized Deep Eutectic Solvents for Biocatalysis – a circular approach from molecular interactions to process parameters". The overall aim is to gain fundamental insights into DES-based biotransformations. This subproject focuses on the investigation of an enzymatic carboxylation in tailor-made DES at ambient and high carbon dioxide pressure. The aim is to understand solvent-enzyme interactions in DES with dissolved and gaseous reactants from a reaction engineering point of view.

YOUR TASKS

• Establishment of analytics and physicochemical characterization of deep eutectic solvents (DES)
• Characterization of biotransformations in DES at elevated and ambient pressure
• Optimization of an enzymatic carboxylation in DES and investigation of downstream processing options
• Writing reports and scientific publications, applying for third-party funding and presenting at scientific conferences and congresses
• Participation in teaching, supervision of research and final theses (project, Bachelor's and Master's theses)

YOUR PROFILE

Requirements

• Completed scientific university studies, in particular in the field of biotechnology, bioprocess engineering or related disciplines

Required knowledge and personal skills

• Experience of working in a laboratory
• Knowledge in biocatalysis and downstream processing
• Experienced in using data analysis and process engineering software (Python, Matlab, etc.)
• Enjoy working in an interdisciplinary and international team as well as having an independent way of working

OUR OFFER

• a job in an interesting, friendly and appreciative working environment
• intensive induction/ onboarding
• flexible and family-friendly working conditions
• possibility of mobile working
• good public transport connections
• internal offers for health promotion

At the heart of TU Hamburg’s research, teaching and transfer of technology is the guiding principle of developing technology for people. The TU Hamburg sees itself in this context as a family-friendly and sustainable university with high performance and quality standards that strives for excellence in all its research fields. Interdisciplinarity, innovation, regionality and internationality are binding principles in our actions.

With currently around 8.000 students, 110 professors and 1.650 employees, the TU Hamburg is characterised by short decision-making processes and close cooperation between the board, the institutes, the deans of studies, the research areas and the administration. We identify ourselves with a modern leadership culture and cultivate appreciative interaction.

For further information please contact Mr. Dr. Daniel Ohde, Tel.-Nr. , Email:

We value diversity, therefore all applications are welcome, regardless of gender, gender identity, ethnic origin, nationality, age, religion and belief, disability, sexual orientation and identity or social background.

The TUHH stands for as well as

Please send your complete application documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae in table form, proof ofcompleted training and/or university degree, job references or certificates of employment) via the online application system.

Notice for graduates of foreign educational qualifications:
Please submit proof of all obtained university degrees and, if available, the recognition of your educational qualifications in Germany (e.g. anabin excerpts and/or acknowledgement of previous employers).