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JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Call of interest description
The University of Bretagne Occidentale (European Institute of Marine Sciences, LEMAR laboratory) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher with a national or international profile. This 22-month post-doctoral position will start in June 2024. It is part of a larger ANR Horizon 2030 project (French National Research Agency), PROMALG-Health, involving 11 partners. The aim of PROMALG-Health is to propose new foods and dietary ingredients enriched in proteins from different species of cultivated seaweeds for the health sector
Main Research Field

Innovative seaweed aquaculture, biochemistry, NIRS

Keywords
Ulva spp, Palmaria palmata, Gracilaria spp, carbohydrate, fertilisation, nitrogen, vegetable protein, organic aquaculture
Project description

Background and scientific context

Because they are ubiquitous [1] and versatile, seaweeds of the genus Ulva spp. are excellent candidates for industrial algal farming [2-4]. Their opportunistic nature [5] and reproductive capacity make them good candidates for creating biomass quickly on small surface areas. They mainly grow at the end of spring and during the summer period. Alternative species such as Palmaria palmata & Gracilaria sp. are also good candidates for cultivation during winter months. In addition, red seaweeds are known to be rich in protein but require significant R&D work to scale up their production. However, in Europe, most seaweed culture techniques are still at an embryonic stage in comparison to terrestrial farming. The aim of this post-doctoral position will thus to work on several key factors that could improve the production and nutritional potential of these species.

Detailed post-doc project

The post-doc will be organized in four work packages.

Work package 1: optimise the protein content in Ulva while minimizing environmental impact.

Ulva spp., compared to other algae have a very good capacity to capture nitrogen and transform it into protein reaching up to 30% in dry matter. Increasing the protein content of Ulva is therefore possible by enriching the culture media using fertilizers. However, to target the development of more sustainable practices, farms operating under organic certification need to comply with a precise set of specifications, including limited list of authorized fertilizers and minimizing the remaining nutrients in effluents waters. To reach this goal, this work-package will consist in (1) optimizing the use of organic certified fertilizers (quantity, frequency) to minimize remaining nutrients in effluents waters (nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, phosphate) (2) maximizing biomass production and protein content and quality Work-package 2: screen of alternative strains and species. This task will consist in (1) evaluating the potential of several new species and/or strains of Ulva spp. isolated from local ecosystems for protein production (at least 25 new strains tested) (2) Explore the potential of other seaweed species to identify the best candidate for protein production in winter months in order to diversify protein source and quality, and optimize the use of production infrastructures: red macroalgae such as Palmaria palmata, Gracilaria spp.

Work-package 2: screen of alternative strains and species

This task will consist in (1) evaluating the potential of several new species and/or strains of Ulva spp. isolated from local ecosystems for protein production (at least 25 new strains tested) (2) Explore the potential of other seaweed species to identify the best candidate for protein production in winter months in order to diversify protein source and quality, and optimize the use of production infrastructures: red macroalgae such as Palmaria palmata, Gracilaria spp.

Work-package 3: Determine optimal harvest time for protein content and quality Protein content are likely to depend on production process but also on post-production procedures on the farm. First unpublished results have shown that protein content will increase rapidly in Ulva, but is also followed by a rapid decrease thereafter. The post-doctoral fellow will aim at determining how to maximize protein content of Ulva at harvest using nitrogen rich fertilizers and improving culture conditions. Protein content in Ulva is very fluctuant, probably dependent of the time of fertilization. The best harvest time post fertilization will be tested while also evaluating other production parameters such as light intensity, temperature, and water renewal rates

Work-package 4: Develop alternative methods for measuring protein content in Ulva and Palmaria

In the literature, Lowry’s, Bradford’s and Kjeldahl’s biochemical analysis are used to determine protein content of algae. However, these methods are time- consuming and user of a large amount of chemicals. Near-infrared spectroscopy [6] and colorimetric methods [7] are interesting alternative methods for quick analysis of protein contents. The post-doctoral student will study the feasibility of these two alternative techniques.

