Kennziffer – Research Assistant (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, temporary, part-time (currently 26 hours per week)

Part-time with 65 percent of the regular working hours of a full-time employee. The position is initially limited until 31.01.2028 as part of the project of the junior research group "Bio4Act - Biogenic activated carbons and platform chemicals from residual biomasses for the implementation of a sustainable circular bioeconomy" in accordance with § 2 WissZeitVG. The possibility of doctoral studies is given. Place of work is Potsdam.

The junior research group, funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) aims to develop and investigate sustainable technology and utilization concepts for residual biomasses by converting them into high-quality activated carbon (e.g. for wastewater treatment), platform chemicals (e.g. for plastics) and renewable energy carriers. This is intended to replace fossil raw materials with biogenic equivalents and at the same time contribute to the preservation and expansion of ecosystems. Within the framework of the junior research group, the position holder will work on the following topics:

• Production of platform chemicals from residual biomass and by-products of biomass processing using microbial fermentation.
• Identification of suitable grassland residues for the production of platform chemicals
• Utilization of biogenic activated carbons for the purification of platform chemicals in downstream processing (DSP).
• Bioprocess optimization at lab scale, followed by process scale up and DSP

Tasks:

• Independent scientific research activities in the field of the production of platform chemicals from unused residual biomass from landscape conservation (e.g. FFH areas, nature reserves, invasive species) by using microbial fermentation at different setups (batch, fed-batch, continuous)
• Development and research of adapted concepts for utilizing by-products from biomass treatment for the production of biogenic activated carbons and solid fuels for the generation of platform chemicals.
• Planning, execution and evaluation of experiments on the utilisation of biogenic activated carbon for the downstream processing of platform chemicals and/or for the removal of process inhibitors from the substrate
• Planning, execution, and evaluation of independent experiments for the production of platform chemicals from residual biomass in the laboratory and pilot plant facilities.
• Determination of material properties, material and mass flows and process modeling
• Documentation, evaluation and assessment of the experimental results
• Preparation and presentation of research results in internationally recognized journals and participation in scientific events
• Contribution to project reports

Requirements:

• Completed scientific university degree (Master or equivalent) with at least good results in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, process engineering or a related field. The required degree must be obtained by the recruitment date at the latest.
• Knowledge and experience in the field of microbial fermentation and generation of biogenic platform chemicals.
• Knowledge of and experience with laboratory methods for the quantification and characterisation of organic acids and for the evaluation of microbial fermentation processes.
• A high level of interest in research and development of innovative technology concepts for the sustainable use of biogenic resources.
• Ability to link own research with the broader climate and sustainability context
• Thorough and independent working style.
• A high degree of organizational and teamwork skills
• High interdisciplinary willingness to learn and cooperate
• Good oral and written communication skills in German and English or willingness to learn the language

Advantageous:

• Experience in the production of organic acids from residual biomass by microbial fermentation.
• Scientific expertise, preferably demonstrated by a degree in a field of activity relevant to the junior research group
• Knowledge of statistical data analysis, ideally also experience in using script-based software (e.g. R or Python)
• Class B driver's license
• Experience in knowledge transfer and inter- or transdisciplinary collaboration
• In-depth experience in laboratory work for the quantification and characterisation of organic acids from microbial fermentation processes

For further information, please contact Dr.-Ing. Kaetzl, Tel.: +49 561 804-1241, E-Mail: kaetzl(at)uni-kassel.de, www.uni-kassel.de/go/bio4act.

In the event of any differences between the German and English versions of this call for application, the German wording is legally binding.

Our Offer:

As an employee of the University of Kassel

• you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
• you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
• you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
• is your workplace with good connections to public transport, which you can currently use free of charge.

In addition, you will benefit from the advantages of employment in the public service such as:

• an additional company pension (VBL),
• an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies),
• an annual bonus
• an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits,
• a promotion of voluntary commitment,
• low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, as well as workplace health management

You can find more jobs at stellen.uni-kassel.de

Please send your application with the usual informative documents, stating the reference number in the subject line, via the online form. We have compiled further information for you in our FAQ.

In exceptional cases, we will also accept your application documents in paper form addressed to: The President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany, or via mail to bewerbungen[at]uni-kassel.de, stating the reference number.

In the case of postal applications, please submit only copies of your documents (no folders), as these cannot be returned. All documents will be destroyed after completion of the selection process in compliance with data protection regulations.

The protection of your personal information is very important to us, so we will handle your personal information with care. By your application, you allow us the storage and use in the sense of the Hessian Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act. You can object to this at any time. Your personal data will be deleted.

Information according to Art. 13 DSGVO for the application process at the University of Kassel can be found at:
www.uni-kassel.de/go/ausschreibung-datenschutz

Information and FAQ about applying for a job offer:

https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/universitaet/stellenangebote/hinweise-und-faq-zur-bewerbung-auf-ein-stellenangebot

The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled. One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance. Full-time positions are generally divisible (except when filling civil servant positions). Applications indicating the Position Number, which may be in digital form, should be sent to the President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany quoting the applicable reference number.