The Nanoscience Cooperative Research Center, CIC nanoGUNE, located in Donostia - San Sebastian, Basque Country (Spain), is currently looking for a 

PREDOCTORAL RESEARCHER 

to work on

Biocatalytic upgrading of natural biopolymers for reassembly as multipurpose materials

NanoGUNE is a research center devoted to conducting world-class nanoscience research for a competitive growth of the Basque Country. NanoGUNE is a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) and is recognized by the Spanish Research Agency as a María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence.

The BioUPGRADE project, under the program Future Emerging Technologies (FET Open), is funded by the European Commission.

Our current climate emergency demands the transition to a biobased and circular economy, where multiple end products can be derived from renewable biomass resources. We are seeking for candidates to fill a PhD position in experimental biotechnology, in the field of Enzymology. The successful candidate will from part of a consortium with other institutions and companies, Aalto University (Finland), KTH University (Sweeden) and the company UPM-KYMMENE (Finland), to work in the design of novel materials using the principles of enzyme catalysis and protein design. The successful candidate is expected to be an active part of the consortium participating in all activities programmed by the coordinators of the project including research, meetings, dissemination, organization, amongst others.

Other members of the consortium are: 

• Aalto University (Finland): Our aim is to produce and optimize biocatalysts with potential to functionalize bio-fiber surface chemistry and/or control bio-fiber assembly. Our approach will include establishing micro-scale functional screens that rapidly evaluate biocatalysts for ability to control the surface charge, porosity, and targeted introduction of new functional groups within structural polysaccharides. For more information about BioUPGRADE positions at Aalto University, please contact Professor Emma Master at emma.master@aalto.fi 
• KTH (Sweden): Our aim is to implement surface functionalization of biofibres using biocatalysts developed by the BioUPGRADE partners towards applications in health and personal care. We will investigate the effect of the biocatalytic modifications on the assembly of the biofibres. Our approach will include multiscale structural analysis of the functionalized biofibres together with characterization of the macroscopic properties of the derived materials. For more information about BioUPGRADE positions at KTH, please contact Associate Professor Francisco Vilaplana at franvila@kth.se
• UPM (Finland): Our aim is to apply different chemical and biocatalytic tools to functionalize bio-fibers for high-value applications. Our approach will include developing relevant test protocols, and assessing upscaling and piloting feasibility to transform functionalized fibers for targeted applications. For more information about BioUPGRADE positions at UPM, Please contact Dr. Janak Sapkota at janak.sapkota@upm.com

The successful candidate should have:

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related fields
• Background and interest on protein biochemistry and biotechnology
• Proficiency in English and communication skills 

Although not compulsory, the following points will be considered:

• Good hands on experimental work, and cooperative attitude to work in a team
• Self-motivation and willingness to perform independent research 

We offer an international and competitive environment, state-of-the-art equipment, and the possibility to perform research at the highest level.

We promote teamwork in a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome all kinds of applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion, or sexual orientation. 

The position is expected to start on May 1^st 2021 (which must be also the initial date of the appointment) and go for a total of up to 12 months with the possibility of renewing after evaluation of performance.

Candidates should apply by completing the form below and attaching the following documents:

1. A complete updated CV
2. A 1-2 pages research statement, including contact information to two reference scientists (grouped in a single PDF file)

The position will be kept open until filled, but candidates review will start on April 15, 2020.

By submitting this application the candidate accepts that his/her candidacy maybe evaluated by all members of the consortium.

NOTES:

(i) All applicants will receive an answer after the end of the selection process; but please note that due to the large number of submissions that are expected, we cannot provide individual feedback.

(ii) Additional information about nanoGUNE’s commitment towards HR excellence in Research and Gender Equality are available on our website.

(iii) We encourage you to subscribe to our HR mailing list to receive information related to nanoGUNE's open positions and open calls for different training and talent attraction programs.