[1] Ben-Ari et al. 2014 doi 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2014.08.034 [2] Boney 1965 doi 10.1016/S0065-2881(08)60397 [3] Hiraoka & Oka 2008 doi10.1007/s10811-007-9186-3 [4] Ryther et al. 1984 doi10.2172/6711668 [5] Waite & Mitchell 1972 doi 10.1515/botm.1972.15.3.151 [6] Niemi et al.10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.134700 [7] Stedt et al. 2022 doi 10.3389/fmars.2022.1081870

Working place and supervisor(s)

The post-doc will be hosted at the Laboratory of Environmental Marine Science (LEMAR). The LEMAR laboratory hosts ecologists, biologists, microbiologists, biogeochemists, chemists, physicists and environmental jurists to understand and model marine systems within the biosphere, define the characteristics of the environment and organisms, and decipher their interactions. The unit has a resolutely interdisciplinary policy, which is essential to address a complex area such as the interactions between the various components of the marine domain and between them and human activities. The Laboratory has more than 120 permanent staff, for a total of 195 employees. The LEMAR laboratory is part of the Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM, https://www-iuem.univ-brest.fr/) and University of Western Brittany (UBO, https://www.univ-brest.fr/), classified 12th in oceanography in Shanghai ranking Some of the research work and the aquaculture experiments will be carried out in close collaboration with France Haliotis’team (Plouguerneau) situated 45 km from LEMAR. France Haliotis is a unique hatchery and farm both land-based and sea-based, focusing on the development of innovative aquaculture processes for several low trophic species (i.e. European abalone, Ulva sp, Palmaria palmata, Saccharina latissima) – www.francehaliotis.com.

Scientific supervision: Sabine Roussel (LEMAR UBO, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sabine-Roussel) 

Technical supervision: Sylvain Huchette (France Haliotis, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sylvain-Huchette) and Alexandre Berthelot (France Haliotis) 

Others researchers involved in the project: Nathalie Bourgougnon (biochemical analysis, Université de Bretagne Sud), Valérie Roussel (NIRS analysis, University of Brest)

Skills Requirements

We are looking for a motivated and autonomous candidate, who enjoys and is comfortable with both aquaculture field work and laboratory analysis. Ability to collaborate and to work in a multidisciplinary team is essential.

Required skills:

  • Experience in biochemical analysis,
  • Experience in aquaculture systems,
  • Experience in experimental design in controlled conditions (mesocosms),
  • Good publication record and good ability to write in English,
  • Experience in NIR or FTIR spectroscopies would be appreciated but not compulsory,
  • Driving license (valid for France)
Application

This will include 1/ a cover letter presenting the research interests and relevant experience of the applicant (max. 2 pages), 2/ a curriculum vitae including the list of publications, 3/ copies of academic diplomas, and 4/ the names and e-mail addresses of two referees. Applications should be sent as a single pdf to [email protected]. The deadline for application is April 15th, 2024. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed the last week of April – first week of May

Salary
The net salary is 2014 € / month and 47 days-off/ year
Expected starting date
Ideally June 2024, September 2024 at the latest
Contact
Sabine Roussel ([email protected]), LEMAR, University of Brest
Company Overview

Kuehnle AgroSystems (KAS) is a technology company that has pioneered patented platform technologies for the dark fermentation of algae to produce biological products with enormous market pull. The company’s technology supports an extensive ingredient pipeline across feeds, foods, and human health and well-being. The scalable process from production through to formulation allows for operational and commercial flexibility as it works with strategic partners for market entry and then expands market share and into larger markets with increased manufacturing capacity through its one green-field factories.

KAS has fewer than 50 employees. It is headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii with a wholly owned subsidiary in Cork, Ireland (KAS Europe). Its commercial sales will commence in 2024. The company projects revenues of over $100 Million in 5 years.

Call of interest description
The Vice President of Production plays a pivotal role in overseeing and supporting our production operations. Their primary responsibility is to support and manage day-to-day production of KAS’ products with external manufacturing partners. They ensure these products are produced at the highest quality, comply with the necessary regulatory legislation and are delivered to meet the requirements of our customers. They will oversee day-to-day management of our production partners, reporting to the CEO and CTO, and ensure that our customers’ orders are successfully fulfilled. They work closely with the CTO in the transfer of the technology to our partners, production problem solving and identifying operational and cost improvements. They work closely with the VP Operations in defining and implementing the long-term production strategy for KAS including the development of KAS’ own manufacturing capabilities. They support the CFO for production planning and financial forecasting.
They work closely with the senior management team to support bringing KAS’ game-changing technology into the market and building KAS into a leading algal technology company in human health, animal health and personal care.
Keywords
Vice President of Production, Kuehnle AgroSystems Limited (Europe), Senior Management Team (CEO & CTO)
Project description
Areas of specific responsibility and attention will include the following:

Production Excellence: Take ownership for the day-to-day production of KAS’ products. Provide strong leadership and monitoring of our production partners, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Manage production schedules and forecasts to meet customer demands.
Will be required to be physically present on site on a regular basis and ensure production partners comply with contractual obligations. Identify potential issues before they become critical. Develop risk mitigation strategies with production partners for potential production issues.

