Innovative seaweed aquaculture, biochemistry, NIRS
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
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)
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:
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
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.
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).
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.
1. Technical Design:
2. Modeling and Simulation:
3. Materials and Equipment Selection:
4. Prototyping and Testing:
5. Cross-functional Collaboration:
6. Technical Documentation:
Bordeaux
Personal Qualities:
Charles-Antoine Boels (COO/CO-founder) [email protected]
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).
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.
1. Technical Design:
2. Modeling and Simulation:
3. Materials and Equipment Selection:
4. Prototyping and Testing:
5. Cross-functional Collaboration:
6. Technical Documentation:
Bordeaux
Personal Qualities:
Charles-Antoine Boels (COO/CO-founder) [email protected]
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
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.
1. Compétences métiers et/ou techniques :
Langue anglaise : B2 minimum (cadre européen commun de référence pour les langues)
2. Compétences « transverses » :
Sens de l’organisation, capacité à structurer de manière méthodique un travail pour atteindre des objectifs
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.
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.
Booking through our Seaweed Academy website is now available for our One-Week Intensive Seaweed Industry Course.
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/