Operational Excellence: Implement best practices for production processes to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the highest quality standards, communicating and coordinating with KAS technical and partner site production teams. Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and improve overall production performance.

Collaboration with Partner Operations: Work closely with industrial production teams of manufacturing partners to support timely and efficient delivery of product to customers. Review and adhere to production and shipping schedules, including for extraction, to meet volumes for order fulfillment.

Quality Assurance: Review and adhere to rigorous quality control standards to ensure products meet or exceed customer expectations. Implement quality assurance programs and collaborate with other departments to address and resolve any quality issues.

Cost Management: Develop and manage production budgets, identifying opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or safety. Implement cost-effective strategies to improve overall production efficiency. Fully understand and evaluate production partners cost structures and make recommendations for improvement.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure KAS and its products are compliant with industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental requirements. Monitor and ensure regulatory compliance by manufacturing partners; identify and resolve potential issues. Stay abreast of changes in regulations and proactively implement necessary adjustments to production processes.

Collaboration with R&D: Work closely with KAS R&D team for technical support during commercial production operations. Provide manufacturing insight for the production operations and work with R&D team to identify product and process improvements. Will be required to spend time with R&D team in Hawaii to become fully trained in KAS technology and processes.

Forward Planning: Collaborate with the KAS executive team to develop and implement production strategies aligned with overall company goals. Drive initiatives to enhance production capacity, efficiency, and quality. Work with KAS executive team to identify and plan the long-term production strategy for KAS including the development of KAS’ own manufacturing capabilities.
Working place and supervisor(s)
The position will be located in Europe and will be home based. They will be required to travel regularly and be on site to support and monitor manufacturing partner sites (currently mainland Europe but may expand to North America in the future). The candidate will need to travel to KAS’ R&D laboratory (Honolulu, Hawaii) for training and interaction with the R&D team.
Skills Requirements
EDUCATION
Holds a bachelor’s degree, at a minimum, in engineering, biological sciences or appropriate science,.
An advanced professional degree or qualification (for example Masters or Chartered Engineer status) is desirable but not essential.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS
• 5+ years of leadership experience in bio-production or bio-manufacturing roles (ideally in a fermentation facility).
• In depth experience of microbial fermentation and downstream processing. Preferably hands on experience of microalgal cultivation and production systems.
• Proven track record of successfully managing third party (CMO) production operations.
• Strong skills in identifying and proactively solving problems.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of production processes, quality control, and supply chain management.
• Familiarity with industry regulations and compliance standards.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

IDEAL PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
• Entrepreneurial; excited by new challenges and risk-taking associated with a platform technology and product development-stage company.
• Proactive mentality with proven track record of taking ownership and driving success.
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple relationships with suppliers and customers.
Application
Please send your CV, a covering letter and 2 references to: [email protected];
Applications will be reviewed after 31st March 2024
Salary
An attractive compensation package, plus a strong success-based incentive element, will be offered based upon background and experience.
Company Overview

NeoEarth is addressing the challenge of low productivity in traditional microalgae strains. This limits the competitiveness of microalgae against CO2 emitting alternatives in various industrial sectors such as cosmetics, food, etc. Microalgae producers are looking for solutions to increase yields and reduce costs, making microalgae more affordable. Our high-yield microalgae strains are a revolution, enabling producers to drastically cut production costs (patent 1). Additionally, we have developed an innovative production system that allows for cost-effective production while cleaning the aquatic environment (patent 2).

Call of interest description

The engineering design office - photobioreactor design engineer will be responsible for designing and developing innovative solutions in photobioreactor technology. He/she will play a key role in technical design, modeling, and prototyping.

Main Research Field

1. Technical Design:

  • Design photobioreactors considering technical specifications, operational constraints, and safety standards.
  • Develop detailed schematics, plans, and 3D models.

2. Modeling and Simulation:

  • Use modeling software to simulate photobioreactor behavior.
  • Optimize design parameters to maximize yield and efficiency.

3. Materials and Equipment Selection:

  • Identify and specify appropriate materials for constructing photobioreactors.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to select the necessary equipment.

4. Prototyping and Testing:

  • Oversee prototype manufacturing and coordinate performance testing.
  • Analyze test results and suggest design adjustments as needed.

5. Cross-functional Collaboration:

  • Work closely with research, production, and engineering teams.
  • Participate in cross-functional meetings to align goals and share progress.

6. Technical Documentation:

  • Write detailed technical documents, design reports, and user manuals.
  • Maintain up-to-date documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
Working place and supervisor(s)

Bordeaux

Skills Requirements
  • Engineering degree in process engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
  • Significant experience in the design of bioprocess systems, ideally photobioreactors.
  • Proficiency in modeling and simulation software (Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, etc.).
  • In-depth knowledge of materials and components used in biotechnology facilities.

Personal Qualities:

  • Creative and innovative mind.
  • Ability to solve complex problems.
  • Autonomy and ability to work in a team.
  • Excellent technical communication skills.

Expected starting date
September/October
Contact

Charles-Antoine Boels (COO/CO-founder) [email protected]

Company Overview

NeoEarth is addressing the challenge of low productivity intraditional microalgae strains. This limits the competitiveness of microalgae against CO2 emitting alternatives in various industrial sectors such as cosmetics, food, etc. Microalgae producers are looking for solutions to increase yields and reduce costs, making microalgae more affordable. Our high-yield microalgae strains are a revolution, enabling producers to drastically cut production costs (patent 1). Additionally, we have developed an innovative production system that allows for cost-effective production while cleaning the aquatic environment (patent 2).

Call of interest description

The engineering design office - photobioreactor design engineer will be responsible for designing and developing innovative solutions in photobioreactor technology. He/she will play a key role in technical design, modeling, and prototyping.

Main Research Field

1. Technical Design:

  • Design photobioreactors considering technical specifications, operational constraints, and safety standards.
  • Develop detailed schematics, plans, and 3D models.

2. Modeling and Simulation:

  • Use modeling software to simulate photobioreactor behavior.
  • Optimize design parameters to maximize yield and efficiency.

3. Materials and Equipment Selection:

  • Identify and specify appropriate materials for constructing photobioreactors.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to select the necessary equipment.

4. Prototyping and Testing:

  • Oversee prototype manufacturing and coordinate performance testing.
  • Analyze test results and suggest design adjustments as needed.

5. Cross-functional Collaboration:

  • Work closely with research, production, and engineering teams.
  • Participate in cross-functional meetings to align goals and share progress.

6. Technical Documentation:

  • Write detailed technical documents, design reports, and user manuals.
  • Maintain up-to-date documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
Working place and supervisor(s)

Bordeaux

Skills Requirements
  • Engineering degree in process engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
  • Significant experience in the design of bioprocess systems, ideally photobioreactors.
  • Proficiency in modeling and simulation software (Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, etc.).
  • In-depth knowledge of materials and components used in biotechnology facilities.

Personal Qualities:

  • Creative and innovative mind.
  • Ability to solve complex problems.
  • Autonomy and ability to work in a team.
  • Excellent technical communication skills.
Expected starting date
September/October
Contact

Charles-Antoine Boels (COO/CO-founder) [email protected]

Company Overview

Aix-Marseille Université (AMU) a l’objectif de poursuivre sa structuration en améliorant le rayonnement et l’attractivité de ses communautés, reconnues de niveau international, par la création d’instituts d’établissement formation/recherche dans le cadre du Programme Investissement d’Avenir (France 2030). More

Les instituts d’établissement d’AMU regroupent des équipes de recherche et des formations afin d’instaurer un lien fort autour d’une thématique partagée, entre formation et recherche. Ces instituts sont destinés à promouvoir et à faire émerger des pratiques interdisciplinaires par des nouvelles collaborations inter‐unités et inter-composantes. Ils ont pour objectifs de former de nouvelles générations de scientifiques, d’accroitre la visibilité et l’attractivité du site d’Aix‐Marseille auprès d’étudiants et de chercheurs à l’échelle internationale et d’affirmer son potentiel auprès des partenaires

Project description

L’Institut des Sciences de l’Océan (Institut OCEAN) est l’un de ces instituts. L’institut Sciences de l’Océan vise à dynamiser la recherche et la formation au niveau Master/Doctorat dans le domaine des Sciences marines et maritimes au sein d’AMU. L’institut regrouper des enseignants-chercheurs, des chercheurs et des ingénieurs/techniciens de 20 laboratoires issus d’AMU, de l’université de Toulon (UTLN) et de 6 organismes de recherches (CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, IRSN, École Centrale, et Collège de France). Le développement international et interdisciplinaire (océanographie, climat, écologie, ingénierie marine, géographie, droit de l’environnement marin et économie bleue) ainsi que le rapprochement avec le secteur socio-économique sont des facettes importantes du projet à développer.

Skills Requirements

1. Compétences métiers et/ou techniques :

Langue anglaise : B2 minimum (cadre européen commun de référence pour les langues)

  • Méthodologie de conduite de projet (animation de réseaux d’experts ou de chercheurs, coordinations d’actions communes, capacité à mobiliser des partenaires divers)
  • Connaissance de l’organisation et fonctionnement de l’enseignement supérieur et de la recherche
  • Connaissance générale des aspects budgétaires des finances publiques
  • Expérience avérée dans le pilotage de projet
  • Maîtrise des techniques d’animation de réunions, rédaction de comptes-rendus
  • Savoir organiser et planifier ses activités en fonction des priorités fixées (expert)
  • Savoir élaborer un cahier des charges
  • Savoir analyser, synthétiser et présenter des données
  • Savoir établir des bilans d’actions, des tableaux de bord et des indicateurs d’activité
  • Utiliser les outils numériques (maitrise à expert)

2. Compétences « transverses » :

Sens de l’organisation, capacité à structurer de manière méthodique un travail pour atteindre des objectifs

  • Autonomie et réactivité
  • Capacité à être dans une relation de travail collaborative
  • Aptitude à communiquer de manière positive
  • Capacité de conceptualisation et de réflexivité

3. Environnement et contexte de travail

Environnement très évolutif nécessitant d’être en veille et de s’adapter en permanence. Initiative d'excellence | Aix-Marseille Université (univ-amu.fr)

4. Diplôme exigé :

BAC+5, de type Master disciplinaire en Sciences, Relations internationales, Ingénierie de projet, Management.

Application

Nous vous remercions de postuler sur le site recrutement de l’université: Website

Votre dossier de candidature devra comporter CV, lettre de motivation et lorsque cela est possible le dernier entretien professionnel.

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TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Description

Booking through our Seaweed Academy website is now available for our One-Week Intensive Seaweed Industry Course

Our course is designed for those who are interested in the seaweed industry and are keen to expand and deepen their knowledge of the sector. 
You will be taught by our research experts and guest industry specialists who are at the forefront of industry developments whilst also being given the opportunity to have a guided tour of the Culture Collective of Algae and Protozoa, our commercial Seaweed Nursery, and our research Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture farm (weather dependent).

Date: 12th – 16th August 2024 
Price: £1,450 ex. VAT 
Location: In-person at our training facility - Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Argyll, UK, PA37 1QA
Description

As the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of the First International Summer School on Microalgal Cell Factory (MicroFactory24) , I have the pleasure to invite you to the FIRST EDITION, scheduled from November 11th to 15th 2024, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy. 

The School is designed for Ph.D. students and young researchers and aimed to build up a lively scientific community tackling global challenges in the field of microalgae as biofactory of natural products for biotechnological applications.

MicroFactory 2024 will enable you to network with peers and faculty in blue-biotech, and to exchange experiences on issues and challenges related to microalgae in blue-biotech applications.

The course consists of lectures and practicals on microalgal diversity; scaling up their cultivation, fine-tuning environmental conditions (e.g. light), and genomics applications (genome editing, transformation, synthetic and systems biology) to safely enhance yield.

We consider this a fantastic occasion to attend this School, you will have a chance to present your research activities and build a new and stimulating international network.

For MicroFactory24 highlights and program, please go to website: szn.microfactory24.it

Please give us your confirmation and registration before July 31st, 2024.

Do not hesitate to contact us for any queries regarding the School or any other aspect of our work: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/events/iinternationalmicroalgalcellfac7193237795358883844/comments/

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Jobs and Training